In the materials storage and handlingsectorthere are products that represent a real challenge. This is the case of metal sheets, panels and plates which, due to their characteristics - not least of alltheir delicate natureand size - require specific customized solutions offering space optimization, handling precision and efficient management with no compromise on safety. Automated storage systems are among the logistics solutions that best meet the needs of the companies operating in this sector. With over 60 years of experience in the handling, archiving and storage business, Ferretto Group now offers different automated solutions for sheets, panels, and plates.
Sheet metal, marble, stone or conglomerate slabs, wood and plywood panels: these materials have particular characteristics that must be carefully considered when choosing a storage and handling system. The size of the product - up to 4,000 mm by 2,000 mm - requires the use of solutions that reduce the storage space and of handling systems that guarantee efficient loading/unloading operations.
Even the different thickness of bars and slabs (for example, metal sheets can be from 1 to 30 mm thick) is a determining factor when it comes to choosing the right storage and handling solution.
Further aspects that must be considered are the type of material - raw, semi-finished or finished - and the ability of the storage system to integrate with other machines and production cycle lines, like laser cutting machines.
The designer of an automatic storage system for sheet metal, bars and plates must therefore consider the specific needs of the customer, which can be summed up as follows:
Ferretto Group designs and manufactures customized systems.However, three main categories of automatic solutions for metal sheet and plate storage can be identified. They can be distinguished from one another based on capacity,type of storage and number and type of interconnections with external systems:
