A vertical lift module is a compact, partially automated system which simultaneously takes on both storage and picking functions. It takes up very little floor space, as the items are stored upwards – as in a tower. This makes perfect use of your room height, and gives you high-density storage. There is space for all kinds of goods in a vertical lift module, not just small parts. There is also room for long goods, tools, and whole cartons. With different bin systems, you can create safe and efficient storage solutions for your items.
Vertical lift module operation
Items are stored and retrieved via the operator opening: the vertical lift module transports the relevant tray to the retrieval point, so that the warehouse staff can pick the items in accordance with the goods-to-person principle. Within the storage system, the stored goods are taken to the optimum storage position on a tray.
Benefits of a vertical lift module
The storage towers have a range of benefits compared to static storage systems such as static racking or pallet racking. These include optimized picking processes, as well as making full use of the ceiling height. You save time and money, because you no longer have to walk to racks that are a good distance away, for instance. The time that you save can be put towards processing the next order. The ergonomic design of the vertical lift modules also provides a safer working environment for your employees, as they do not have to bend, stretch, or use a step or a ladder. The storage systems also help to achieve high quality picking. Finally, the enclosed design of the tray system helps to protect the items against dirt and dust. So as you can see, a vertical lift module is a true all-rounder.
The vertical lift module and its possible applications.
SSI SCHAEFER's Vertical Lift Module is called the SSI LOGIMAT®, and is already being successfully used in many projects worldwide. Typical applications include a replacement parts or tool store directly in the production area, the dispatch warehouse, the buffer store, or the assembly line supply area.
A vertical lift module, also known as tray lift and lift storage system, is an automated storage system for small parts. A vertical lift module resembles an oversized drawer cabinet made from metal with two large warehouse areas (carrier areas). The carrier areas can be compared to a rack structure. Trays, similar to rack compartments, that are used to accommodate bins are placed by a lift in a storage compartment in the carrier areas of the vertical lift module.
On the front of a vertical lift module is an operating panel and an opening to retrieve and store small parts. At the push of button on the control panel, the trays are retrieved from the correct storage compartment and moved to the operator opening. This procedure is called the goods-to-person principle. The intelligent software control knows the storage compartment and storage location of all stored small parts and supports efficient and space-saving warehousing in very little space.
With a paternoster system or vertically rotating rack, a vertical carousel takes all the storage locations to the operator station. The stored goods move along with the entire storage rack. This is why modern small parts warehousing systems are often based on the vertical lift module system. In this system, each tray can be moved individually. Speeds are increased and the height of goods storage is flexible.
Our free whitepaper contains more information about rotating racks and vertical lift modules.
A tray has a minimum width of 4,025 mm and a depth of 815 mm. Depths up to 1,323 mm are possible on request. The tray can be loaded up to a height of 590 mm. These are also the maximum dimensions for an item that is to be stored.
In most applications, small parts are stored in bins. This makes ideal use of the available tray surface. The usual bin sizes here range from 100 x 100 x 100 mm to approx. 400 x 600 x 220 mm.
It is a very flexible approach: additional typical areas of application for vertical lift modules include the storage of long goods, heavy tools (crane operated), posters, catalogs, or labels.
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The storage area is defined by the height of the unit, the height of the goods to be stored, and the size of the tray.
Example: With a unit height of 7.5 m and a goods height of 220 mm, 48 trays will fit into the SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Module. If the tray size is 3,025 x 815 mm, this means a storage area of about 120 m².
This storage area is available on a footprint of approx. 11 m².
Let our experts advise you how to get the maximum storage space from your warehouse!
The price of an SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Module depends primarily on the size (width and height), the number of trays, the carrying capacity, and the requested options. As it is a highly standardized, modular system that is tailored to meet individual customer requirements before delivery, the price is extremely low compared to other automated storage systems.
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