Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems

1. Atlas
Automatic Storage & Retrieval
Systems

2. PITCH - Servo belt driven
LIFT – Servo rack &
pinion

3. Overview
Atlas Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are the perfect solution for many
stamping operations where growth is exceeding available pressroom floor space. Just-In-Time
requirements have created the need to keep a large number of die sets ready and waiting on
the pressroom floor. For contract stampers that have acquired a larger customer list or OEM’s
that have increased their product offering, more “active” die sets are crowding operations and
decreasing productivity. By utilizing otherwise unused vertical space, the need to invest in plant
expansion and additional capital equipment is alleviated along with the benefit of increasing
press uptime by slashing die change times by as much as two-thirds.
Slow changeover and floor space problems can create a vicious cycle for stamping plants that
are focused on short production runs. Consider the scenario of searching for a die set,
maneuvering other items out of the way to retrieve it, utilizing several production workers to hook
the die to a crane, perform the die change and then begin production. For short batch runs, half
of the available production time is lost. If batch time is increased beyond JIT requirements, then
storage of the parts/blanks becomes an issue and therefore, more floor space is lost. The more
space that is lost, the higher the risk to damage dies and parts.

5. The Benefits
To gain needed capacity and efficiency many plants are exploring options other than
increasing plant size. Storage and retrieval systems can be used in many applications to help
alleviate the problems associated with growth. They provide space and storage while helping
to increase press use, providing expanded production capabilities without investing in
additional presses and peripheral automation. An AS/RS accomplishes this by vertically
stacking dies, parts or coils in storage bays while maintaining fast and controlled access to
them. Average time of retrieval with an Atlas system is less than 5 minutes and may be
accomplished while the press is in operation
Fully automatic retrieval with the elevating cart is accomplished with a touch screen user
interface. Stored items are fully accounted for with die or part tracking controls. All retrieved
items are presented to a common location at the desired time and may be prestaged on die
tables for pick-up via fork truck, crane or die cart. The retrieval system is fully guarded which
controls access to the system and protects plant personnel from potential injury.
AS/RS solutions are fully customizable in that storage bays may vary in size by vertical row.
Systems may range in size from 10 bays up to 1000 bays and may be installed in phases to
accommodate future needs.

7. The Atlas Retrieval Cart
Atlas is the only AS/RS manufacturer in the marketplace with wire rope technology for virtually
unlimited weights. Our standard heavy duty design is capable of safely transporting and lifting
60 tons of material per load with ease. Atlas carts travel at much higher speeds too… up to 100
feet per minute unloaded and 80 feet per minute with full loads.
The advantage of choosing a wire rope retrieval cart over a standard ball screw configuration:
Machining time for a ball screw of this length is measured in terms of weeks of downtime. In
contrast, wire rope needs no machining and is immediately available.
The cost of purchasing (4) extra ball screws to assure quick replacement is expensive as well as
difficult to store. In contrast, wire rope is inexpensive and easy to store.
The steel for long ball screws is not readily available and would require larger purchased
quantities than (4) , in contrast wire rope is readily available.
Ball screws are more susceptible to damage in both emergency stop and crash conditions
occurring from operator error. Replacing ball screws is difficult and expensive. In contrast, wire
rope systems have some elasticity so that sudden stops do not result in such high loads on the rest
of the system, and they are inexpensive and relatively simple to replace.
Wear due to misalignment, lack of lubrication or excessive loads on a ball screw will result in
potential failure with no warning. In contrast, wire rope systems will give a warning of future
failure. There is very little wear on the drums on a wire rope system so only the rope needs
occasional replacement.

9. The Objectives
Our customers have based their equipment acquisition on the following three objectives:
First: Increase stamping capacity within existing floor space. This provides more effective use of
existing presses and means that the space for an AS/RS will be at a premium and must be
minimized. Another portion of this goal is to reduce inventory on the plant floor by making smaller
part runs more effective.
Second: Reduce material handling requirements. This involves eliminating the use of fork trucks
and overhead cranes for the movement of dies. Ultimately, the crane should be utilized for
moving coil stock and fork trucks should be used for moving finished parts and the removal of
scrap.
Third: Ensure consistent part/blank quality by protecting dies from damage. Reducing the
handling of dies, especially by fork truck greatly reduces the likelihood of dropping and harming
them.
Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems accomplish all of these goals and increase throughput
at the same time.

11. How it Works…
Atlas Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems are most effective when used in conjunction with
Atlas die change systems. This provides for both the movement of the dies or parts into and out
of the storage system and into and out of the press in a fully automated and integrated manner.
Floor space limitations are overcome with a series of multi-tier storage rack units with individual
compartments for dies or parts. Each compartment is accessed by the elevating retrieval cart.
The retrieval cart is used exclusively for accessing or storing dies or parts, while the die change
equipment is used exclusively for loading and unloading the presses. This allows the AS/RS to
retrieve the up coming die set while the press is in operation. All dies are equipped with
permanently attached, standardized subplates for uniform handling within the system.
Each slot in the rack is equipped with rollers to facilitate load and unload. Mechanically
actuated retainers in the rack slots help to ensure safe retention of the dies. Additionally, the
retrieval cart lift platform is equipped with safety latches that prevent accidental or unintended
lifting or lowering of the platforms and also ensures the platform is lined up correctly with the
rack slot before die removal begins.
Once the die is retrieved, it is placed onto a die table where it is pre-staged and waiting for the
next die change sequence. The die cart (non-elevating) that services the press would remove
the out going die, transport it to an empty die rack and deposit it for pick-up by the storage and
retrieval cart. The die cart would then move to the rack with the incoming die, pull it onto the
cart and transport it to the press for insertion. A full die change sequence can occur within less
than 3 minutes.

13. Reasons to Install an AS/RS
Better use of floor space is the main reason for installing a multi-level AS/RS. Other reasons include:
1. Improved part quality. The AS/RS that works in conjunction with dedicated die change
equipment allows the operator to move dies or parts in a controlled manner that virtually
eliminates die damage from handling. Dies that stay in top condition translate into
consistently higher quality parts due to maintaining their original tolerances.
2. Reduced die repair costs. Because dies are handled in a safe and controlled manner, the
need for repair and replacement decreases.
3. Improved safety. Because the die movement is controlled, the possibility of dropping a die or
putting an operator in a dangerous situation is greatly reduced.
4. Increased production. This derives from two factors. First, when changeover time is reduced,
press uptime increases and more parts are produced. Second, the quality of the “first off”
parts allow the stamper to run more parts per batch without the downtime that is associated
with quality problems.
5. More effective production control. With an AS/RS it is easier to schedule production runs
because the retrieval of the next required die set is completely controlled. In emergency
batch run situations, such as an unscheduled part that needs to be run immediately, the
process of changeover is efficient and not dependent on the availability of general plant
material handling personnel and the equipment required to move the die such as fork trucks
and cranes.

15. Economic Justification
Points to keep in mind when considering an AS/RS system and planning the economic
justification of the equipment should include the following:
1. The costs to add more plant space to continue the current storage methods
2. The costs of the current material handling equipment, maintenance and labor
3. The time that is lost due to part quality problems
4. The cost of die repair and replacements because of the current handling methods
5. The cost of safety issues (insurance, lost work time, etc)
6. Profits that are lost because of press downtime, such as unnecessary over time and reduced
production
7. Inventory costs from running large lot sizes instead of being able to run Just-In-Time

17. Specifications & Options
Controlled Transfer Variable Speed: Loaded Up to 80 fpm
Unloaded Up to 100 fpm
Lift Speed: Loaded Up to 50 fpm
Unloaded Up to 100 fpm
Simultaneous lift and travel functions
Storage Bays: 10 to 1000
Storage Size: Customer specified
Maximum Weight: None
Options:
Automatic load weighing
Managed die tracking
Automatic press loading/unloading of the die to/from the system
Ball screw or wire rope lift design
PC based remote access diagnostics via modem
Front office control package

18. Die Handling Automation • Robotic Integration • Sheet Metal Handling • Tri-Axis Transfers
System Integration • AS/RS • Washer & Oiler Systems • Automation Tooling
Why Atlas?
Our Promise….Atlas listens to you, the customer.
We embrace your vision and understand your motivation.
It’s our culture of total commitment that allows us to conceptualize solutions tailor made to
fit your specific applications…creating world class material handling systems that will
exceed your expectations.
3100 Copper Avenue
Fenton, Michigan 48430 USA
Phone: +1 810.629.6663
Fax: +1 810.629.8145
www.atlastechnologies.com