A comprehensive modular storage and retrieval system that offers high levels of automation gained for German sawing machine and systems builder, Kasto, an MWP award.

During the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition, Kasto won the category 'Best Workholding/Workhandling Equipment' for its Unicompact multi-level, automated storage and retrieval system, Managing director of the German company, Armin Stolzer, collected the Award at the MWP Awards Dinner, held in Birmingham, A panel of eleven independent judges assessing MWP Award competitors said it chose Kasto's Unicompact system because it was: 'A comprehensive modular storage and retrieval system that offers the levels of automation that are essential in an increasingly competitive global environment'

The multi-level, stock material automated storage and retrieval systems can be up to 25m in height.

They feature excellent space utilisation in new and existing buildings and are suited for use by stockholders, extruders and metals manufacturers.

The systems handle metal bar as well as sheet sizes up to 5 tonnes/cassette.

A gantry crane carries out speedy picking and deliveries on a 'random cassette' basis, which decreases picking time by up to 30% in a high density, honeycomb matrix offering maximum material storage.

Using the 'material to operator' principle, the Unicompact bar storage system delivers material rapidly to outfeed/picking stations for further processing and/or shipping.

An extensive variety of station designs increases the efficiency of internal processing and commissioning of solids, tubes or profiles, be they of steel, non-ferrous metals, plastics or even wood. 

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