Mecalux Pallet Shuttle Racking System

Mecalux : Pallet Shuttle Racking System

Semi-automated, high-density and high-throughput system that uses a motor-driven shuttle to place and remove pallets within racking structure.

The evolution of high-density pallet storage systems: greater capacity, speed and throughput

The Pallet Shuttle is a semi-automated high-density storage system in which a shuttle with an electric motor runs along rails within the storage channels to load and unload pallets. The process is controlled by an operator, who places the shuttle in the racking using a forklift and controls it via a tablet.

Compared to other high-density solutions, e.g., drive-in racking, the shuttle rack system increases storage capacity, goods-in/goods-out flows and the number of products to be stored. The system is also available in a fully automated version, which features either stacker cranes or transfer cars.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PALLET SHUTTLE SYSTEM

• Time savings and productivity gains : the shuttle executes orders speedily, and the forklift operates in the aisle without entering the racking. This shortens loading/unloading times and raises the number of cycles/hour.
• Space savings : storage channels can exceed 60 m in depth, while clearances between levels are minimal, increasing storage capacity.
• Cost savings : the optimal use of space reduces the system’s footprint, thus keeping down land costs. And in cold storage warehouses, this means less surface area to be cooled, resulting in lower energy consumption.
• Multiple SKUs :grouping SKUs by channels as opposed to complete lanes allows for greater product diversity in the storage system.
• Compatible with LIFO and FIFO :the system can operate in line with the LIFO (last in, first out) or FIFO (first in, first out) inventory management strategies.
• Easy to use : all system functions are activated from the control tablet, which is equipped with an intuitive user interface.
• Safety : as the forklifts do not operate inside the racking, the metal structure remains free from damage, and the risk of accidents is minimized.

“Compared to other high-density storage solutions, the Shuttle racking system is faster, more agile and safer

HOW DOES THE PALLET SHUTTLE RACKING SYSTEM WORK?

Semi-automated solution consisting of a shuttle, a forklift and an operator

Using a forklift, the operator positions the pallet shuttle car at the entrance to the channel. Next, they deposit the pallet on the rails, just above the shuttle. The shuttle then raises the pallet slightly and transports it, placing it in the first free location. Operators issue commands to the shuttle from a tablet.

1. An instruction is received :

The operator receives the order to store a number of pallets. With a forklift, the operator first picks up the Pallet Shuttle car and moves it to the assigned storage channel.

2. The shuttle is placed in the channel :

The forklift raises the shuttle unit and deposits it between the rails of the storage channel.

3. The pallet is positioned at the entrance to the channel :

The forklift deposits the pallet at the channel entrance, resting on the rails, just above the shuttle. At no time does the forklift enter the racking.

4. The shuttle moves the pallet to its storage location :

Using a tablet, the operator issues the command for the shuttle to raise the pallet slightly and move it to the deepest location, where it is then deposited.

5. The storage channel is filled :

The shuttle returns to the channel entrance, repeating this operation until the entire channel is filled. Before placing the pallet in the last location, the operator removes the shuttle.

6. Pallet retrieval :

To unload pallets, the operation is reversed. If a FIFO configuration is used, the pallets are removed from the aisle opposite the entry aisle.

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