Production component warehouses, picking systems, shipping and buffer warehouses are just some of the many applications for automated bin storage systems. The main devices included in such warehouses are, in every case, automated storage stacker cranes with appropriate load handling devices. Choosing high-performance, dynamic equipment determines the overall efficiency of the warehouse.
Increasing warehouse efficiency is primarily based on the transition to automation.
Growing throughput, shorter product lifecycles, expanding product ranges, combined with decreasing load units or the need to reduce inventory levels, often force the use of automation systems. Efficiency is influenced by, among other things, the storage strategy and technology used. The achievable loading and unloading performance depends on the stacker crane and its load handling device.
The deciding factor is dynamics. The distances covered by stacker cranes are usually in the range of 0 to 70 meters. On such short distances, acceleration values comparable to those achieved by sports cars are particularly important. What once seemed impossible is now quite realistic. The “Mustang AP” stacker crane, up to 14 meters high, accelerates at 4 m/s² to a speed of 6 m/s, while moving a load of up to 100 kg. The 4-meter taller double-mast “Stratus” stacker crane reaches a speed of 4 m/s with an acceleration of 2 m/s². The load capacity of this device is 300 kg. The same speed and acceleration values are also achieved by the “Magnus” pallet stacker crane, providing a maximum load capacity of 1200 kg. The choice of load handling device also decisively influences warehouse efficiency. Both single or multiple storage depths, as well as the type of load or its carrier, play a role here.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 4/2004.