In a previous post we introduced automatic storage systems for sheet metal. In this article, we will take you inside the systems developed by Wipro Ferretto. These are customized solutions that are designed and manufactured according to the customer’s needs, an added value that over the years has made these systems the choice of leading companies that trade bars, sheets and plates of different materials: from natural stone to wood. So let's take a look at the main models of a system that is based on automation to guarantee space optimization, efficient operations, maximum protection of materials and complete integration in the production line where needed.
The automated stacker crane storage and retrieval system guarantees the best performance in terms of storage capacity and flexibility. The structure is made of heavy-duty load-bearing shelving that can also be constructed as a self-supporting panelled structure for outdoor installation. The levels are made with shelves which in the solutions equipped with a dragging system are constructed with cylindrical elements, while in the solutions equipped with fork-lifting systems are made with L-shaped sections. Depending on the intended use, the storage system can be made up of simple towers intended for material storage, cross-bracing towers intended for storage but provided with structural stiffening, or towers for incoming/outgoing material that are intended for storage but have their lower part configured to facilitate material handling operations. The storage system is equipped with a stacker crane to move trays inside the system and to exchange them with the outside. The stacker crane moves on a lower rail and is guided at the top by an upper guide provided on the shelving. Lifting operations are carried out by means of a chain. The stacker crane can be equipped with gripping systems with forks (fixed or with variable interaxe) or with dragging devices (variable interaxe, variable depth).
The main characteristics of the system are the following:
The multi-function lift storage system developed by Wipro Ferretto is an excellent compromise between storage capacity and the number of interconnections with external systems.
The system consists of two towers with a central lift. The towers are made of beams with steel sections: each level is provided with slides in high-strength polyethylene (polizene) at the top to minimize friction between trays. The lift moves vertically along the tower sliding on a fixed vertical guide and is provided with sensors to ensure correct handling of the trays and with an automatic safety locking system. The drive is located directly on the lift in order to free the underlying area of the system and consequently allow its lower part to be used for interfacing with external units. The system is also equipped with a loading/unloading shuttle normally located in the tower where the lift operates. The shuttle is equipped with a pantograph-assisted board with vertical support rods which places the empty tray in the loading position and raises the board with the vertical support rods so that the latter protrude above the tray. In addition, reference pegs may be provided if it is necessary to precisely align the sheet metal pack on the tray with respect to a vertex or a side thereof. The operator will place the sheet metal pack on the vertical support rods, using a forklift truck, an overhead crane, or a similar handling system.
This is the Wipro Ferretto's most compact and simple solution for the storage of sheet metal. The system allows for the storage of raw material and the supply of a single external system. The compact lift can be supplied in two different configurations: single tower, with a single storage tower equipped with the lift, or double tower, where only the main tower is equipped with the lift. The structure is made up of square section tubular elements and the towers can carry up to 35 levels each. Each level has slides in high-strength polyethylene (polizene) at the top to minimize friction between the trays. The lift moves vertically along the tower sliding on a fixed vertical guide and is driven by a chain system. It is provided with sensors to ensure correct handling of the trays and with an automatic safety locking system. The drive is located in the lower part of the system and is fixed to the ground.
