Ready-to-install cable carrier systems prove their worth in logistics solutions from SSI Schaefer

Profile

• What was needed: E2/000 series energy chain, chainflex® cable, ready-to-connect "readycable®" with HARTING industrial connectors
• Requirements: standardised components with the aim of procuring subsystems from a single source wherever possible; use even at temperatures as low as -30 °C in deep-freeze storage, throughput of up to 30 double cycles per hour, high availability
• Sector: Warehouse logistics, fresh produce sector, deep-freeze sector
• Success for the customer: The ready-to-connect systems from igus® optimise the procurement process, streamline internal logistics and reduce assembly times; special connectors enable easy handling and reliably ensure power and signal transmission even at sub-zero temperatures

Problem

As a globally active general contractor, SSI Schaefer realises complex logistics systems, from system planning and consulting to turnkey systems and customised service and maintenance offers. Software solutions for bearing through to material flow management round off the service portfolio. In order to work as flexibly and efficiently as possible, SSI Schaefer largely relies on standardised assemblies with the aim of procuring subsystems from a single source wherever possible.
A current example of such a turnkey system is the storage and retrieval unit "Exyz", which ensures fully automated storage of pallets. The name is self-explanatory. The E stands for efficiency in terms of energy consumption and performance on all three axes X, Y and Z on which the SRU operates: Longitudinal travel, stroke and storage and retrieval movements. Exyz offers maximum flexibility: the storage and retrieval unit can be used as a single or double master with one or two load handling devices for single, double or multiple depth storage and retrieval, including SSI Orbiter LHD.
The configuration of the system is modular. The machine components are manufactured in series, pre-assembled in the factory, tested and dispatched before being put into operation worldwide in the shortest possible time.
In addition to the high performance, the area of application of such storage and retrieval machines places the highest demands on all individual components as well as the energy supply. For example
SRU must function reliably in deep-freeze environments at temperatures as low as -30 °C. Not only the energy supply itself, but also the individual connectors must ensure reliable power and signal transmission even at these sub-zero temperatures.

Solution

Since the introduction of the "Exyz" in 2012, SSI Schaefer has relied on pre-assembled energy chain systems for the up and down movements. Specifically, the system solution consists of an energy chain from the E2/000 series, fail-safe chainflex® control and data cables as well as bus and motor cables.
The cables were supplied as a ready-to-connect "readycable®" system, which optimises the procurement process, streamlines internal logistics and reduces assembly times. The term "readycable®" refers to pre-assembled cables that are already fitted with the necessary connectors.
To ensure high availability of the system components and minimise maintenance and repair costs, igus® focuses on precisely these connectors. If the stacker crane is used in the deep-freeze area at temperatures down to -30 °C or in the fresh food area at up to +5 °C, the system is fitted with Harting connectors, which not only enable easy handling, but also reliably ensure power and signal transmission even at high sub-zero temperatures.
SSI Schäfer has been using igus® energy supply systems for many years. Before the introduction of Exyz, the company assembled its own cables. Since 2012, for economic reasons, only pre-assembled systems have been used, which only need to be installed at the respective construction site. Today, a pre-tested system is simply packed in a load carrier and delivered to the respective construction site. There, the system only needs to be connected on site. "And this works perfectly thanks to standardisation," confirms Sebastian Leimeister, Team Leader Warehouse Machine Hardware at SSI Schaefer.