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Material Handling Solutions for Metals Production

Smarter Lifting. Safer Operations. Stronger Outcomes.

 

Material Handling Systems Tailored For Metals Production

 

 

Metal shapes the world through structural steel, aluminum castings, and massive coils. Every operation, from foundry to fabrication, demands control, safety, and precision. Downtime isn’t an option.

CMCO provides engineered material handling systems tailored for metals manufacturers. We integrate lifting equipment, automation, and motion control to move heavy materials efficiently and safely in the most extreme environments.
 Featured Metals Content:
          APPLICATIONS    →
          FAQS   →
          CASE STUDIES   →
          PRODUCTS   →

 Download Metals Solutions Brochure

  Talk to a CMCO Metals Expert

 

CMCO supports metals producers with integrated solutions across our critical business pillars:


  AUTOMATION


       LIFTING      		  
 LINEAR MOTION


   CONVEYANCE 

 

Why Metals Producers Rely on Columbus McKinnon

We’re a family of trusted brands, including Magnetek® (automation and drives), Duff-Norton® (precise motion systems), STAHL CraneSystems® (explosion-proof hoists), Unified Industries® (ergonomic workstation cranes), and Yale® (wire rope hoists). Each brand delivers best-in-class technologies across the metals industry. With more than 150 years of experience, we bring deep application knowledge to every mill, foundry, and fabrication shop.


From system design to field support, our team partners with you through every stage of your project.

Why Metals Rely on CMCO

 

Applications We Serve

Columbus McKinnon delivers solutions for each phase of the metals production lifecycle with
engineered lifting and motion systems.

 

 

 

Delivery, Storage & Scrap Handling

The pace of melt shop operations often starts in the scrap yard. Efficient sorting, staging, and delivery of scrap helps ensure furnaces remain charged and production targets stay on track.
Challenges:

  • Magnet crane collisions

  • Inefficient scrap sorting

  • Overheating magnets
Solutions:

  • Variable frequency drives to support controlled motion

  • Digital magnet controls to streamline lifting performance

  • Linear actuators for positioning applications
 
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Looking for a better way to move, store, and manage metal products and scrap while improving safety and efficiency? See how one customer solved these challenges

Case Study
Dewald Stahlhandel Custom Magnet Crane Solution →

 

Furnace Loading

Furnace charging is one of the most demanding stages of steel production, requiring the safe and controlled movement of heavy materials in extreme heat. Maintaining efficiency and consistency during this process is critical to keeping production on schedule.
Challenges:

  • Extreme heat

  • Equipment fatigue

  • Limited visibility
Solutions:

  • Linear actuators for controlled positioning

  • AC and DC drive support and diagnostic tools to improve system visibility

  • Motor controls, radio remote controls, and braking systems to enhance safety
 
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Moving molten metal leaves little room for error. See how one steel producer used automation to improve material flow and support safer furnace operations.

Case Study
Automated Hot Metal Monorail System →

 

 

Liquid Metal Transport

Transporting molten metal is one of the most demanding and consequential material handling applications in steel production. Efficient, well-controlled movement helps support worker safety, operational continuity, and consistent production outcomes.
Challenges:

  • Load stability

  • Swing prevention

  • Energy efficiency
Solutions:

  • Variable frequency drives for controlled ladle movement

  • Linear motion solutions to assist with positioning support

  • Collision avoidance systems, braking systems, and diagnostic tools for safer crane operation
 
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Discover how automating alloy material transport between storage and furnace operations helped a steel mill reduce manual handling and improve process efficiency.

Case Study
Streamlining Material Flow in Basic Oxygen Furnace Operations →

 

Slag Handling

Furnace charging is one of the most demanding stages of steel production, requiring the safe and controlled movement of heavy materials in extreme heat. Maintaining efficiency and consistency during this process is critical to keeping production on schedule.
Challenges:

  • Timing-critical

  • Repretitive processes prone to delay
Solutions:

  • Automated crane systems for repeatable operation

  • Electric chain hoists and wire rope hoists to support lifting demands

  • Drive diagnostics and radio remote controls to improved operator visibility
 
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Learn how a steelmaking facility improved scale pit cleaning and mill scale removal to reduce production interruptions, improve operational consistency, and support more efficient water treatment processes.

Case Study
Automating Scale Removal to Improve Slag and Water Management →

 

 

Sand Casting

Sand casting involves moving molds, ladles, raw materials, and finished castings through multiple production stages. Efficient material handling helps improve productivity, maintain workflow, and support safe foundry operations.
Challenges:

  • Manual mold movement

  • Load stability

  • Positioning accuracy
Solutions:

  • Manual chain hoists for controlled lifting and portability

  • Trolleys for smooth horizontal travel

  • Hooks and rigging equipment for secure load attachment
 

 

Die Casting

Die casting relies on fast, repeatable processes to produce high-quality metal components. Effective material handling helps keep production moving, reduce bottlenecks, and support consistent output.
Challenges:

  • Heavy die handling

  • Maintenance access

  • Load control
Solutions:

  • Electric wire rope hoists for heavy-duty precision lifting

  • Trolleys for die positioning 

  • Jib cranes for workstation flexibility in confinded foundry areas
 

 

Hot and Cold Rolling

Hot and cold rolling operations require the efficient movement of coils, slabs, billets, and finished products throughout the production process. Reliable material handling helps maintain throughput, improve safety, and support consistent product quality.
Challenges:

  • Synchronization

  • Roll positioning accuracy

  • Mill duty-cycle performance
Solutions:

  • Screw jacks and linear actuators for synchronized roll adjustment

  • Rotary unions to support cooling-water flow

  • Variable frequency drives and radio remote controls for controlled component changeouts
 

 

Product Handling

From processing and inspection to storage and shipping, product handling plays a critical role in maintaining production flow. Efficient movement of finished materials helps reduce bottlenecks, improve safety, and support on-time delivery.
Challenges:

  • High throughput

  • Coil positioning

  • Crane congestion
Solutions:

  • Powered chain hoists and wire rope hoists for heavy load handling

  • Below-the-hook lifting devices for secure coil attachment

  • Variable frequency drives, conductor bar systems, and collision avoidance systems to improve motion controlce safety
 
 
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As product mix and inventory demands grow, efficient material handling becomes increasingly important. Discover how a customized crane solution helped a steel distributor improve workflow, storage utilization, and overall operational efficiency.

Case Study
A Smarter Approach to Steel Product Handling →

 

 

Dip Tank Treatment

Dip tank treatment involves moving materials through cleaning, coating, plating, or finishing processes. Precise handling helps maintain product quality, improve process consistency, and support efficient production operations.
Challenges:

  • Timed immersion

  • Hazardous conditions

  • Flexibility
Solutions:

  • Radio remote controls for controlled operation

  • Automated systems for repeatable motion

  • Electric chain and wire rope hoists for vertical lifting
 
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Galvanizing operations depend on reliable movement through every treatment stage. See how one facility modernized its process to improve efficiency, safety, and operational continuity.

Case Study
Supporting Safer, More Consistent Dip Tank Operations →

 

 

Metals Fabrication

Metals fabrication involves cutting, forming, welding, and assembling materials into finished products. Efficient material handling helps improve workflow, enhance safety, and support consistent production throughput.
Challenges:

  • Frequent part movement

  • Workstation congestion

  • Ergonomic handling
Solutions:

  • Workstation cranes for ergonomic material handling

  • Jib cranes for localized positioning in areas with limited overhead clearance

  • Conveyors to support small-part transfers
 

 

Storage and Transportation

Storage and transportation operations require the safe, efficient movement of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished products. Optimized material flow helps maximize space utilization, reduce handling time, and support on-time delivery.
Challenges:

  • High throughput

  • Coil positioning

  • Crane congestion
Solutions:

  • Electric wire rope hoists for heavy load movement

  • Tie-downs, load binders, and rigging equipment for load securement

  • Conveyors to support small-part transfers
 

 

Tool and Maintenance Shop

Tool and maintenance shops support the equipment and processes that keep manufacturing operations running. Effective handling of tools, components, and heavy equipment helps improve maintenance efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance workplace safety.
Challenges:

  • Space constraints

  • Precision needs

  • Ergonomic handling
Solutions:

  • Jib cranes for localized lifting in confined maintenance areas

  • Hand chain hoists and lver hoists for maintenance support

  • Motor controls, automated systems, collision avoidance systems, and radio remote controls to improve maintenance safety.
 

Common Challenges in Metals Production

 

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Heavy, high-value loads that require exact positioning

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High heat, corrosive atmospheres, and abrasive particulates

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Congested layouts with multiple cranes operating simultaneously

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Risk of unplanned downtime and safety incidents

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Strict compliance requirements with little room for error
Columbus McKinnon systems are built to meet these challenges head-on.

Our Approach: Built for the Metals Industry

A complete material handling portfolio supported by deep industry expertise. Our engineers, automation specialists, and application experts understand your process-from scrap yard to shipping bay-and design solutions accordingly.

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Lifting Pilalr

Lifting Equipment

Electric wire rope hoists and specialized below-the-hook devices are engineered for heavy loads.

Automation Pillar

Smart Controls

Variable frequency drives, digital magnet controls, Intelli-Lift™ detection, sway control, and zone separation systems.

Linear Motion Pillar

Precision Motion

Duff-Norton® screw jacks, actuators, and rotary unions for synchronized lifting and linear positioning.

Power Delivery

Power Delivery

Cable reels, festoon systems, and conductor bars are designed for harsh steelmaking environments.

Built-In Safety. Smarter Systems That Protect People and Productivity.

Columbus McKinnon systems include:

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Intelli-Lift™ off-center pick detection
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Collision avoidance and crane separation logic
intelli connect diagnostics

Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance
sway control

Load monitoring and sway control for enhanced operator control and safety
radio controls

Radio remote controls to reduce operator exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

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Over 150 years of motion control expertise
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Complete systems from hoists to automation
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Industry leaders in crane safety and diagnostics
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Engineered for your exact process needs
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Local support backed by global resources

 
Ready to modernize your metals application?

Talk to a Columbus McKinnon Expert