Herochu Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation: Transform Chaos Into Automated Efficiency for Your Workshop
Imagine walking into your sheet metal workshop: instead of piles of plates cluttering the floor, blocking forklift paths, and forcing your team to spend hours hunting for the right material, there’s a sleek, organized system that pulls the exact sheet you need in seconds. No more bent metal from haphazard stacking, no more overtime spent on inventory checks, no more wasted floor space that could hold a new laser cutter. This isn’t a dream—it’s Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation system, built to solve the biggest storage headaches for manufacturing, CNC, and precision cutting operations.
Certified to meet global standards—CE, UE, and ISO 9001—Herochu’s automated solution isn’t just a “storage upgrade.” It’s a complete workflow transformation. Starting at $18,999, it centralizes plate storage, automates weight detection, warehousing, and retrieval, and uses PLC control with a touchscreen interface to keep every sheet visible and accessible. Whether you’re storing 3015mm or 6025mm sheets, handling 3T or 5T loads per layer, this system adapts to your needs—no more forcing your operation to fit a one-size-fits-all storage setup.
Why Traditional Storage Is Holding You Back (And How Automation Fixes It)
If you’re still using ground stacking or basic racks for sheet metal, you’re losing more than just space—you’re losing time, money, and control. Here’s the hard truth: traditional storage methods force you to:
- Waste 20–30% of your workshop floor on sheet piles (space that could host new machinery or workbenches).
- Pay overtime for teams to search for, move, and count sheets (up to 5+ hours per week, per employee).
- Risk damaged materials (bent, scratched, or rusted plates from exposure and shifting stacks).
- Struggle with inventory chaos (no clear way to track which sheets are in stock, leading to overordering or production delays).
Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation eliminates all of this. It turns “reactionary storage” (fixing problems as they happen) into “proactive efficiency” (automating tasks so your team can focus on value-added work). Let’s break down how it works—and why it’s a game-changer for shops of all sizes.
Core Features: What Makes Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation Unique
This isn’t just “automated storage”—it’s a smart system designed to work with your workflow, not against it. Every feature is built to solve real pain points for workshop managers and operators:
1. Fully Automated Workflow: From Warehousing to Retrieval
Forget manual lifting, counting, or searching. Herochu’s system handles the entire process automatically:
- Centralized Storage: All sheets are stored in a compact, 3D frame—no more scattered piles.
- Automatic Weight Detection: The system weighs each sheet as it’s loaded, logging data for inventory tracking (no more manual scale checks).
- Automated Warehousing: Just place a sheet at the inlet, and the system uses linear guide rails and chain drives to move it to the correct slot—no human intervention needed.
- One-Click Retrieval: Need a 4020mm sheet for a laser cutting job? Type it into the touchscreen, and the system delivers it to the outlet in seconds. No more sending a team member to dig through stacks.
This automation cuts down on human error (no more grabbing the wrong sheet) and frees your team to focus on what they do best: fabrication, cutting, and assembly.
2. PLC Control & Visual Management: Total Visibility, Zero Guesswork
Herochu’s system uses a robust PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with an intuitive touchscreen interface—so even team members with no advanced tech skills can operate it. Here’s what that means for you:
- Classified Visual Management: Every sheet is tagged and displayed on the touchscreen, with details like size, weight, storage location, and last used date. No more “where did we put that 6015mm aluminum sheet?” panics.
- Seamless Integration: Connect the system to your ERP or MES software (like SAP or Fishbowl) for real-time inventory sync. When a sheet is used, your inventory updates automatically—no more manual data entry.
- Production Line Sync: Link it to your laser cutter, CNC machine, or other automated equipment. The system can send sheets directly to the machine’s feed table, eliminating the “middleman” step of moving materials manually. This cuts down on production delays and keeps your line running smoothly.
3. Industrial-Grade Durability: Built to Handle Heavy Loads, Year After Year
Sheet metal is heavy—and your storage system needs to keep up. Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation is constructed with high-strength steel, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in busy workshops:
- Load Capacity: Choose between 3T or 5T per layer—enough to handle thick steel plates, aluminum sheets, and even specialty metals.
- Stable Movement: Linear guide rails and chain drives ensure smooth, precise movement of sheets, even at full load. No more jerky motions that risk damaging materials.
- Safety First: The system includes limit blocks, emergency stop buttons, and overload protection to prevent accidents. It also shields sheets from dust, moisture, and accidental impacts—keeping your materials in perfect condition.
4. Speed That Outpaces Manual Methods
Time is money in manufacturing—and Herochu’s automation doesn’t waste a second. The system’s speed is engineered to keep up with your production pace:
- Vertical Lifting Speed: 9m/min. The lifting mechanism moves sheets up and down the 3D frame quickly, so even upper-level storage slots are accessible in seconds.
- Inlet/Outlet Speed: 12m/min. Sheets move from the inlet to storage (or storage to outlet) faster than a team member can walk across the workshop. For high-volume operations, this means less downtime between jobs.
Technical Specifications: Precision Engineered for Your Needs
Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation isn’t a “one-size” system—it’s built around your workshop’s unique requirements. Below are the standard specs, but every detail can be customized to fit your sheet sizes, load needs, and space constraints:
| Specification Category | Details (Standard & Customizable) |
| Sheet Size Compatibility | Standard: 3015mm, 4015mm, 4020mm, 6015mm, 6020mm, 6025mm. Custom sizes available on request. |
| Number of Floors | Fully customizable—choose based on your vertical space (e.g., 8 floors for high-ceiling workshops, 4 for compact spaces). |
| Load per Layer | 3T (standard) or 5T (heavy-duty option). Custom load capacities available for specialty materials. |
| Movement Mode | Linear guide rail + chain (ensures smooth, quiet operation). |
| Transmission Mode | Chain drive (durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for heavy loads). |
| Vertical Lifting Speed | 9m/min (fixed for safety and precision). |
| Inlet/Outlet Speed | 12m/min (fixed to match production line pace). |
| Plate Support | Optional configurations (e.g., padded supports for delicate metals, anti-slip pads for heavy steel). |
| Number of Storage Units | Customizable—from 10 units for small shops to 50+ for large industrial facilities. |
| Single Layer Storage Height | Includes pallet; adjustable to fit sheet thickness (e.g., 250mm for thick plates, 150mm for thin sheets). |
| Pallet Pressure Capacity | 667kg per square meter (ensures pallets don’t warp under heavy loads). |
| Structure Form | Assembly type (easy to install and expand later—add more units as your business grows). |
How Much Space Does It Really Save? (Spoiler: A Lot)
Space is the most valuable commodity in any workshop—and Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation maximizes it like no other system. Let’s use a real example:
Suppose you need to store 8 different sizes of sheet metal (from 3015mm to 6025mm). With traditional ground stacking, you’d need:
- Space for the sheets themselves (at least 50 square meters).
- Extra room for forklift paths (10–15 square meters).
- Space for team members to move around and access stacks (another 10 square meters).
- Total: ~75 square meters (that’s roughly the size of two small garages).
Now, take Herochu’s 3015 model (designed for 3015mm sheets). It stores all 8 sheet sizes in a 3D frame with a footprint of just 4.8m x 4.8m—23 square meters total. That’s a 70% space savings. What could you do with that extra 52 square meters? Add a new laser cutter, expand your assembly area, or even create a break room for your team. For shops in urban areas (where rent is high) or small facilities (where every square foot counts), this savings alone justifies the investment.
Application Scenarios: Which Workshops Benefit Most?
Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation isn’t just for “big factories”—it’s for any shop that wants to work smarter, not harder. Here are the scenarios where it makes the biggest impact:
1. Shops With Limited Space (But Growing Demand)
If you’re struggling to fit new equipment because your floor is covered in sheet piles, this system is a lifesaver. It frees up floor space without sacrificing storage capacity—so you can expand production without moving to a larger facility.
2. Flexible Production Models (Multiple Varieties, Small Lots)
If you produce small batches of different sheet metal products (e.g., custom parts for automotive or aerospace), you need quick access to dozens of sheet sizes. The system’s one-click retrieval means you can switch between jobs in minutes, not hours—no more wasting time on material prep.
3. Shops Building “Black Light Factories” or Automated Cells
If you’re moving toward lights-out manufacturing (where machines run with minimal human intervention), Herochu’s automation is a critical piece. It integrates seamlessly with automated cutting, bending, and assembly lines—so your entire production process can run 24/7 with minimal oversight.
4. Industries With Strict Quality Control
If you work with high-value metals (e.g., stainless steel for medical devices or titanium for aerospace parts), you can’t afford damaged materials. The system’s enclosed storage protects sheets from scratches, rust, and impacts—ensuring every piece meets your quality standards. It also logs every sheet’s movement, so you can trace any issues back to their source (a must for industries with regulatory requirements).
The Business Benefits: More Than Just Storage—It’s a Profit Driver
Investing in Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation isn’t just about “organizing sheets”—it’s about boosting your bottom line. Here’s how it pays off:
1. Lower Labor Costs (Save $10,000+ Annually)
With automation handling storage, retrieval, and inventory tracking, you’ll need fewer team members dedicated to material management. For example: if you currently have two employees spending 20 hours per week on sheet handling (at
25/hour),that’s52,000 per year. The system cuts that time by 80%, saving you $41,600 annually. Even after accounting for the system’s cost, you’ll see a return on investment (ROI) in 6–8 months.
2. Reduced Material Waste (Save 5,000–15,000 Annually)
Traditional stacking damages 5–10% of sheet metal (bent edges, scratched surfaces, or rust from exposure).
3. Faster Production (Increase Output by 15–20%)
The system’s quick retrieval and production line integration mean less downtime between jobs. If your shop currently produces 100 parts per day, automation can boost that to 115–120 parts—no extra overtime, no new machinery. Over a year, that’s 5,475–7,300 more parts (and more revenue) without increasing your overhead.
4. Better Inventory Control (Avoid Overordering)
Manual inventory counts are prone to error—leading to overordering (wasting money on excess sheets) or underordering (causing production delays). Herochu’s system syncs with your ERP software, so you always know exactly how many sheets you have. This cuts down on excess inventory costs (average savings of 3,000–8,000 per year) and eliminates delays from stockouts.
Why Choose Herochu Over Other Automated Storage Brands?
There are plenty of “automated storage” options on the market—but Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation stands out for three key reasons:
1. Customization That Actually Fits Your Shop
Other brands offer “customizable” systems that still force you to compromise (e.g., “we can adjust the height, but not the load capacity”). Herochu works with you to design every detail: sheet size compatibility, number of floors, load per layer, even the color of the frame (if you want it to match your workshop’s branding). We’ll send a team to your facility to measure your space, review your workflow, and create a 3D rendering of the system before production—so you know exactly what you’re getting.
2. 24/7 Support (Even After Installation)
Buying an automated system shouldn’t be a “set-it-and-forget-it” decision. Herochu’s support team is available 24/7 for installation help, troubleshooting, or maintenance. If a part needs replacing, we ship it within 48 hours (for most regions). We also offer annual maintenance checks to keep the system running at peak performance—so you never have to worry about unexpected downtime.
3. Proven Results (500+ Happy Customers)
We’ve installed our Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation system in 500+ workshops—from small fabrication shops in rural areas to large industrial facilities in cities like Detroit and Berlin. Our customers include leaders in automotive (supplying parts to Ford and BMW), aerospace (working with Boeing), and medical device manufacturing. They report an average 18% increase in productivity and 65% space savings within the first 3 months of installation.
Ready to Automate Your Sheet Metal Storage?
If you’re tired of wasting space, time, and money on traditional storage, it’s time to upgrade to Herochu’s Sheet Metal Warehouse Automation. Starting at $18,999, it’s an investment that pays for itself in months—not years. Whether you need a compact system for 3015mm sheets or a heavy-duty setup for 6025mm, 5T loads, we’ll design a solution that fits your shop like a glove.
Don’t let outdated storage hold your business back. Contact Herochu today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will visit your workshop, assess your needs, and show you exactly how much space, time, and money you could save with automation. With Herochu, you’re not just buying a storage system—you’re building a more efficient, profitable workshop.
Herochu: Automation That Works For You.
