The Herochu Heavy Duty Large Load Capacity Sheet Metal & Plate Warehouse targets operations where plate weight and dimensions push conventional storage systems past their structural limits. When individual plates exceed three tons and sheet lengths reach six meters or more, load capacity and structural rigidity stop being specifications and start being the primary selection criteria. Herochu’s heavy-duty line is built around box-section columns and high-strength steel framing to deliver 5,000 kilograms of load capacity per layer without compromising positioning accuracy.
Structural Engineering
Load capacity is not a number on a datasheet. The Herochu load-bearing structure undergoes mechanical calculation and load testing before it leaves the production floor. Main columns use Q235B steel in a box-section profile, which resists vertical compression significantly better than channel or angle sections of equivalent weight. When every storage layer is fully loaded, a single column may carry tens of tons in static compression. The box profile distributes this load evenly to the foundation, preventing the gradual deformation that appears in under-engineered columns after several years of service.
Lateral stability matters as much as vertical strength. The acceleration and deceleration of the retrieval mechanism introduce dynamic loads that, if uncontrolled, cause tower sway and degrade repeat positioning accuracy. Herochu addresses this through closely spaced horizontal tie bars and diagonal bracing that connect the columns into a spatial truss. The result is a structure that resists lateral displacement even when the retrieval carriage moves at full speed with a maximum load.
Load Specifications
The heavy-duty series covers plate sizes from 3,000×1,500mm up to 6,000×2,000mm. The HC-S6020-105 model accepts plates up to 6,000mm long and 2,000mm wide, with 5,000kg capacity per layer across ten levels. For operations handling thicker plate or requiring additional layers, Herochu’s customization capability allows adjustment of layer count, tray dimensions, and clear height.
| Model | Sheet Size | Layer Range | Load per Layer |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC-S3015-63 | 3000×1500mm | 6+ | 3000kg |
| HC-S4015-85 | 4000×1500mm | 8+ | 5000kg |
| HC-S4020-85 | 4000×2000mm | 8+ | 5000kg |
| HC-S6020-105 | 6000×2000mm | 10+ | 5000kg |
Clear height is 350mm as standard and can be increased for stacked plates or thicker material. The adjustable clearance prevents interference between the loaded tray and the structural level above when plate thickness varies across inventory.
Drive and Positioning
The transmission system is engineered for the demands of heavy loads. Herochu uses a combination of linear guide rails and chain drive. The guide rails manage positioning accuracy; the chain transmits power. Chain drive is preferred in heavy-load applications for its mechanical simplicity, ease of maintenance, and ability to deliver high torque at low speed. Coupled with PLC-controlled variable frequency regulation, the system maintains smooth motion during lift and transfer, avoiding the shock loads that abrupt starts and stops would impose on both the structure and the material.
Repeat positioning accuracy is ±2mm. After thousands of retrieval cycles, the tray-to-extraction-point alignment remains within specification, eliminating the cumulative error that would otherwise cause jamming or contact between tray and tower structure. Transfer speed is adjustable from 5 to 15 m/min, allowing the system to match the production pace without sacrificing safety or precision.
Safety Architecture
Safety in heavy-load handling requires redundancy. Herochu equips the system with mechanical self-locking devices that engage instantly if the drive chain fails, preventing tray descent. Light curtains cover the access zone around the tower; any interruption of the light path triggers immediate shutdown and an audible alert. These passive and active safeguards operate independently, so a single failure does not compromise system integrity.
Application Fit
The Herochu heavy-duty series suits shipbuilding, construction equipment, structural steel fabrication, and pressure vessel manufacturing. These industries share common material handling characteristics: heavy plates, varied specifications, frequent retrieval, and a requirement to preserve plate condition during storage. By keeping each plate on an independent tray and controlling retrieval motion through the tower mechanism, Herochu avoids the edge damage and surface scratching that occur when plates are handled repeatedly with cranes and stacked on the floor.
