The crane beam is the beam structure that supports the operation of the overhead crane.
There are crane tracks on the beam, similar to train tracks, through which the crane travels back and forth on the crane beam. Generally used in steel structure factories, crane beams will be designed and configured only in factories that require cranes.
The crane beam is directly responsible for the operation of the crane, hoisting and moving goods, etc. It is the main load-bearing component of the crane, so it has a large load and is usually made of high-strength steel. Common structural forms of crane beams include: shaped steel beams (1), combined I-shaped beams (2), box beams (3), crane trusses (4), etc.
The crane beam structure is relatively simple, but its design and manufacturing need to take into account many factors, such as load, vibration, stability, safety, etc. Crane beam loads mainly include permanent loads and dynamic loads. Dynamic loads are transverse and horizontal. They are characterized by repeated effects and can easily cause fatigue damage. Therefore, the requirements for steel are relatively high. In addition to the conventional requirements such as tensile strength, elongation, and yield point, the impact toughness must also be qualified.
The crane beam structural system mainly consists of a crane beam and a brake beam or brake truss. The crane beam directly bears loads in three directions: vertical load (system weight and heavy objects), transverse horizontal load (braking force and rail force) and longitudinal horizontal load (braking force).
How to Check The Quality Of Crane Beams?
- Welding seam: Because the crane beam is in working condition for a long time in the steel structure workshop, the welding seam is affected by impact and fatigue. The connecting welding seam between the upper flange plate and the web must require full penetration. Generally, depends on the thickness of the plate, it will be V or K-shaped groove. After welding, the weld should be inspected by ultrasonic flaw detection. During welding, the ends of the stiffeners should be welded around to avoid fatigue cracks at their ends during long-term use.
- Dimensions: The control of the crane beam’s outer dimensions is, in principle, a negative tolerance for length and a positive tolerance for height. The edges of the upper and lower flange plates should be neat and smooth, and no pits should be avoided. The edge condition of the upper flange plate is the focus of inspection, and special attention should be paid to it; regardless of whether the crane beam is required to be arched, it is not allowed to deflect after welding, and attention must be paid to control it. The flatness of the contact surface between the upper flange plate of the crane beam and the track shall not be greater than 1.0mm.
Crane beams are usually designed and produced by professional manufacturers and undergo strict quality control and testing to ensure their quality and reliability. Remember not to add crane beams at will in the factory to avoid safety accidents.