Pilot Mastergrip warehouse successfully started up

Background

After introduction of the new Mastergrip warehouse concept in exhibitions and on magazine articles during last year Raumaster Paper was contacted by numerous companies. The problems related to conventional technology in storages are known. In addition to developing new storages, fresh ideas are sought for upgrading the existing ones. For storages at paper traders and printing houses Mastergrip seems to be especially hot topic.

Mastergrip pilot

A plant in Southern Europe producing packaging board planned late 2008 a modernisation project. The planned roll ground transportation system would be closely interfacing with the crane operated storage, where a manually driven crane was to be upgraded into automatic one. Planning culminated in the gripper choice. Three alternatives were initially on the table. Vacuum solution was firstly excluded, because its requirements for roll end quality were too strict. A simple scissor gripper with two clamps was excluded due to aggressive grip. At tests too many web layers were damaged. Furthermore, the capability to cope with varying roll diameters was limited. Mastergrip concept was chosen only after passing the successful tests carried out with the prototype. The grip was found to be very gentle – even smoother than expected.

For the customer it was convenient solution to get both Mastergrip and the roll handling & wrapping system from a single source. The delivery included also slat conveyors, a lowerator, an axial wrapping line with labelling, an upender line and the input / output conveyors as well as the warehouse management system for Mastergrip warehouse. After installation in spring 2009 the whole upgraded warehouse was successfully started up and has been in operation since May.

Raumaster Paper will be participating in Zellcheming 2009 expo in June. There our specialists are available to tell the latest news about the Mastergrip warehouse and its future developments. For more information pls contact sales mgr Matti Lammi at +358 400 464 831.

Unique Mastergrip features

Both wrapped and unwrapped rolls can be handled with the same gripper
Possibility to handle multiple rolls in sets increases remarkably the capacity
6 clamps evenly placed around the roll prevents roll and core deformation
Also available for handling of heavy jumbo rolls. Practically no limits for roll dimensions or weight when handling single rolls.
Excellent net weight ratio enables the replacement of existing vacuum lifter using the same crane
Usually whole diameter range of the rolls may be handled with a single gripper
All actuators electrically driven with low power consumption
Firm grip secured also during power cut
Low maintenance requirements
Optimal for RFID identification with 3 antennas. Transponder can be identified at every orientation.
Patents pending worldwide