Modular automation for laser cutting machines

Modular warehouse and automation technology that grows with requirements.

With the FLEX automation solutions from Remmert, the processes and capacities in sheet metal processing with laser cutting machines can be individually designed and easily expanded for future requirements. This is made possible by the modular design, which allows a high degree of adaptability and expandability with additional laser machines and automation modules. In this way, investment costs can be adapted to growing demand.

 

The advantages of modular machine concepts

Reduce initial investment costs to a minimum

  • Lean engineering phase through modular automation design with digital twin
  • MVP concept (Minimum Viable Product) with planned expansion options
     
  • High degree of freedom in the selection of laser cutting machine manufacturers due to system neutrality

Scalable production capacities with growing demand

  • Expansion to 24/7 production operation through expansion of automation ( connecting sheet metal storage/buffer storage, sorting robotics)
  • Expansion of machine capacities by integrating additional laser cutting machines into the automation system
  • Expansion of spatially separated storage and production centers with integration by AGVs

Use Cases

Use Case 1: Planned expansion of an automation line

A single laser cutting machine is automatically loaded and unloaded by the LaserFLEX gantry robotics solution, initially with manual goods delivery. As machine utilization increases, additional automation process steps can be easily added to the automation line:

  • Additional goods transfer stations
  • Connection to sheet metal storage / buffer storage
  • Additional laser cutting stations
  • Additional stations for sorting cut parts (manual/automatic)

Use case 2: Planned expansion of the storage capacity

Further options for expanding the layout can already be planned during the design of the sheet metal storage system. Remmert tower racking systems are generally suitable for such an option thanks to their modular design.

  • The width of the system is extended by the second storage tower / row of storage towers
  • Length - due to the extension of the rows of storage towers and the travel path of the storage and retrieval machine.

Use Case 3: Unplanned expansions in the laser cutting process

Necessities often arise during operation to expand production and storage capacities that cannot be implemented in a linear production process, e.g. due to local limitations. To avoid a complete reconstruction of the production centers, an automated guided vehicle system can automate the flow of goods between spatially separated storage and processing centers.

  • Transport of raw sheet metal from the warehouse to the laser cutting system
  • Collection of cut sheets for separate sorting stations or buffer storage

Use Case 4: Replacing a used laser cutting machine

While laser cutting machines are already replaced after an average of 5-7 years, automation lines or automated storage systems have a lifetime of at least 15 years. The system openness of Remmert solutions for the integration of laser cutting machines allows the type of machine to be changed easily. Users thus benefit from a large degree of freedom in the selection of suitable laser cutting machine manufacturers.