Twin-tower, four-row automated metal plate storage side-discharge silo and double-beam robotic arm

In large-scale metal fabrication, the challenge is twofold: storing an enormous volume of raw plates while maintaining the ability to access any specific sheet quickly to feed hungry production lines. Conventional storage methods fail on both counts, consuming vast floor space and creating retrieval delays. Our engineered solution harnesses vertical space and parallel processing: the Double-tower four-row metal plate storage rack – side discharge – dual-beam manipulator system.

This configuration is the heavyweight champion of automated sheet metal storage. The “double-tower” aspect immediately doubles your storage potential within a comparable footprint to a single-tower system. Each tower is independently operational but centrally managed, allowing you to dedicate one tower to, for example, mild steel and the other to aluminum or specialized alloys. Within each tower, the “four-row” deep racking design maximizes every cubic meter of available height and depth, creating an exceptionally high-density storage environment.

Precision Handling with the Dual-Beam Manipulator
Density is useless without access. This is where the engineering of our dual-beam manipulator shines. Navigating the four rows of each tower, this robust crane is specifically designed for the deep storage retrieval task. The twin beams provide the necessary strength and anti-deflection properties to reach deep into a rack, secure a multi-ton plate stack, and retract it smoothly without collision. The manipulator’s end-effector, often equipped with vacuum suckers or mechanical grippers, is tailored for secure sheet lifting. Combined with the side-discharge capability, this allows the crane to place retrieved sheets directly onto a lateral transfer system, creating a highly efficient material exit point.

Operational Workflow: A Symphony of Efficiency
The working process of this Twin-tower, four-row automated metal plate storage side-discharge silo is a model of efficiency. Upon arrival, plates are logged into the system’s database at the input station. The software intelligently assigns a storage location based on parameters like material, thickness, and anticipated use schedule. The double-beam robotic arm then executes the put-away command.

When production calls for material, the system’s intelligence is fully displayed. The software can operate on various principles—FIFO (First-In, First-Out), FILO (First-In, Last-Out), or by specific batch number. It identifies all sheets required for a shift or a nest, sequences the retrieval orders to minimize crane travel time, and executes the picks. The Side-Discharge AS/RS for Metal Plates then feeds these sheets in a steady, predictable stream to the production line, enabling continuous, high-uptime manufacturing.

Advantages for High-Volume Manufacturers:

• Unprecedented Storage Capacity: The twin-tower, multi-row design offers one of the highest storage capacities available in automated plate handling.

• Parallel Processing Speed: With dual towers and multiple aisles, the system can handle several loading and unloading tasks simultaneously, keeping pace with the most demanding production schedules.

• Enhanced Inventory Control: Complete digital tracking of every sheet, from receipt to depletion, provides unparalleled inventory accuracy and aids in procurement planning.

• Improved Safety in High-Traffic Areas: By automating all heavy lifting in the storage zone, it removes forklifts and personnel from this congested area, significantly enhancing site safety.

This system is the definitive choice for large factories and service centers where scale, speed, and inventory control are non-negotiable. It represents a strategic investment in core logistics infrastructure that pays dividends in space savings, labor efficiency, and production reliability.