Certain industries, often in the aerospace or manufacturing sectors, face unique applications or situations that require custom storage development whether due to size, weight, or process needs. While some challenges may be resolved with traditional or turnkey storage options, some require a more custom approach. Such challenges may include:
- Large or bulky product loads
- Sensitive or delicate products
- Precise handling requirements
- Harsh or freezer environments
- Maneuverability with tight tolerances
- Facility location and environment (e.g., earthquake regions)
Extreme environments
Custom automated storage solutions can be designed to work in specific spaces and temperatures. Aircraft manufacturers, for example, often handle delicate or sensitive materials, like carbon fiber, that require cold storage environments with below freezing temperatures of -20° F.
Bastian Solutions’ custom automation group has engineered VLMs that not only fit within specified parameters but also feature the necessary freezer-rated components for consistent, reliable operation.
Precise and delicate handling
Accounting for high weight capacities in addition to delicate and low tolerance handling can be challenging. Bastian Solutions custom designs and engineers automated storage solutions that can handle high weight capacities as well as varying flatness tolerances – 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or 0.1 inches (2.54 mm), for example.
A heavy duty VLM designed for an aircraft manufacturer was designed to handle 20 steel molds weighing 7,100 lbs (3,220 kg) each for a total of 142,000 lbs (64,410 kg). Additionally, the location of the facility required the installed equipment also account for potential earthquake hazards.