Roll Storage & Cutting System of Laminate Rolls
Project summary
A system that stores large rolls of laminate material on storage racking and retrieves them with robotic automation.
The Challenge
This laminate surfaces firm came to Midwest Engineered Systems with the problem of storing samples of large, heavy rolls of laminate in a compact racking system that can be retrieved robotically and then cut to length. The system had to utilize a robot to navigate a compact racking system to retrieve 62-inch long rolls that weigh up to 200 pounds. The robot would then place the roll where the operator can access the roll for cutting.
The Solution
MWES provided our customer with a custom-designed automatic roll storage and retrieval system. The racking utilizes an intricate pick strategy that evenly spreads the load across the entire storage rack.
When an order is placed the operator selects a specific roll from a Wonderware-based computer system. The roll is automatically picked and presented to the operator for unwinding and cutting. The operator manually cuts the roll into sheets per the order. While the operator is handling the first roll a second roll is automatically picked and placed in the make-ready position. Once a roll has been cut and rewound, the system returns the roll to its original rack location and moves a new roll into position for the operator.
Impact to the Customer
The roll storage and cutting system that MWES provided this customer allowed them to store up to 720 rolls of laminate that are 62 inches long and weigh up to 200 pounds each. The cycle and pick time for this system tops out at 2½ minutes, with rolls closer to the cutting table taking less time to retrieve and thus having a shorter retrieval time. This system helped eliminate the burden placed on individuals’ manually handling the heavy 200-pound rolls, and affords a more compact storage solution for hundreds of rolls of laminate.
Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience in designing and building automated robotic storage and retrieval solutions. If you’re looking to improve your automated roll storage and retrieval throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project a success.
Contact us to learn about how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!
Innovation Through Automation
Client Details
World leader in laminate surface manufacturing.