Automatic multi-row sheet metal storage system is a high-density storage and intelligent management solution for sheet metal processing companies. It is suitable for production environments that require centralized storage and automated retrieval of a variety of sheet metal specifications.

It combines a multi-layered shelving system with an automated handling and management system to significantly improve storage and retrieval efficiency, reduce floor space, and mitigate the risks of manual handling.

1. Structure of the Multi-Row Sheet Metal Automated Storage System

The structure of the multi-row sheet metal storage system can be understood as consisting of four major components: multi-row three-dimensional shelving + automated handling system + information control system + safety protection. Each component is further divided into several key modules:

1) Multi-Row Three-Dimensional Racking System

Three-Dimensional Racking:

Arranged in multiple rows (inline, back-to-back, or circular layouts).

With a multi-layer structure, each compartment can store a full package of sheet metal (common sizes include 3 x 1.5m and 4 x 2m).

High-strength steel construction with a rust-resistant surface treatment.

Compartment Pallets:

Specialized steel pallets facilitate handling.

Supports mixed storage of sheets of varying thicknesses and materials.

Aisles and Support Structures:

Transport aisles or rails are reserved between rows.

2) Automated Handling and Conveying System

Automated Carriers/Crane:

Operate in front of or in the middle aisles of multiple rows of shelves.

Equipped with a lifting platform, telescopic arm, or vacuum suction cup gripping device.

Lifting Device:

Enables vertical loading and unloading of multiple shelves.

Usually utilizes a chain or screw lift mechanism.

Telescopic Arm/Suction Cup Device:

Reaches into the shelves to retrieve pallets or sheets.

Vacuum suction cups are suitable for preventing scratches on the sheets.

Conveyor Unit:

Connects to the loading and unloading platforms of equipment such as laser cutters and press brakes.

This can be a roller conveyor, chain conveyor, or belt conveyor.

3) Control and Information Management System

PLC/Industrial Computer Control Cabinet:

Controls transport trolleys, lifting, conveying, and other operations; Manages the coordinated operation of multiple rows of shelves

WMS Warehouse Management Software:

Automatically records sheet material inbound, outbound, and inventory information

Interface with ERP/MES systems to enable on-demand material adjustments

Route Optimization and Task Scheduling:

Automatically calculates the shortest material retrieval route, reducing handling wait times

Human-Machine Interface (HMI):

Operators can quickly retrieve or put materials into storage via the touchscreen

4) Safety and Inspection Systems

Photoelectric Sensors: Detect the presence of sheet materials in the cargo area to prevent misoperation

Weight Detection: Prevents overloading

Anti-Collision System: Automatically avoids obstacles during operation

Emergency Stop and Safety Door: Ensure safety during maintenance

Fire Protection and Security: Some systems are equipped with smoke and temperature monitoring

2. Operating Principle of a Multi-Row Automated Sheet Metal Warehouse

The core operating principle of a multi-row automated sheet metal warehouse is based on on-demand material selection, automated handling, and intelligent path planning. Through the coordination of multiple rows of three-dimensional racks and handling mechanisms, the entire process of sheet metal inbound, storage, and outbound is automated.

This process is divided into four stages: inbound → storage management → outbound → multi-row coordination.

1) Inbound Process

When plates arrive at the inbound location:

A forklift, automatic loading platform, or conveyor delivers the entire package of plates to the inbound workstation.

Automatic Identification and Data Entry:

The system scans or manually enters plate material, thickness, specification, batch, and other information.

Automated Handling and Inbound:

A transport cart/crane moves to the inbound location, where a suction cup or fork arm grabs the plate pallet.

A lifting device delivers the plates to the target level, and a telescopic arm pushes them into the designated bay.

2) Storage Management

Intelligent Storage Allocation:

The WMS system automatically allocates storage locations based on plate type, thickness, and production schedule.

Frequently used plates are placed near the outbound end or in lower bays to reduce retrieval time.

Real-Time Inventory Monitoring:

Occupancy status, remaining quantity, and plate information for each bay are updated in real time.

3) Outbound Process

Production Task Issuance:

The MES/ERP system transmits information about the plates required for production to the warehouse management system.

System-Dispatched Handling Mechanism:

Automatically plans material retrieval routes (avoids detours and reduces waiting).

Handling and Retrieving:

The handling cart/trolley moves to the target shelf → raises and lowers to the corresponding level → the telescopic arm/suction cup grabs the plate pallet.

Transporting to Processing Equipment:

The plates are delivered to the upper and lower loading stations of equipment such as laser cutters and press brakes, ensuring seamless connection.

4) Multi-Row Collaboration

Shared Handling Aisles:

The handling mechanism can service multiple rows of shelves, switching between left and right, or forward and backward, to retrieve materials.

Dynamic Path Optimization:

The system optimizes the order of material retrieval based on factors such as task priority, distance, and sheet weight.

Parallel Operation:

Supports simultaneous loading and unloading without interfering with each other.

5) Core Control Logic

Information flow drives material flow: Inventory information + production plan → automatically generate handling tasks.

Optimal path planning: Reduces cart travel time and improves outbound efficiency.

Multi-row rack coordination: A single handling system efficiently serves multiple rows of warehouses.

3. Core Advantages

The core advantages of the multi-row sheet metal storage system can be summarized as "high-density storage + high-efficiency scheduling + highly flexible layout + high-security management." It is suitable for sheet metal factories with a wide variety of sheet metal products, frequent material usage, and multiple production lines.

1) High-Density Storage

Multi-row + multi-layer structure:

Within the same floor space, storage capacity is 3-6 times higher than traditional flat warehouses.

Multi-Specification Compatibility:

Supports mixed storage of sheet metal of varying sizes, thicknesses, and materials.

Three-Dimensional Space Utilization:

Shelf levels can be designed based on factory height, maximizing vertical space utilization.

2) High-Efficiency Scheduling

Automated Handling + Intelligent Path Planning:

Optimizes material handling paths, reducing idle handling and waiting time.

Multi-Task Parallelization:

Stocking and outgoing materials can be processed simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Direct Connection to Production Lines:

Directly connects to laser cutting machines, press brakes, and other equipment to achieve continuous production.

3) Highly Flexible Layout

Multiple layout options:

Linear, back-to-back, U-shaped, and circular layouts are available to accommodate various factory structures.

Strong Scalability:

Shelf rows or layers can be added later for easy expansion.

Adaptable to multiple equipment:

One handling system can supply multiple production lines.

4) High Safety Management

Reduced manual handling risks:

Reduced heavy object handling and sheet material scratching accidents.

Intelligent Monitoring and Protection:

Photoelectric detection, anti-collision protection, and weight monitoring ensure equipment and personnel safety.

Information-Based Traceability:

Incoming and outgoing records for each batch of sheet materials are traceable, preventing material errors and leaks.

5) Additional Value

Improved factory cleanliness:

Centralized sheet material management reduces floor clutter.

Reduced inventory tied up:

Precise inventory management avoids over-purchasing and backlogs.

Enabling Smart Manufacturing:

Integrated with ERP/MES systems, laying the foundation for smart factories.

4. Typical Application Scenarios

Typical applications for multi-row automated sheet metal storage systems are primarily concentrated in sheet metal processing and manufacturing industries, where a wide variety of sheet materials are processed frequently and multiple production lines are required. Its features include centralized, high-density storage, automated, rapid retrieval, and direct connection to production lines, resulting in a wide range of applications.

1) Sheet Metal Processing Centers

Features: Accepts large volumes of outsourced orders, with a wide variety of sheet material specifications and frequent material changes.

Application Value:

Consolidated management of sheet materials for different customers reduces material errors.

Quickly switches between sheets required for orders, improving capacity utilization.

2) Laser Cutting Centers

Features: Large numbers of laser cutting machines, high output, and high loading speed requirements.

Application Value:

Multi-row storage systems can simultaneously feed multiple laser machines.

Shortening sheet material changeover time and enabling continuous processing.

3) Electrical Cabinet/Chassis Cabinet Manufacturing

Features: Requires sheet materials of various thicknesses and materials (cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, etc.).

Application Value:

Classified storage of different materials to prevent material mixing.

Forms an automated loading and unloading closed loop with press brakes and punching machines.

4) Home Appliance Sheet Metal Manufacturing

Features: High-variety, small-batch production with frequent switching between production tasks.

Application Value:

Reduces manual handling and material retrieval time.

Improve production flexibility and adapt to rapid changeovers.

5) Construction Machinery and Automotive Parts Manufacturing

Features: Large and heavy sheet metals pose a high risk of manual handling.

Application Value:

High-strength three-dimensional racking safely stores heavy sheet metal.

Automated handling reduces labor costs and the risk of work-related injuries.

6) Smart Manufacturing Demonstration Factory

Features: Strives for full-process automation and information management.

Application Value:

Interfaces with MES/ERP to form an intelligent warehousing-processing-distribution closed loop.

Achieve real-time inventory visualization and linkage with production planning.

The core structure of the automatic multi-row sheet metal storage system is the storage density provided by the multi-row three-dimensional racking, the precise loading and unloading system, the control system that enables efficient and coordinated operation of the multiple rows, and the safety system that ensures stable operation.