NEW GENERATION OF AREA STORAGES

 

Area storage system with integrated stack transport

Traditional area storage systems that were capable of handling complete stacks as well as single boards have been taken to the next level by SYSTRAPLAN. The handling device for full stack transport has been integrated into the main pick up device and is able to handle multiple stacks at one time.

The vacuum frame is also divided into sections for handling different size boards. The system is ideal for small and medium quantities of flat materials that must have a high availability to supply production machines. Full stacks of boards are stored in one movement. The system is able to accomodate varying panel sizes and stack heights allowing a great deal of flexibility.

For a number of years now, Häcker Kitchens and Nolte Kitchens have successfully used similar area storage systems.

Drill and production lines are fed directly with components  from the area storage for the further assembly.

Another area storage system with  single board and stack transport for the picking of doors was installed at Westag & Getalit.

Integrated handling device for full stacks

Express Kitchen in Germany has now chosen the latest generation in  area storage systems.  It incorporates an integrated handling device that picks up stacks with a length of up to 2,500 mm and also allows for seperation of the stacks.

The area storage allows for the transport of whole stacks as well as single panels. The system has the ability to handle either one large stack or two smaller stacks.

By raising the vacuum frame the lifting system creates the space needed for the two stacks. For transporting single panels the vacuum frame system is utilised. The vacuum frame is divided into two sections that can be raised and lowered or rotated independently.

Safe stack transport, no shifting of panels

For the feeding processes the handling device is put over the stack. Transport fingers move under the stack and take the stacks’ weight when lifting.

Pallets or carrier plates located under the stacks are put down on sleepers.

The systems’ vacuum frame serves to lock the stack during its transport to avoid any shifting of the panels.

Optimum performance by individual layout of warehouse

When planning an efficient warehouse individual requirements are essential. Depending on the systems’ type and design an average cycle times of 20 seconds per board is achievable.

Integrated divided vacuum frame

For single board transport the integrated vacuum frame inside of the lifting system will be lowered.
The suction frame is devided in two parts and is able to pick combined long strips or single boards of smale stacks.

All suction cups can be individually activated thereby allowing small pieces to be picked up from a larger stack. The panels are put down in their defined places by means of a rotating device  attached to the vacuum frame.

Picking from stock with direct connection to downstream machines

The panels picked from stock are placed onto two centrally positioned conveyors. These act as a buffer feeding down stream machines.
Alternatively, can also be formed at a central point commission piles, which are then processed further.

Waiting times at downstream machines eliminated

The fully automated warehouse reduces the existing high personnel costs. The fast access of the area storage system eliminates waiting times at down stream machines. This results in a continuous work flow.
While down stream machines are supplied by the buffered panels, the system continues with stock replenishment.

Fast access, automatic operation

Fast access is guaranteed, because the system always knows where each material is stored. The system calculates the shortest route to replenish stock or retrieve panels.
While processing each job the system is already planning the next job. Idle time can be used for pre-picking.

Gentle handling of material

One of the major advantages of  this process is the damage free handling of the material. The area storage system continuously works at a high speed and is ideally suited for feeding production machines, creating an intermediate buffer in production or simply as a storage system.

Warehouse management and control system

The warehouse management and control system, part of the SYSTRAPLAN storage system, runs on a standard PC under the Microsoft operating system Windows.

This guarantees the compliance with current and future requirements in respect of systems architecture, flexibility and the integration into standard systems and software.