The automatic sheet metal vertical storage tower represents the most significant advancement in material storage since the introduction of the cantilever rack. Where traditional storage methods spread inventory horizontally across the factory floor, the vertical tower builds upward, transforming underutilized airspace into high-density, accessible storage capacity. Herochu has refined this technology into a comprehensive system that combines structural integrity, automated retrieval, and intelligent control into a single integrated solution.
Vertical Storage Tower Architecture
Herochu’s automatic sheet metal vertical storage tower consists of a robust steel frame housing multiple storage trays stacked vertically. The tower structure is engineered to accommodate heights ranging from 3 to 8 metres, with standard configurations offering 8 to 10 storage layers and customizable options for up to 20 levels depending on ceiling height and throughput requirements.
The trays are constructed to handle the specific demands of sheet metal storage. Solid sheet-metal bottoms support lighter materials, while reinforced latticed steel bottoms accommodate heavier loads such as bundled bar stock and thick plate. Mobile load-securing supports prevent material shifting during handling, protecting both the stored sheets and the surrounding equipment.
The tower’s footprint is remarkably compact. A single Herochu tower occupying less than 10 square metres can house more than 60 tonnes of sheet metal, delivering an 85 percent reduction in the floor area previously consumed by horizontal storage methods. This density makes the vertical tower particularly valuable for facilities with limited floor space or those seeking to expand production capacity without expanding their building.
The Vertical Lift Mechanism
The operating principle of the automatic vertical storage tower is goods-to-person: rather than an operator navigating a warehouse with a forklift, the system brings the required sheet directly to the operator at an ergonomic working height. The lift operates within the tower’s central column, with a motorized mechanism that moves trays between storage positions and the access opening.
When an operator requests a specific material via the control panel or connected software, the PLC controller identifies the correct tray, retrieves it, and delivers it to the access bay. The entire cycle typically completes in under 60 seconds. This rapid retrieval eliminates the delays inherent in manual material location and transport, keeping production machines fed and operating at capacity.
The lift mechanism is engineered for precision and durability. Servo-driven systems ensure smooth, accurate positioning of trays, while industrial-grade steel construction provides the structural integrity required for heavy loads and continuous operation.
Material Handling Integration
The automatic vertical storage tower does not operate in isolation. Herochu’s systems integrate the tower with complementary handling equipment to create a complete material logistics solution. A gantry robot with vacuum suction lifters handles the loading and unloading of cutting machines, while a motorized material cart shuttles sheets between the tower and processing equipment at speeds of 5 to 15 metres per minute.
This integration creates a seamless material flow from storage to production. Sheets are retrieved from the tower, transported to the cutting machine, loaded onto the table, and processed—all without manual intervention. The system supports multiple sheet dimensions, including standard 3,000×1,500 mm and larger 6,000×2,000 mm formats, accommodating diverse production needs within a single infrastructure.
Customizable Configurations
Herochu’s automatic vertical storage towers are not fixed-configuration products but customizable systems engineered to meet specific operational requirements. The tower can be configured as a single-tower solution for smaller workshops or as part of a double-tower arrangement for high-volume production.
The number of storage layers is customizable based on ceiling height and material throughput requirements. Tray dimensions are matched to the specific sheet sizes processed in the facility, with standard options including 3,000×1,500 mm, 4,000×2,000 mm, and 6,000×2,500 mm formats. Per-tier load capacities range from 3,000 kg to 5,000 kg, accommodating everything from light-gauge aluminum to heavy steel plate.
The system is CE, UE, and ISO 9001 certified, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and quality standards. This certification provides assurance that the equipment meets international requirements for workplace safety and operational reliability.
Software Control and Inventory Management
At the heart of Herochu’s automatic vertical storage tower is a PLC-based control system that manages tray indexing, retrieval commands, and inventory tracking. The system integrates with warehouse management software to provide real-time visibility into every sheet stored in the tower. Specification, batch number, location, and material usage are tracked automatically, eliminating the manual record-keeping that often leads to inventory inaccuracies.
The software also enables integration with production planning systems, ensuring that material availability aligns with production scheduling. When a job is scheduled, the system can pre-position the required sheets for retrieval, reducing the time between job completion and material loading. This predictive capability transforms the tower from passive storage into an active participant in production logistics.
