Description
Automated Sheet Metal Storage System
Automatic Storage & Retrieval for Steel Sheet, Aluminium & Plate
An automated sheet metal storage system provides high-capacity, space-efficient storage and automatic retrieval of steel sheet, stainless steel, aluminium and plate materials.
Designed for fabrication workshops, laser cutting facilities and manufacturing operations, the system automatically selects and presents the required storage drawer, providing fast access to sheet materials while reducing manual handling and operator intervention.
Also referred to as an electric sheet metal storage system or automated sheet storage system, these systems can significantly improve material organisation, production efficiency and workshop floor-space utilisation.
At Materials Handling Solutions (MHS), we supply automated sheet metal storage systems throughout Perth and Western Australia, with configurations available to suit different sheet sizes, storage capacities and production requirements.
Automated systems can also be integrated into a complete material handling solution using our Sheet Metal Vacuum Lifters Perth & WA, Jib Cranes Perth & WA and Track Crane Systems Perth & WA.
What Is an Automated Sheet Metal Storage System?
An automated sheet metal storage system is a high-capacity storage and retrieval system designed specifically for flat sheet and plate materials.
Rather than operators manually opening individual storage drawers, the automated system controls movement and selects the required storage location. The system automatically presents the selected material level for loading or unloading.
These systems provide an efficient alternative to conventional floor storage, pallet storage and manually operated sheet storage racks, particularly where numerous grades, thicknesses and types of material need to be stored.
Typical materials include:
- Mild steel sheet
- Stainless steel sheet
- Aluminium sheet
- Steel plate
- Checker plate
- Perforated sheet
- Composite panels
- Other flat sheet materials
For businesses that do not require full automation, MHS also supplies Crank Operated Sheet Metal Storage Drawers Perth & WA and other Sheet Metal Storage Systems Perth & WA.
How Does an Automated Sheet Metal Storage System Work?
The system uses an electrically powered control and retrieval mechanism to select and move the required sheet storage level into an accessible loading and unloading position.
Instead of searching through multiple stacks of sheet material or manually operating individual drawers, the operator selects the required storage location, and the system automatically retrieves it.
Once presented, sheets can be loaded or removed using suitable material handling equipment such as an overhead crane, vacuum lifter or forklift, depending on the system configuration and workshop layout.
The storage level is then automatically returned to its storage position.
This provides fast, repeatable access to materials while minimising the amount of physical handling required by operators.
Benefits of Automated Sheet Metal Storage
Maximise Workshop Floor Space
Sheet and plate materials can consume substantial workshop floor space when stored conventionally.
An automated sheet metal storage system consolidates multiple material types, thicknesses and grades into a high-density storage footprint.
This can help businesses:
- Increase storage capacity
- Recover valuable workshop floor space
- Reduce material stored on the floor
- Improve workshop organisation
- Create additional production space
For workshops where floor space is valuable, increasing storage density can deliver significant operational benefits.
Automatic Material Retrieval
One major advantage of an automated sheet metal storage system is its ability to automatically retrieve the required storage level.
Operators do not need to manually extend heavily loaded drawers or move multiple stacks of material to reach the required sheet.
This provides:
- Faster material access
- Reduced operator effort
- Consistent storage retrieval
- Improved production flow
- Reduced material handling time
This is particularly valuable in manufacturing facilities where sheet materials are accessed repeatedly throughout the working day.
Improved Workplace Safety
Sheet metal and steel plate can be difficult and potentially hazardous to handle manually.
Automated storage reduces the physical effort required to access stored materials and helps minimise unnecessary interaction between operators and heavily loaded storage levels.
When combined with a Sheet Metal Vacuum Lifter, individual sheets can be lifted directly from the storage system and transferred to production equipment with minimal manual handling.
Better Material Organisation
Fabrication businesses frequently carry multiple combinations of material type, thickness, grade and sheet size.
An automated storage system provides dedicated storage locations, making materials easier to organise and retrieve.
This can help improve:
- Stock organisation
- Material identification
- Inventory control
- Material accessibility
- Production planning
It can also reduce the likelihood of material damage from poor storage or unnecessary movement.
Automated Sheet Storage for Laser Cutting Facilities
Automated sheet metal storage systems are particularly well suited to laser cutting and CNC sheet processing operations.
These facilities commonly store numerous grades and thicknesses of steel, stainless steel and aluminium while requiring frequent access to different materials throughout the production day.
Automated storage provides rapid access to the required sheet material and can significantly reduce the time spent retrieving stock.
When combined with suitable lifting equipment, materials can be transferred efficiently between the storage system and laser cutting or processing equipment.
MHS can assist with associated handling equipment including Sheet Metal Vacuum Lifters Perth & WA and Track Crane Systems Perth & WA.
Automated Sheet Storage for Fabrication Workshops
Fabrication workshops can accumulate significant quantities of sheet and plate material.
Traditional floor storage often creates multiple stacks that occupy valuable workshop space, and retrieving material from the bottom of a stack can require moving several sheets before reaching the required material.
An automated sheet metal storage system provides individual storage levels that you can select and retrieve as needed.
This makes it easier to organise materials by:
- Material type
- Sheet thickness
- Material grade
- Sheet size
- Production requirement
The result is a cleaner, more organised workshop with faster access to production materials.
Automated vs Crank Operated Sheet Metal Storage
The best sheet metal storage system depends on how often materials are accessed, how much material is stored, and the level of automation required.
Automated sheet metal storage systems are particularly suited to high-volume manufacturing and fabrication facilities where frequent material retrieval makes speed, automation and operator convenience important.
Crank-operated sheet metal storage drawers provide a more economical alternative where material access is less frequent, while still allowing heavily loaded drawers to be extended and retracted safely using a mechanical drive.
MHS also supplies Vertical Sheet Metal Storage Racks and Roll-Out Sheet Metal Storage Racks for applications where different storage methods are more suitable.
Our Sheet Metal Storage Systems Perth & WA range provides an overview of the available options.
Integrating Automated Storage with Material Handling Equipment
Storage is only one part of an efficient sheet metal handling process.
Combining automated storage with appropriate lifting equipment can move sheets efficiently from storage directly into production.
Depending on the workshop layout, an integrated system may include:
- Sheet Metal Vacuum Lifters Perth & WA
- Vacuum Lifters Perth & WA
- Jib Cranes Perth & WA
- Monorail Cranes Perth & WA
- Track Crane Systems Perth & WA
A properly designed storage and handling system can significantly reduce unnecessary forklift movements and manual handling while improving material flow through the workshop.
Custom Automated Sheet Metal Storage Systems
Every automated sheet metal storage system is configured to suit the customer’s materials, available space and storage requirements.
Rather than being limited to a standard sheet size, the system can be designed around the dimensions and weights of the steel sheet, stainless steel, aluminium or plate materials being stored.
A typical system incorporates approximately 20 individual storage levels, with each level capable of storing up to approximately 2,000kg of material. This provides substantial storage capacity within a relatively small workshop footprint while maintaining fast, automated access to individual storage levels.
Systems can be configured to suit:
- Customer-specific sheet dimensions
- Approximately 2,000kg capacity per storage level
- Typically around 20 storage levels per machine
- Steel, stainless steel, aluminium and plate
- Different material grades and thicknesses
- Available floor space and building height
- Crane, vacuum lifter or forklift access
- Existing production and machine layouts
The final configuration is determined by the customer’s sheet sizes, material weights, required storage capacity and available workshop space.
Typical Automated Storage System Specifications
As each system is designed around the customer’s requirements, specifications will vary between installations.
| Specification | Typical Configuration |
|---|---|
| System Type | Fully automated sheet metal storage and retrieval system |
| Capacity Per Level | Up to approximately 2,500kg |
| Storage Levels | Typically around 20 levels |
| Total Storage Capacity | Approximately 50 tonnes with 20 × 2,000kg levels* |
| Sheet Dimensions | Designed to suit customer requirements |
| Materials | Steel, stainless steel, aluminium and plate |
| Storage Orientation | Horizontal |
| Operation | Fully automated electric operation |
| Material Access | Automatic selection and retrieval of storage level |
| Integration | Suitable for crane, vacuum lifter or forklift handling |
| Configuration | Custom designed to suit the application |
*Actual capacities, number of storage levels and overall system configuration are determined by the specific application.
High-Capacity Storage in a Compact Footprint
With approximately 20 storage levels at up to 2.5 tonnes per level, a typical automated system can provide around 50 tonnes of sheet and plate storage capacity within a single organised storage system.
Instead of spreading multiple stacks of sheet material across the workshop floor, materials can be organised across individual storage levels and automatically retrieved when required.
This makes automated sheet storage particularly suitable for fabrication workshops, laser cutting facilities and manufacturing operations carrying multiple grades, thicknesses and types of sheet material.
Why Choose Materials Handling Solutions?
Materials Handling Solutions has supplied material handling and storage equipment throughout Perth and Western Australia since 1996.
Rather than looking at sheet storage in isolation, we can support the complete handling process—from storing sheet and plate to lifting and transferring materials into production.
Our range includes automated and manual Sheet Metal Storage Systems, vacuum lifting equipment, cranes and other material handling solutions.
If you are planning a new fabrication facility, expanding production or simply need to recover valuable workshop floor space, talk to MHS about the most appropriate sheet metal storage solution for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automated sheet metal storage system?
An automated sheet metal storage system stores steel sheet, stainless steel, aluminium and plate materials on individual storage levels and automatically retrieves the selected level for loading or unloading.
What is the difference between automated and electric sheet metal storage?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but an electric storage rack may simply use electric motors to move individual drawers. A fully automated sheet metal storage system automatically selects and retrieves the required storage level for the operator.
What materials can be stored?
Systems can be configured for steel sheet, stainless steel, aluminium, checker plate and other flat sheet and plate materials. Capacity and configuration depend on the application.
Are automated sheet metal storage systems suitable for laser cutting facilities?
Yes. Automated sheet storage is particularly useful for laser cutting and CNC processing facilities because it stores multiple grades and thicknesses of sheet material compactly and retrieves them quickly when needed.
Can an automated storage system be used with a vacuum lifter?
Yes. A sheet metal vacuum lifter can remove individual sheets from the presented storage level and transfer them to production equipment.
Is an automated system better than crank operated storage?
It depends on the application. Automated systems provide faster retrieval and require less operator input, making them well-suited to high-volume facilities. Crank operated storage can be a more economical solution where material retrieval is less frequent.
Can the system be customised?
Yes. Automated sheet metal storage systems can be configured around sheet dimensions, material weights, required storage capacity, available floor space and workshop layout.
Do you supply automated sheet metal storage systems throughout WA?
Yes. Materials Handling Solutions supplies automated sheet metal storage systems throughout Perth and regional Western Australia.
