Pallet Queue Conveyance Shelving System
Project summary
MWES integrated an AS/RS buffer system that would transport, sort, store and deliver pallets of assembled outboard motors.
The Challenge
Keeping track of assembled parts or palletized items in a production environment is no small feat. This is where a manufacturer of outboard motors approached MWES to integrate a pallet queue conveyance system. The Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) had to transport, sort, store and deliver palletized assembled parts safely and efficiently between the two separate AGV systems. The system had to handle pallets and contents that weigh as much as 800 lbs. and the system itself had to be installed on a raised mezzanine.
The Solution
The AS/RS system MWES provided this customer utilizes a single 2-axis pick and place gantry to move the pallets to available locations on the storage racks. It will service two storage racks located on either side of the gantry system. Each rack is capable of storing 48 pallets for a total capacity of 96 storage locations. Pallet locations are tracked with the system software and RFID readers are integrated into the gantry to read RFID tags to validate and track the pallet being accessed and moved.
Additionally, multidirectional pallet lift elevators at each end of the mezzanine, manual load and unload stations, AGVs, and floor-mounted conveyors would be utilized by the system. The system also includes two operator stations with the first at the pallet loading side and the second at the pallet unloading side.
Impact to the Customer
The advantages that this AS/RS system MWES provided our customer include direct access to the desired pallet without recirculating or shuffling other pallets. Pallet locations are dynamic and any pallet can be stored in any available location. Pallet orientation is maintained automatically during the storage and retrieval process. The AS/RS system significantly reduces motions, motors, drives and the subsequent power consumption by all these systems. The AS/RS system will allow for future expansion provided space is available on the mezzanine.
Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience integrating AS/RS systems into production environments. If you’re looking to improve your material handling throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project a success.
Contact us to learn how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!
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Client Details
A large manufacturer of outboard boat motors based in Wisconsin.