In which industries are overhead crane (bridge cranes/EOT crane) used?

overhead cranes (also called "bridge cranes", "EOT crane", "electric overhead travelling crane") are among the most widely used lifting equipment in modern industry, and can be found in almost all industries that require heavy material handling. overhead crane can make full use of the space above factory workshops to efficiently and safely lift heavy objects without being obstructed by ground equipment.

In which industries are overhead crane (bridge cranes/EOT crane) used?

1.Heavy industry and metal processing industry

Bridge cranes are used to lift molten iron and steel at high temperatures; they operate continuously in harsh environments with high temperatures, high dust levels, and high loads. 
Overhead bridge crane types: Metallurgical-specific bridge cranes. Examples include casting cranes (for lifting molten steel ladles), clamp cranes (for handling high-temperature steel ingots), ingot stripping cranes, and forging cranes. These cranes have high working classes (e.g., A7-A8) and feature specialized heat-resistant and safety designs.

2.General manufacturing industry

For example, in the automotive manufacturing, aluminum products manufacturing, and paper mill industries, bridge cranes can be used for loading, unloading, and handling of raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products in workshops, warehouses, and docks.
Types: General-purpose bridge cranes (QD type, etc.) and electric hoist bridge cranes (LH type, etc.). This is the most widely used type, and can be equipped with different lifting devices such as hooks, C-type hooks, grab buckets, or electromagnetic chucks as needed.

3.Energy and power industry

Power plants: Whether thermal, hydroelectric, or nuclear power plants, all rely on bridge cranes to install or maintain overweight or oversized components such as boilers, steam turbines, generator rotors, and turbine blades.
New energy: Bridge cranes also play a crucial role in the manufacturing and assembly of wind power equipment.
Type: Large-tonnage general-purpose or special-purpose bridge cranes, such as bridge container cranes and new Chinese-style double-girder bridge cranes, etc.

4.Chemical and petroleum industries

The working environment contains flammable and explosive gases or dust, which places extremely high demands on the safety of bridge crane equipment and electrical systems.
Type: Explosion-proof bridge crane (QB/LHB/LB type, etc.). Its key components employ explosion-proof and increased safety electrical explosion-proof technologies, and non-sparking materials (such as copper-based alloys) are used on mechanical parts to eliminate ignition sources.

5.Shipbuilding industry

In indoor workshops: steel storage yards, material handling workshops, parts processing and assembly, and equipment outfitting all require the use of bridge cranes.
Type: General-purpose/Special-purpose bridge crane for Shipbuilding. Responsible for daily lifting of raw materials and components, with lifting capacities ranging from tens to hundreds of tons. Can be equipped with electromagnetic lifting beams (for handling steel plates) or special lifting tools as needed. Typical models include the QEC series double-girder shipbuilding overhead crane (lifting capacity 160-320 tons).
Additionally, in outdoor slipways/docks, shipbuilding gantry cranes are needed for the flipping, hoisting, and final assembly of hull sections (parts of the hull). These can be considered "moving bridge cranes," equipped with outriggers for outdoor operation. They typically feature a double-trolley design for easy flipping of very large sections. This is a hallmark of shipyard equipment, with lifting capacities reaching hundreds or even thousands of tons.

6.Logistics and warehousing industry

Warehouses and Logistics Centers: EOT cranes are used for storing and retrieving heavy goods on high-bay racks, and for efficiently loading, unloading, and handling materials.
Ports and Container Yards: In indoor yards or sheds, electric overhead travelling crane are used for handling and stacking containers.