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Carousel Concepts
Manufacturing firms are constantly faced with the problem of storing,
retrieving, and moving parts and materials in the face of rising space
and labor costs. One solution to these problems is the utilization
of carousels. Carousels offer many cost reduction factors like:
- Utilization of high ceiling heights without
the introduction of high maintenance materials handling equipment
(such as forklifts, side loaders, or other narrow aisle equipment)
into the system.
- Carousels give total product protection. Since
the materials are totally encompassed within the framework of
the carousel, they are protected from damage due to forklifts
or other transient materials handling.
- Product availability is maximized because any
given part is as close as the touch of a button. All parts are
then loaded or unloaded at a convenient working height.
- Floor space is minimized due to the density
of the storage and complete utilization of ceiling heights.
- Safety- since all loading and unloading is
done at convenient heights, the probability of injuries due to
lifting and manual handling is greatly reduced. This affects insurance
rates and lost time.
- Increased labor efficiency- MHI studies show
that 60-70% of a typical stockroom order picker's time is spent
going to the part or returning to the ship point. By utilizing
carousels, this worker's efficiency can be increased from 30-40%
up to 80-90%.
The basic storage types of carousels are:
- Light duty verticals- spare parts or totes
have traditionally been stored in light duty vertical carousels
or vertical lifts. Generally these units are limited to 600-1200
pounds per carrier. REMCO is the exception, allowing up to 2200
pounds per carrier.
- Horizontal carousels- This type carousel has
been used for the storage of parts like the light duty, vertical
carousels in situations where low ceiling heights and large room
depths are available. The capacity limitation is approximately
the same as for verticals. However, REMCO makes a horizontal carousel
capable of pallet sized loads with 5,000 pounds capacity per carrier.
- Heavy duty verticals- This type of vertical
can store virtually any type of load up to 8,000 pounds per carrier.
Multi-loop performances are standard as well as serpentine configurations.
Vertical Carousel With Single Chain Loops
Six carousels have been integrated into a production line for a blind
and shutter manufacturer. The profiles can be carried to the saws
and processed immediately without loss of time.
Horizontal Carousel
This unit is designed for low ceiling applications where storage of
bulky loads, mesh boxes, and pallets are required. There are no aisles
since all handling is done at the front.
Vertical Carousel, Two Loop System
Carousel for the storage of steel profiles. In order to guarantee
the high throughput, the system is installed right next to the saw.
The profiles are carried to the saw by means of a roller conveyor.
Serpentine Carousel
Approximately 230 tons of free-cutting steel is stored in three systems,
installed right next to the manufacturing machines.
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