FOCUS ON STORAGE
Well planned and implemented conveyor technology is vital for efficient and troublefree flow in production and distribution
Control of the storage systems is simple and intuitive via a touch-screen graphical user interface .
The company processes sheet metal as well as long stock including bar , tube and profile . In the past , both of these raw material types were stored in manually-operated cantilever storage facilities .
“ This was extremely time-consuming and laborious ,” said Felice . “ Employees first had to search for the required items and then painstakingly remove them by hand or forklift .”
Mechtop therefore decided to modernise and automate its storage infrastructure . It opted for a compact KASTOecostore and a UNITOWER tower storage system , both manufactured by German company KASTO ( based in Achern ).
Both storage facilities are space-saving tower systems with a loading height specifically designed to meet Mechtop ’ s requirements . The UNITOWER is equipped with 108 storage cassettes for holding long stock of up to six metres in length . The cassettes are lined with aluminium to avoid damage to the stainless steel materials during storage . The KASTOecostore has 26 pallet storage shelves able to accommodate sheet material of up to 3 x 1.5 metres . It offers high storage density over small areas .
“ The two tower storage systems are positioned on the outer wall of Mechtop ’ s factory . The UNITOWER was installed in a pit three metres deep , enabling optimal space utilisation despite the limited building height . The bar stock storage system has an external goods delivery station that can be accessed directly by delivery lorries ,” explained KASTO .
Mechtop also visualises and optimises the material flow of production systems . Using its Plant Simulation software , it simulates and visualises equipment processes and shows possible scenarios . These results help to validate equipment requirements ( such as capacity , throughput etc .) early in the project , optimise control strategies and plan ahead . This is how Mechtop AG envisages Industry 4.0 ; innovation and added value for customers . “ Well-planned and implemented conveyor technology is vital for efficient and trouble-free flow in production and distribution . It often determines whether a process is economical or not . That is why we thoroughly examine individual needs in close dialogue with our customers ,” Mechtop explained .
“ When it comes to special machinery and plant construction , we take a pioneering approach . Our project managers accompany the customer on the project through the entire development and manufacturing process up to commissioning . Motivated design engineers , fitters and our production facility support the process . The result is ground-breaking solutions in plastic , steel or chrome steel - clearly planned and leanly implemented . This approach not only saves time , energy and material , but also cost ,” it added .
Handling and storage
The most commonly used materials are stainless steels , since the finished components and systems must be suitable for use in hygiene-sensitive food applications .
Another tower storage system in Wangen bei Olten , a KASTOecostore , offers space for sheets up to 3 x 1.5 metres in 26 pallet storage locations .
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