Automated Tower Storage Systems for Panels and Sheet Metal

Metal fabrication shops and sheet metal processing lines face a persistent 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. Herochu’s automated tower storage systems provide 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.

Tower Architecture and Configurations

Herochu’s RRW series delivers two primary architectures: single-tower and double-tower. The single-tower model handles sheets up to 4000×2000 mm or, in an extended version, up to 8000×2500 mm. Each level supports either 3 tons or 5 tons, selectable at order time, with the tower operating with a single hoist that services all levels. This configuration is ideal for small to medium warehouses with moderate throughput requirements.

The double-tower configuration doubles storage capacity within a minimal increase in footprint. Two independent towers are serviced by one centralized elevator system, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple static racks and wide forklift aisles. Dual-tower configurations can store up to 68 cartridges of sheet metal, each holding 5,000–6,600 pounds, in less than 280 square feet—reclaiming up to 80% of floor space.

Intelligent Three-Dimensional Storage

The Herochu Multi-Tower Single-Row Intelligent Three-Dimensional Sheet Material Storage system represents the convergence of vertical density and intelligent control. Each tower compartment is equipped with weight sensors and optical position detectors that communicate with a centralized PLC controller. This sensor network provides real-time inventory tracking, eliminating the manual counting and searching that consumes hours of production time.

The physical layout is deceptively simple. Multiple storage towers sit in a single row, with a common retrieval mechanism that travels along the row to access any tower. This single-row configuration minimizes the footprint while maximizing accessibility, turning storage into an active participant in production scheduling rather than a passive holding area.

ERP Integration and Real-Time Control

Herochu’s tower storage systems are designed to communicate with existing enterprise software. The system’s WMS sends real-time inventory updates—every storage and retrieval event is logged. In return, the ERP system can see real-time material availability, automatically generate purchase orders at reorder points, and schedule production based on what is actually in stock—not what a manual count estimated. This integration transforms tower storage from a physical asset into an intelligent node in the digital factory network.

Scalability and Customization

The tower storage systems are available in multiple standard specifications, including 3015, 4015, 4020, 6015, 6020, and 6025 mm, ensuring compatibility with the most common sheet metal dimensions used in automotive, aerospace, and general fabrication industries. Custom configurations scale to accommodate larger sheets and heavier loads, with total system capacities reaching 450,000 pounds in multi-tower configurations. Customers can select “Customized” and submit CAD layouts, with Herochu returning certified drawings and fixed quotations within 24 hours.

Operational Benefits

Herochu’s automated tower storage systems deliver measurable operational improvements: elimination of manual handling reduces labor costs and injury risks; real-time inventory visibility prevents stock-outs and overstocking; vertical storage reclaims floor space for production equipment; and automated retrieval ensures that material is delivered to the cutting machine exactly when needed, eliminating machine idle time.