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Material Handling Showcase

Our review of some of the latest sheet metal handling systems and related components.

Posted: April 9, 2015

A material transport trolley (shown here) from Kemper Storatec transports sheets to a loading and unloading station via a rail system. Using a suction unit, the gantry transfers the sheets onto the shuttle table for cutting machines where the sheets are processed further. After the cutting process, the finished sheets are automatically taken by means of a computing unit from the shuttle table and placed on a staging table to guarantee a completely unmanned operation and assures reliability during processing.

A material transport trolley from Kemper Storatec transports sheets to a loading and unloading station via a rail system. Using a suction unit, the gantry transfers the sheets onto the shuttle table (shown here) for cutting machines where the sheets are processed further. After the cutting process, the finished sheets are automatically taken by means of a computing unit from the shuttle table and placed on a staging table to guarantee a completely unmanned operation and assures reliability during processing.

Suction cups from FIPA are ideal for sheet metal handling and metal fabrication, providing a substantial service life, high wear resistance, strong holding force, slip-resistance and cups that are free from both paint-wetting impairment substances and silicone. (first view)

SHEET METAL HANDLING AUTOMATION
For more efficiency in sheet metal working, Kemper Storatec GmbH (Waltrop, Germany) illustrates the complete automation of the process chain in a cutting process. From storage to direct processing, the manufacturer of systems for intralogistics based in Waltrop presents an innovative method for linking several machines. Users can discover for themselves the benefits of the system in a live presentation. Automation makes for higher output in cutting applications. As the systems by Kemper Storatec allow unmanned operation, there is less need for manual intervention.

“By automating the process chain, metalworking companies ensure higher utilization of the cutting system,” says Willy Schroeder, a sales manager at Kemper Storatec. “Thanks to the seamless linking of individual systems, an optimal workflow for unmanned operation is created.”

In the interests of the sheet metal working sector, these systems are part of thinking beyond a single system, linking individual components such as shuttle tables or loading and unloading devices, regardless of the manufacturer, for all commonly-used cutting machines. A material transport trolley (MTT) transports the sheets to a loading and unloading station via a rail system. Using a suction unit, the gantry transfers the sheets onto the shuttle table for cutting machines where the sheets are processed further. After the cutting process, the finished sheets are also automatically taken by means of a computing unit from the shuttle table and placed on a staging table. This kind of automation guarantees a completely unmanned operation and assures reliability during processing.

To complement these facilities, Kemper Storatec has a comprehensive product portfolio, from systems for storing large format sheets, via appropriate loading and unloading systems to stamping fixtures and warehouse management software. The manufacturer can also customize the systems to the user’s requirements.

Kemper Storatec GmbH, Am Herdicksbach 18, D-45731 Waltrop, Germany, +49 (0) 23 09 / 781 47 0, Fax: +49 (0) 23 09 / 781 47 509, mail@kemper-storatec.eu, www.kemper-storatec.eu.

SUCTION CUPS FOR SHEET METAL HANDLING
FIPA Inc. (Cary, NC) offers an innovative series of suction cups designed specifically for the sheet metal industry. The cups will enhance an already extensive range of vacuum technology equipment and accessories. High demands are placed on vacuum cups in the sheet metal and metal processing industries. Not only a substantial service life, but also high wear resistance, strong holding force, slip-resistance and cups free from both paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS) and silicone are required.

This generation of FIPA suction cups for sheet metal handling fulfills these requirements and offers unbeatable quality at a competitive price. A broad range of products are available for the automated production and handling of sheet metal pieces in the automotive, machinery and plant construction sectors as well as sheet metal and metal processing industries. Features on these suction cups for sheet metal handling include:

Slip-resistant even for oily sheets: Flat and bellows suction cups in the SM-F and SM-B ranges for dynamic sheet metal handling.
Extremely good service life: Optimum materials ensure good resistance to wear.
High process reliability: High holding force for a high degree of dynamics during application.
Free of silicone and other paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS): These are not permitted for use in products that will later be painted or coated. The new flat and bellows suction cups in the SM-F and SM-B ranges fulfil this requirement as a matter of course.

More details about all of FIPA’s sheet metal handling products can be found online at
sheet-metal-handling.fipa.com.

FIPA Inc. VacuumTechnology | End-of-Arm-Tooling, 1855 Evans Road, Cary, NC 27513, 919-651-9888, Fax: 919-573-0871, sales.us@fipa.com, www.fipa.com.