FAB improves slug store

Requirements

The client's demands on FAB were complex. In addition to improving transparency, the storage and retrieval processes were to be automated and capacities increased. The slugs were to be stored directly from production, thus reducing throughput times. It should be possible to trigger the removal of the slugs automatically via the order processing system. Together with the client and the architect, FAB planned, designed and implemented the warehouse to meet the special requirements.

Realization and procedure

The solution implemented by FAB comprises the following elements: storage section with roller conveyor and barcode reader, automated high-bay warehouse with storage and retrieval unit, retrieval section with chain conveyor, system control and cooperation in the integration into the customer's process control system.

Shrink-wrapped pallets with slugs are transferred directly from production to the roller conveyor at the storage location using pallet trucks. After scanning with a barcode reader and physical inspection, the conveyor system transports the pallets to the high-bay warehouse. The dimensions, quality and weight of the pallets are checked. The height measurement is important for the allocation of the storage location. The operator's task is simply to load the pallet and scan the barcode. Based on the specifications of the management module, the automatic storage and retrieval machine stores the pallets in the specified storage location.

Advantages of the system

• Increased warehouse transparency
• Shorter throughput times
• Highly effective handling of slug pallets
• Simple truck loading, short loading routes
• Assistance with integration into the customer's process control system

The high-bay warehouse offers space for 890 pallets on a floor area of approx. 45 × 5 meters. The single-aisle pallet rack has eleven storage levels with three different pallet heights and a total height of around 14 meters. The storage and retrieval machine with a payload of 1,100 kg automatically stores and retrieves the pallets. 70 pallets can be stored or retrieved per hour.

The retrieval process for the waiting deliveries starts as soon as the truck is registered. The corresponding shipping list is automatically transmitted from the management system to the PLC control of the conveyor system. The pallets are retrieved one after the other via the chain conveyor line, booked into the warehouse stock and loaded directly. Short distances ensure minimum process times.

To ensure the process reliability of the conveyor lines and the high-bay warehouse with stacker crane at all times, the systems are regularly inspected, maintained and repaired by FAB on the basis of a maintenance contract.

Contact:Aluminium-Werke Wutöschingen AG & Co. KG 79791 Wutöschingen Tel.: 0 77 46 / 8 10www.aww.de

FAB Fördertechnik und Anlagenbau GmbH 79761 Waldshut-Tiengen Tel.: 0 77 41 / 96 76-0 E-Mail:[email protected] www.fab-materialfluss.de