For most applications, Kardex Remstar vertical products such as vertical lift modules (VLMs) and vertical carousels (VCs), are installed inside of a manufacturing facility or a logistics center. Most units are simply installed on the slab floor, go up as far as the clear ceiling will allow, and operate in an ambient environment. But they are very adaptable and customizable for unique applications, as covered below.

Dual Access

The VLM and VC products can be equipped with multiple access openings. On the ground level, we could have an opening in the front and an opening in the back to allow for picking and replenishment at the same time. We also can cut an opening in a wall, install the unit up against that wall and utilize the back opening for delivery and takeaway of product from a secure area. And as shown in the image, we can build these units with multiple access openings that can service multiple levels within your facility. The multiple access openings are quite handy when it comes to servicing multiple floors and mezzanines as well.

Temp controlled and clean room

Many times, there is a need to store your valuable or sensitive product in a climate-controlled environment. Whether that means temperature controlled, humidity controlled, or even a clean room, these VLMs and VCs can be equipped from the factory to handle these needs. Combining the dual access capabilities with a clean room unit allows these machines to be installed against the clean room wall, allowing for delivery and take-away from the clean room without having to leave or enter (gown and degrown) the cleanroom.

Nitrogen purged

Long term storage of electrical components can lead to corrosion of sensitive items over time. In the past, companies would build airtight cubbies and introduce nitrogen (displaces oxygen) and greatly increase the shelf life of these sensitive components. VLMs and VCs can come from the factory with special “seal kits” to make these units very airtight. Now the customer can introduce the nitrogen into the VLM or VC and gain the benefits of storage density and inventory control while still protecting their product via a nitrogen (oxygen purged) environment.

Outside installation

Often a customer wants to clean up their floor space to make room for more revenue generating activities. The most common method for doing this is to install a VLM or VC and take advantage of the vertical height within your facility. Sometimes, the vertical height to the clear ceiling is not tall enough to store all their products. Customers can install these units outside of the footprint of their facility and go up as high as the local zoning will allow. We can provide units as tall as 100 feet. Granted the cost of the foundation and enclosure adds cost to the job, but when you can reclaim vast amounts of floor space, it may prevent the need for expansion and allow you to operate in your existing building for that much longer.

Pit mounted or through the roof

Another creative method of increasing the height of the VLM or VC within your footprint is to install the unit in a pit or to cut a hole in the roof and create what they call a “top hat”. Building a pit within your existing facility is quite an endeavor, but if you’re already doing construction on an addition, creating a, let’s say, 10-foot-deep pit is not as involved. The VLM or VC would be installed in the pit and the access opening would simply be moved up an additional 10 feet to allow for normal operator access.

The “top hat” is an alternative to the outside installation as depicted. The VLM or VC would be installed within your facility and the roof above the units would be cut open and a “top hat” installed to increase the height of the VLM or VC. The benefits to top hat are that you’re utilizing your existing foundation, not expanding the footprint of your facility, and if need be, accessing HVAC from your existing system.

Solutions for unique applications

Vertical lift modules and VCs are a great way to reclaim floor space, increase the speed and accuracy of your picks, secure valuable and sensitive material, and gain control over your material utilizing software.

These VLMs and VCs offer tremendous benefits and are quite adaptable to many different environments and unique applications. If you’re looking for a special solution for your unique applications, Abel Womack will customize a solution just for you.