Product category:
Press shop and sheet metal working automation, slitting, shearing
News Release from: Friedrich Remmert | Subject: Automated sheet metal storage systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 October 2006
Optimising sheet metal handling
Small, automated sheet metal storage systems are straightforward and as a single or double tower solution, they ensure optimum use of the space available.
In order to remain competitive, sheet metal working companies need to have optimum handling and production processes in place In this respect, a perfectly integrated storage system is absolutely essential
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 24 Nov 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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These range from compact small-scale solutions, through powerful software systems, to complex sheet metal machining cells.
Small fully-automated storage systems are perfect for straightforward storage tasks.
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When implemented as a single or double tower solution, they ensure optimum use of the space available.
Remmert, the German storage and production specialist, uses space-saving rolling pallets with all its compact stand-alone systems, for example.
These enable the available space to be used to the full while also supporting a maximum payload of 50kN per palette.
Other advantages (compared with manually operated storage systems) include the considerably higher access speeds and the associated increase in productivity.
"Optimum integration of a stand-alone system into the production process enables you to reduce personnel requirements by tens of percent," explained Matthias Remmert who, together with his brother Stephan, heads up the Remmert group of companies.
"This frees up personnel for production who would normally be taken up with storage tasks." * Fully integrated sheet metal machining cell - fully integrated machining cells offer the greatest potential for optimization as far as complex sheet metal working processes are concerned.
Here, storage and production no longer operate as two distinct areas, but come together to form a high-performance, self-contained production cell.
All machining steps are perfectly integrated and slot perfectly into place.
With its space-conscious storage systems and associated PRO FMS production system, Remmert is bound to be able to provide the perfect solution.
"All the sheet metal machining units are connected directly to the store using the flexible production system.
A major advantage for the sheet metal working companies is the way all the CNC machines can be optimized automatically along with all manually controlled production units," emphasized Stephan Remmert.
"The self-contained production cell makes for optimum utilization of the machines, a tangible increase in throughput and minimal personnel requirements." * Exploiting optimization potential to the full - TMS Metall- und Stahlbau, a company based in Luxembourg, had its fully integrated Remmert sheet metal machining cell installed more than a year and a half ago.
A total of eight sheet metal machining units are grouped around a complex 'Maxi'-type sheet storage system.
A laser cutting machine and combined laser/punching machine are connected directly to the sheet storage system using the PRO FMS production system.
As a result, TMS is able to fully automate its production processes in terms of laser and punching operations.
"In addition, six semi-automated production units, which are responsible for folding, welding, turning, milling, cutting and coating operations, are supplied with material from the storage system.
All the units are controlled centrally and as a result, the individual production cells combine to form a single, perfectly coordinated, large sheet metal machining center," said Dietmar Erschens, production manager at TMS, as he described the capabilities of the fully integrated cell.
The flow of materials between the individual production cells is managed exclusively via the storage system.
The key benefits that have been achieved for TMS as a result of integrating the cell are the shorter order lead times, more efficient deployment of personnel and greater transparency and flexibility in terms of the overall production process.
* Focus on interfaces - one of the most critical aspects of introducing new storage and data processing technology is how to integrate it correctly into the existing software architecture.
Friedrich Remmert is able to draw on its many decades of interface expertise at Friedrich Remmert Datentechnik (Remmert PRO for short), which specializes in data processing technology.
Therefore, the company is in a position to offer 'one-stop' integrated logistics solutions.
Interfaces with host systems such as SAP, Baan, Navision and many others have already been implemented.
As far as machine tools are concerned, interfaces are available for numerous systems, including those supplied by Trumpf, Bystronic, Pullmax, Finnpower, Kaltenbach, and DoAll.
Consequently, sheet metal working companies are able to benefit from future-proof systems: All of Remmert's sheet metal machining centers are designed with the latest machines and technologies in mind and, therefore, allow for the addition of other machining or IT functions at a later date.
* Remmert service - Remmert Automation was founded in 2003 as the group's service company and enables it to provide vital service in respect of all storage-system-related electrical, mechanical and electromechanical modules and software systems.
"Our highly trained personnel can carry out installation work and preventive maintenance and can, of course, also provide rapid on-site assistance.
Our core competencies also include the ability to modernize storage systems and expand existing plant and equipment," explained Matthias Remmert.
Thanks to it comprehensive service offering, Remmert can ensure an extremely high level of plant availability.
As a result, it can create the conditions its customers need for their own financial success.
* Friedrich Remmert at EuroBLECH 2006, Hannover, Germany, October 24-28, Hall 15, Stand B58.
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