APEX DYNAMICS CASE STUDY: Fully Automated Center for Laser Sheet Metal Cutting with Vertical Storage System
TZ | 16.2.2019 | Elektroprůmysl.cz
5.2.2019 | How to ensure automated loading and unloading of sheets in an innovative laser cutting machine installation? We have contributed to the development of an innovative laser metal cutting system together with the creation of an automated storage system. We are going to introduce all this to you today and describe it in a case study for HVL Metaalbewerking from Liessel, Holland.
Many companies want to get such a job, but in HVL they have decided to resolve this issue themselves. This has led to the development of a fully automatic vertical storage and production system that is controlled directly from their ERP system. Apex Dynamics has helped with this expertise and products to contribute to this unique solution.
Challenge: Increase storage capacity and automate transport and material processing
A few years ago, HVL felt the need to create more storage space for its own steel sheet and to automate sheet metal transport and processing. This saves time and prevents repetitive handling. Instead of outsourcing, this project was implemented internally by ourselves.
The result is the Optistore: a fully automated vertical storage system complete with a mobile robotic arm that automatically transports / retrieves the required material for two innovative laser cutting machines. The entire sheet of sheets, semi-finished products or finished products can then be stored very efficiently and simply together, without unnecessary time losses or costs associated with incorrect handling or storage of the product. Logistics and management of the entire system is from a central ERP.
Optistore options
The Optistore HVL storage system is 48m in length, 6m in depth and 8m in height, with a total of 700 separate storage shelves, each carrying a weight of up to 2,000 kg of sheet metal with a maximum of 3000 x 1500 x 25 mm. Optistore efficiently supplies materials to two modern laser cutting machines, reduces order execution time, ensures safer handling of heavy material, saves on personnel costs and significantly increases work efficiency. At the same time, thanks to the sophisticated system, steel, stainless steel and aluminum can be stored in one system without contamination and consequent deterioration.
Laser cutting machine with robotic arm
Depending on the speed of the Optistore storage system and its supply of materials, it was also necessary to improve laser cutting machines, which were equipped with a mobile robotic arm. Indestructible, powerful and precise planetary gearboxes of the AF series (size 140), serrated toothed racks in Q6 quality and pinion in Q5 quality were used to provide linear feed and high standard. The robotic arm is located at the input and output table of the firing machine for operation, but it can also leave this station, using the same drive unit.
APEX DYNAMICS in Industry 4.0
With this solution, HVL can remove the cut products from the sheet, accumulate them on the specified palette / location, calculate, store, and deliver execution information back to the ERP system. The great advantage of the whole system is its high modularity and the resulting not only cost, but especially the time efficiency of production. After a long time development, a very stable process has been achieved, proving the possibilities of the current trend – industry 4.0. With this automation, HVL is capable of automatically loading and unloading steel sheets with full registration of all manufactured parts on their machines. Not only did APEX DYNAMICS deliver components but also perform application calculations and select the appropriate components to which they supplied 3D STP models. And how exactly the application was counted now works. In the future, of course, possible adjustments are foreseen, as HVL is currently considering providing a system to third parties whose requirements may be different.
For more information on this solution, please contact us at info@apexdynaczech.cz or contact our specialists +420 577 663 877.