Automated Sheet Metal Storage Systems

Transforming Industrial Storage: The Herochu Automated Sheet Metal Storage System

Managing sheet metal inventory represents one of the most significant logistical challenges within manufacturing and fabrication. The substantial size, considerable weight, and often delicate surfaces of panels and plates demand a storage solution that transcends traditional shelving or manual racking. Inefficient handling leads not only to costly bottlenecks and floor space congestion but also to serious safety risks and potential material damage. Herochu addresses these complex challenges with our state-of-the-art Automated Sheet Metal Storage Systems. This advanced solution embodies a complete reimagining of material logistics, integrating precision robotics, sophisticated software, and robust engineering to create a seamlessly automated workflow. As a strategic investment in the future of your operation, starting at $19,999, this system delivers unparalleled returns in productivity, safety, and spatial efficiency, all while bearing CE, EU, and ISO 9001 certification.

The fundamental challenge with materials like sheet metal, marble slabs, stone, or large wood panels lies in their unique characteristics. Their substantial dimensions—often reaching up to 4,000 mm by 2,000 mm—require a storage approach that actively minimizes the operational footprint while maximizing storage density. Furthermore, the varying thickness of these materials, from delicate 1 mm metal sheets to robust 30 mm plates, necessitates a handling system capable of extreme precision and adaptability. The nature of the stock, whether raw, semi-finished, or finished product, adds another layer of complexity. A truly modern system must therefore do more than just store; it must act as an integrated hub within the production line, capable of efficient interconnection with other machinery, particularly laser cutting systems and CNC machining centers, to enable a continuous, unmanned workflow.

The primary objectives guiding the design of a Herochu automated storage system are directly aligned with these industrial realities. The first objective is maximizing storage capacity. By utilizing vertical space with high-density racking and automated retrieval, these systems dramatically minimize the physical footprint required for inventory, freeing up valuable factory floor space for other production activities. The second objective is diversifying the type of storage. A Herochu system is not limited to raw materials. It is engineered to also store materials from intermediate processing stages, providing a single, economical, and highly flexible storage system for the entire production lifecycle, from raw sheet to finished part.

The third critical objective is guaranteeing seamless interconnections with external systems. This is the cornerstone of modern automation. Herochu systems are designed to meet any need for automatic feeding and temporary storage, from supplying a single machine to managing complex multiple production lines. This integration exploits production capacity to the fullest, minimizing machine idle time and ensuring a constant flow of materials. Finally, the system provides real-time control and inventory management. Through a central software interface, operators have instant visibility into stock levels, material location, and system status, enabling data-driven decision-making and flawless traceability.

Herochu offers tailored automated solutions designed around two principal storage methodologies, ensuring a perfect fit for specific operational volumes and material profiles. The first type is the Vertical Lift Module (VLM) for sheets. This system features vertically arranged trays that are delivered automatically to an ergonomic access window. This design is exceptionally space-efficient, often reducing the storage footprint by over 60% compared to static shelving while accelerating retrieval times and enhancing worker safety by eliminating the need for climbing or reaching.

The second type is the automated cantilever rack system with a robotic retrieval unit. This solution is ideal for heavier and larger plates. A programmable robotic extractor travels along the face of the rack, precisely identifying, gripping, and retrieving the required sheet using advanced vacuum or mechanical grippers. It then transports it directly to a designated output conveyor or feeding station for a downstream machine. This system is characterized by its immense load-handling capacity, high throughput speed, and ability to operate in near-total darkness, offering significant energy savings.

Every Herochu Automated Sheet Metal Storage System is built upon a foundation of rugged structural steel and is powered by a PLC frequency conversion control system, ensuring smooth, precise, and reliable movement. The system is fully customizable, with parameters including storage sheet size, total loading capacity per rack, number of layers, and the specific configuration of the retrieval mechanism all tailored to your workshop’s exact dimensions and material handling requirements. The standard operation is managed via an intuitive touch-screen interface with software that provides real-time inventory control, transaction history, and integration capabilities with broader enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

By implementing a Herochu automated system, you are investing in more than storage; you are installing a core driver of operational excellence. The benefits are tangible: a drastic reduction in labor costs associated with manual handling, the complete elimination of product damage caused by improper handling, a dramatic improvement in workplace safety, and a powerful optimization of inventory management through perfect accuracy and traceability.

Contact our engineering consultancy team today to schedule a comprehensive assessment of your facility. We will analyze your material flow, storage challenges, and production goals to design and specify a customized Automated Sheet Metal Storage System that transforms your inventory management into a strategic advantage.