Metal fabrication shops and sheet metal processing lines face a persistent and costly challenge: storing large volumes of sheet materials of varying dimensions, thicknesses, and alloys without sacrificing floor space or retrieval speed. Traditional racking systems require wide aisles for forklifts, rely on manual record-keeping, and often lead to inventory mismatches or damaged material edges. The Automatic Classified Storage Tower for Metal Sheets from Herochu provides a direct response to these pain points, merging vertical density with horizontal accessibility to create a storage architecture that operates as both a warehouse and a just-in-time dispatch hub.

The Concept of Classified Storage

The Automatic Classified Storage Tower transforms chaotic material storage into organized, accessible inventory. Every sheet that enters the system is bar-coded, weighed, and stored by alloy, thickness, and job priority. This classification system ensures that materials are always organized according to their properties and intended use, eliminating the time-consuming search processes that plague traditional storage.

The intelligent storage tower turns chaos into classified inventory through a centralized plate warehouse architecture. Each sheet is assigned a specific storage location based on its characteristics, and the system maintains a complete digital record of every item in inventory. This classification extends beyond simple material properties to include job priority, ensuring that high-priority production materials are always readily accessible.

Vertical Tower Architecture

The Automatic Classified Storage Tower is built around a high-density vertical architecture that maximizes space utilization while maintaining rapid accessibility. The tower structure typically features multiple storage levels—from 6 to 15 tiers—with customizable configurations to match specific operational requirements.

Each level of the tower is designed to accommodate sheets of specific dimensions and weights. Standard configurations handle sheet dimensions up to 6,000 by 2,500 millimeters, with per-layer load capacities reaching 5,000 kilograms. The clearance space between levels is typically 240 millimeters, customizable to accommodate different material thicknesses.

The tower is constructed from high-tensile steel with a corrosion-resistant coating, essential for long-term storage of raw metal sheets that may carry residual cutting fluids or humidity. This robust construction ensures that the storage tower maintains its structural integrity and precision over decades of continuous operation.

PLC Touchscreen Control and Automation

The Automatic Classified Storage Tower is controlled through an intuitive PLC touchscreen interface that provides one-touch delivery of materials. Operators can request specific sheets by entering the material properties, job number, or storage location, and the system automatically retrieves and delivers the material to the designated workstation.

The PLC control system manages all aspects of tower operation, including:

• Automated retrieval: The system locates and retrieves specified sheets without manual intervention

• Real-time inventory display: Instant visibility of material dimensions, weight, and quantity

• Weight monitoring: Continuous tracking of material weights for accurate inventory management

• Pick and count tracking: Detailed records of all material movements for complete traceability

This level of automation eliminates the manual processes that introduce errors, delays, and safety risks into material handling operations.

Intelligent Inventory Management

The Automatic Classified Storage Tower is equipped with a sophisticated Warehouse Management System (WMS) that provides complete inventory visibility and control. The WMS supports real-time inventory queries, batch traceability, and expiration warnings, ensuring that material managers always have accurate information.

The scan-in and automatic positioning functionality achieves 100% accuracy, eliminating the errors, omissions, and inventory overstock that plague manual systems. Every sheet that enters the tower is logged with its complete specifications: dimensions, weight, alloy, thickness, and any other relevant properties. This comprehensive record-keeping enables complete material traceability from receipt through consumption.

The WMS connects directly to ERP systems, enabling the integration of production, warehousing, and logistics data for intelligent decision-making. This connectivity transforms the storage tower from a passive storage facility into an active participant in the production planning process.

ERP Integration and Data Intelligence

The seamless integration between the Automatic Classified Storage Tower and ERP systems represents one of its most powerful features. This connection enables:

• Real-time inventory tracking: Instant visibility of material availability across the entire facility

• Predictive material staging: Automatic preparation of materials based on production schedules

• Automated replenishment alerts: Notifications when inventory levels fall below specified thresholds

• Production integration: Direct connection between storage and production equipment for seamless material flow

This data-driven approach enables intelligent decision-making based on accurate, up-to-date information. Production managers can view real-time inventory levels, track material consumption patterns, and optimize production schedules based on material availability.

Technical Specifications

The Herochu Automatic Classified Storage Tower offers extensive customization to match specific operational requirements. Standard model configurations include:

All models feature customizable clearance space (typically 350 mm), transfer speeds of 5 to 15 meters per minute, and repetitive positioning accuracy of ±2 millimeters.

Operational Benefits

The implementation of the Automatic Classified Storage Tower delivers measurable operational improvements. Floor space utilization increases dramatically as vertical storage replaces sprawling flat layouts. Retrieval times are reduced to seconds, eliminating the delays associated with manual search and retrieval.

Inventory accuracy reaches 100% through the combination of scan-in technology and automatic positioning. Material damage is virtually eliminated as sheets are handled by precision equipment rather than forklifts and manual labor. The system is fully compatible with forklifts, overhead cranes, and other lifting equipment, ensuring seamless integration with existing material handling infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Automatic Classified Storage Tower for Metal Sheets from Herochu represents a fundamental advancement in material storage technology. By combining high-density vertical storage, intelligent classification, PLC touchscreen control, and seamless ERP integration, this system enables fabricators to achieve new levels of organization, efficiency, and accuracy. For manufacturers seeking to eliminate the chaos of traditional material storage, the Herochu classified storage tower provides a comprehensive, intelligent solution that transforms inventory management from a burden into a competitive advantage.