LogiTower LOADER

LogiTowerLoader – automated system for loading and unloading of metal sheets

LogiTower Loader, designed in accordance with individual needs of each client, is a solution that aims to maximize the use if the potential of a machine, which modern FIBER type laser cutter is.

LogiTower Loader is an automatic loading and unloading system that enables an unattended, fully automatic process of collecting sheets from a stack or from a storage system shelf, loading them to a laser cutter, and then collecting cut elements and delivering them to a dedicated storage system shelf or to an unloading point. The Loader meets the requirements for a universal system – it can be integrated with cutting machines from various manufacturers and does not close the way to possible future expansion or even changing of the machine park.

The automatic system for transporting sheet metal between the warehouse and the laser is available in several versions and configurations depending on the size of the sheet metal, the number of machines it supplies and the required performance. The Loader’s work cycle consists of two separate activities: taking a metal sheet from a stack or from a sheet metal storage system using a feeder with a set of pneumatic suction cups and placing it on the cutting table, and the second cycle – collecting finished elements after cutting by the laser using special combs and putting them on a shelf or on a picking table for further sorting of cut elements from scraps. In each type of the LogiTower Loader system, the loading module is equipped with a system of vacuum suction cups and two control systems: a sheet metal separation system and a mechanical sheet thickness measurement system. The unloading module is equipped with two-part combs that pick up and put the cut elements on a shelf or on a table. The material exchange mode cycle takes about 60 seconds.

Available configurations

The LogiTowerLoader automatic sheet metal loading and unloading system can be installed independently as a stand-alone element to work with a laser cutter and a product supporting the operation of a laser cutter. It can also be integrated with the LogiTower automatic storage system (sheet metal warehouse) and ensure full automation of production processes in the set up between the sheet metal warehouse, the sheet metal feeder and the sheet metal laser cutting.

Automation of the LogiTowerLoader Type A series is the most compact solution for delivering a single sheet of metal to the cutting station, and which is characterized by a small footprint. The series is available for different sheet sizes: 3015, 4020 and 6020. It consists of a set of vacuum grippers for transporting individual sheets to supply the laser, and independently working rake units located above the laser table, whose task is to transfer already cut material to a shelf or a pallet transported on the suction cups module. The replacement of the material on the table takes place in the exchange cycle. The average material change time does not exceed 60 seconds.

LogiTowerLoader Type B is a system that uses a modular approach, that as the needs change, allows expansion and simple modification of configuration, including the number and arrangement of machines. Type B automation consists of one loading and unloading unit in the form of a platform equipped with rakes and vacuum grippers. This version is available for the sheet sizes of 3015, 4020 and 6020. The solid construction ensures high storage and material handling capabilities, long life of the entire system and uninterrupted production. Average material change time does not exceed 120 seconds (for 3015 format)

Another option is the LogitowerLoader Type C solution dedicated to advanced production environments, which require high performance and flexibility. The system provides sheets according to orders from the superior management system, i.e. the software of laser cutter or the CAD/CAM software. To accelerate the cutting efficiency, it uses independent loading and unloading functions – transport the sheets is carried out using two independent, movable in two axes modules based on rakes and vacuum grippers. Type C systems are available in a wide range of configurations for sheets of various sizes: 3015, 4020 and 6020. With the format of 3015, the material replacement lasts below 60 seconds.

In order to achieve even better optimization of the cutting process, the LogiTowerLoader can be integrated with a LogiTower storage system. The LogiTowerLoader automation systems of all types integrated with the LogiTower storage allow both storing and loading sheets to the cutting process in an automatic way, which significantly accelerates production cycles. In addition, the automation system integrated with a MultiLogiTower sheet storage with high capacity and performance, allows to simultaneously supply many cutting stations, which ensures production logistics of the highest level. It is worth emphasizing the possibility to build the system in a vertical or horizontal set up, depending on the conditions and the dimensions of the warehouse

Why is it worth integrating the cutting center with the LogiTowerLoader sheet metal loading and unloading system?

To meet the challenges posed by the Industry 4.0 trend, in addition to automatic systems for storing sheet metal and other heavy goods, we offer the LogiTowerLoader – an automatic loading and unloading system that fully automates the process of collecting metal sheets. Thanks to the LogiTowerLoader, it is possible to ensure efficient production logistics, which translates into the elimination of bottlenecks, increasing the efficiency of lines and cutting centers, and automating the entire process.

However, the greatest benefits in optimizing the production and the production logistics are achieved by fully automating the cutting process by integrating the laser with the LogiTower automated storage together with the LogiTowerLoader loading and unloading system. The integration of cutting centers with the LogiTowerLoader system significantly improves the picking process and convenient collection of cut elements, and thanks to the integration with the LogiTower automatic storage system, it saves space, due to the use of the hall height and organization of transport without the use of forklifts, ergonomic and safe access to heavy goods and consequently an increase in production capacity.