Laser Cutting Machine with Storage
Automation and Efficient Sheet Metal Management
A laser cutting machine with storage makes it possible to integrate sheet metal processing with an organized system for storing and handling the material.
This configuration helps reduce manual operations, optimize available space and make the sheet metal flow more efficient, from storage through to laser cutting.
The integration between the laser cutting machine and the storage system can be designed according to the characteristics of the facility, sheet metal formats, material thicknesses and the company’s production requirements.
What Is a Laser Cutting Machine with Storage?
The term laser cutting machine with storage refers to a system in which the laser cutting machine is positioned alongside or connected to an automated system for managing sheet metal.
The storage system is responsible for organizing and storing the material, while handling and loading systems transfer the sheet metal to the laser cutting machine when required by the production process.
In this way, the storage system becomes an integral part of production rather than simply an area for storing raw materials.
How Does a Laser Cutting Machine Connected to a Storage System Work?
A laser cutting machine connected to an automated storage system makes it possible to manage the different stages preceding and supporting the sheet metal cutting process in an integrated way.
The material is stored within the storage system and, when required, is identified and automatically retrieved according to the programmed production process.
The handling system then transfers the sheet metal from the storage system to the laser cutting machine, where it is positioned and the cutting process begins.
Once processing is complete, the material can be moved again or directed to subsequent production stages, depending on the system configuration.
The level of automation can vary according to the type of storage system, the laser cutting machine being used and the company’s production requirements.
Integrating storage and cutting makes sheet metal management more efficient and reduces manual material handling operations.
Why Combine a Storage System with a Laser Cutting Machine?
Combining a laser cutting machine with an automated storage system can provide several benefits within a sheet metal processing facility.
Optimize Available Space
One of the main advantages is the ability to organize large quantities of material while making efficient use of the available space within the facility.
Vertical storage solutions make it possible to use the available height, reducing the floor area required for sheet metal storage.
Reduce Manual Handling
Sheet metal can be large and heavy, making manual handling an operation that requires particular attention.
Automation reduces the number of manual operations required to transfer material from the storage system to the laser cutting machine.
This contributes to a more organized and safer production environment.
Reduce Material Preparation Times
Organized material availability reduces the time required to locate, retrieve and prepare the sheet metal needed for processing.
The material can be made available according to production requirements, helping to create a smoother workflow.
Improve Inventory Management
An automated storage system makes it possible to organize the material available within the facility more precisely.
Position management makes it possible to know where different sheet metal materials are stored and provides a more organized overview of available stock.
Laser Cutting Machine and Automated Sheet Metal Storage
When the storage system is automated, the laser cutting machine can be connected to a system capable of managing material with increasingly limited operator intervention.
The system can handle storage and material movement, while the automated loader transfers the sheet metal to the laser cutting machine’s working area.
This creates a direct connection between raw material management and the cutting process.
For further information: Automated Sheet Metal Storage
Laser Cutting Machine with Vertical Storage
One option for integrating storage with a laser cutting machine is the use of a vertical storage system.
A storage tower makes it possible to take advantage of the height of the facility and organize a large quantity of sheet metal within a compact footprint.
This solution can be particularly interesting when a company has limited floor space but requires high storage capacity.
The system can also be connected to the laser cutting machine through automated handling and loading systems.
From Storage to Laser Cutting: Automated Loading
The connection between the storage system and the laser cutting machine becomes particularly effective when integrated with an automated sheet metal loading system.
The combination of storage and automated loading can therefore increase the autonomy of the laser cutting machine and contribute to production continuity.
For further information about automated loading solutions: Automated Loaders for Laser Cutting Machines
What Types of Sheet Metal Can an Integrated System Handle?
The system configuration must be evaluated according to the characteristics of the materials used by the company.
Key factors to consider include:
- sheet metal formats;
- material thickness;
- sheet metal weight;
- quantity of material to be stored;
- frequency of loading operations;
- available space within the facility.
These parameters help determine the most suitable configuration for the storage and handling system.
Laser Cutting Machine with Storage: When Does It Make Sense?
Integrating a storage system with a laser cutting machine can be particularly beneficial for companies handling large quantities of sheet metal or looking to reduce manual operations within the production area.
It can also be a useful solution when:
- floor space is limited;
- multiple sheet metal formats are used;
- the laser cutting machine needs to operate with greater autonomy;
- material handling times need to be reduced;
- inventory management needs to be improved;
- the level of production automation needs to be increased.
Integrating a Storage System with an Existing Laser Cutting Machine
Automation does not necessarily have to start with the design of a completely new production system.
In many cases, it is possible to evaluate the integration of automated systems with a laser cutting machine already installed in the facility.
Feasibility depends on the characteristics of the machine, the production layout, available space and the way sheet metal is currently managed.
An integration project must therefore consider the entire material flow, from its entry into the storage system through to processing on the laser cutting machine.
Laser Cutting Machine with Storage and Production Process Automation
Integrating a laser cutting machine with an automated storage system can represent an important step toward production automation.
The system connects the different stages of sheet metal management and processing, reducing the need for manual intervention and creating a more organized material flow.
The process can start with sheet metal storage, continue with automated material selection and handling, and then proceed to loading the laser cutting machine.
Once cutting is complete, the processed parts can be unloaded and moved to subsequent production stages.
The integration of these systems makes it possible to develop a more structured production process in which sheet metal storage, handling and processing can be managed in a coordinated way.
The level of automation can be configured according to production requirements, available space and the characteristics of the installation.
BEMATIK’s Experience in Sheet Metal Automation
BEMATIK Srl develops robotic systems dedicated to the handling, movement and storage of sheet metal, designed to work alongside laser cutting machines.
The company has more than 25 years of specific experience in automation systems for laser cutting machines, with several hundred installations worldwide.
The range of solutions has been developed to meet different production requirements, with scalable configurations and customization options.
BEMATIK also has significant experience in developing customized solutions for integration with existing production systems and layouts.
Laser Cutting Machine with Storage: An Integrated Solution
Integrating a laser cutting machine with a storage system means optimizing the entire sheet metal management process, not just the cutting stage.
Storage, handling and material feeding can be organized as part of a single system, reducing manual operations and improving production continuity.
The ideal configuration depends on the company’s characteristics, available space, materials being processed and desired level of automation.
A laser cutting machine with storage connects sheet metal management to the cutting process, improving material organization and reducing manual activities.
Integration with automated storage and loading systems makes it possible to create a more efficient workflow in which sheet metal is made available to the laser cutting machine according to production requirements.
For companies looking to increase production automation, integrating storage, material handling and laser cutting represents a practical solution for improving productivity, safety and space management.
