A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is what you get when you take a typical storage unit like a warehouse shelf and automate it.
The typical VLM contains trays stored within an enclosed system, housing everything from spare parts to tools. Operators can call upon the materials they need by entering a barcode or predetermined storage values.
ABB Schweiz’s Oerlikon, Switzerland facility manufactures gas-insulated switchgears for grid power distribution. The assembly tool pool supplies tools and materials for assembling new switchgears and spare parts for servicing and maintenance. 8,000 parts are stored in this warehouse.
Incomplete assembly sets used to be stored on pallets in static shelving. This created a shortage of storage space.
Since first adopting two 16 ft tool VLMs, the company had noticed a significant performance increase and growth in storage space at the tool warehouse.
Kardex Remstar, a VLM supplier, recently supplied ABB with two additional new Shuttle XP 1000 VLMs, bringing ABBs collection of VLMs and vertical carousels to 20.
The storage unit has a maximum tray capacity of 2,204.62 lbs (1,000 kg). ABB is storing each tray at nearly full capacity, at 2,094 lbs per tray.
Pallets are presented to operators at an ergonomic height and prepared for lifting by forklift or pallet truck using a tray extraction device.
Before the installation of the VLMs at ABB’s Oerlikon facility, two pallets had to be stored next to each other with double frames, allowing for storage of larger containers like Gaylords, within a height of three feet. Both of the new Shuttle XP 1000 VLMs have space for 58 pallets and occupy a footprint of only 204 sq ft combined.
According to a recent press release, ABB Schweiz utilizes these VLMs between 20-50 times per day.
For more information, visit www.kardexremstar.com.