Initial situation and task
An internationally operating manufacturer of wood-based materials planned the integration of an automated high-bay warehouse for storing OSB panel stacks.
For the automated material flow, it was necessary to rotate the stacks by 180 degrees prior to storage, ensuring correct transfer into the conveyor system and subsequently into the high-bay warehouse.
The key challenge lay in the high loads and sensitive product characteristics. The stacks reach weights of up to 2.5 tonnes, while the wood panels must be handled carefully throughout the entire process to prevent any damage.
The objective was therefore to develop a solution capable of safely handling heavy loads while enabling a precise and product-friendly turning process within the automated conveyor system.
Implementation
Schwingshandl developed a customized turning station for heavy OSB panel stacks, seamlessly integrated into the automated material flow.
The solution combines roller conveyor technology and chain conveyor technology with an integrated lifting function. The stack is first transported into the turning station via the conveyor. There, it is securely fixed using a lifting mechanism and then precisely rotated by 180 degrees. After the turning process, the stack is lowered back to conveyor level and transferred to the downstream material flow.
A key focus was the perfect interaction between mechanical design and control system, ensuring safe handling of heavy loads while maintaining product quality.
Components used
- Roller conveyors
- Chain conveyors
- Turning station with lifting and clamping function
- Control system for precise motion coordination
Customer benefits
The implemented solution enables a fully automated integration of OSB panel stacks into the storage process, while ensuring safe and gentle material handling.
Key benefits for the customer:
- reliable handling of stacks up to 2.5 tonnes
- gentle transport of sensitive wood panels
- automated 180° turning within the material flow
- seamless integration into the high-bay warehouse
This resulted in an efficient and reliable solution for a technically demanding handling task.