KASTO MASCHINENBAU is set to introduce its Unitower tower storage system with an integrated Pick-by-Light function. Operators are intuitively guided to the required item by a light beam, to save time operating in the storage system and avoid mistakes.
The Pick-by-Light function is said to be helpful in storage systems in which pallets or cassettes are subdivided into multiple storage compartments. It is integrated in the Kasto storage system’s controller, which indicates articles to be stored or retrieved for the relevant job. After the load carrier has been moved to the station, the contents of the cassette are illuminated by a light beam. The operator recognizes the correct compartment at a glance and is able to store or retrieve the item without error.
The Kasto Unitower is available in two variants: for storage of long workpieces or for sheet metal, flat products, and containers. The tower storage systems are designed as modular installations so customized solutions can be realized with ease. The Unitower is available as a single or double tower, optionally freestanding in a workshop, or as a separate storage building outside with ceiling and wall elements. Any number of input and output stations can be positioned at the front or on the long side of the storage tower and at different levels – depending on the customer's requirements.
Cassettes, pallets or supporting frames are used as the load carriers. Depending on the design, each storage space can carry loads of up to five metric tons. The towers effortlessly accept bar stock from 3,400 to 14,600 mm long, thus allowing users to access different standard lengths as well as workpiece or production-optimized special lengths. The basic version of the Unitower has a usable width between 600 and 1,240 mm. This enables the storage system to be ideally matched to the available space.
System heights of up to 25 meters can be easily achieved with both variants. With their variable loading height, tower storage systems provide a flexible solution that saves significantly more space and is therefore more economical compared with conventional floor and cantilever arm storage systems. The Unitower storage systems are also characterized by high efficiency. The load carriers are handled by a storage and retrieval machine (SRM) with a central crossbeam. So, it is not necessary to move the entire stock, but only the relevant cassette. Together with the drives, this ensures fast access and saves energy.
The Unitower storage system is controlled by Kasto’s ProControl and ExpertControl controllers, which can be operated easily and intuitively by a graphical interface. The user can call up and control various functions such as storage compartment and cassette management, order expediting and system diagnostics using the touch screen. ' Learn more at www.kasto.com