Description

Totes and bins are containers used for the storage and handling of parts and materials. Totes are portable, box-type industrial storage products that may collapse to conserve space when not in use.

Bins have a semi-opened end so that personnel can remove contents without moving the container from its position on a rack or shelf. This built-in opening for exposing and accessing a container’s contents is what separates a bin from a tote. Some totes, however, are equipped with hinged or removable tops to provide easier access.

Specifications

Product specifications for totes and bins include:

• Volume capacity
• Depth or length
• Width or diameter
• Height
• Color 

Materials

Most totes and bins are made from plastic, wire, fiberglass, or metal materials. Plastic totes are made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Selecting the right product requires an understanding of material characteristics.

• ABS is a rigid, thermoplastic polymer that provides dimensional stability.
• Acrylic totes are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, thicknesses, and sizes.
• PE and PP are both common thermoplastics, but polypropylene provides much better resistance to weathering and cracking.
• PVC totes and bins are often used in the food and chemical processing industries because of PVC’s inert nature.
• Aluminum bins are lightweight and resistant to oxidation, but easy to dent.
• Steel bins are heavier and more durable. They are often used as shipping containers.
• Stainless steel bins are both chemical and corrosion resistant.
• Wire totes and bins are made of inter-twined wire that forms a container or barrier.

Industrial storage containers that are made of materials such as cardboard, cloth and wood are also available.

Features

Totes and bins differ in terms of features. Often, products are sized to complement racking or other automated process equipment. Some totes and bins are designed for heavy-duty use and are available in many different shapes and sizes. Others are equipped with molded-in legs. Smaller totes are often stackable. Larger totes may have casters, or be equipped with entries or openings for use with pallet jacks. Totes and bins that are insulated, recyclable, or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are also available.

Applications

In terms of applications, totes and bins are used for material storage, parts organization, parts distribution, and shipping. Products are also used to store and move seafood, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, and processed food.

Standards

BS EN 13974 - RIGID PLASTICS CONTAINERS - SPECIFICATION OF TOLERANCE FOR DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND VOLUME

References

Image Credit:

U.S. Plastic Corporation