Vertical Lift Module Vs Vertical Carousel

Vertical Lift

A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) has a series of drawers (trays) that are picked up by an automatic lift and deposited in picking bays. These systems consist of two rows of slotted supports which contain trays that are transported by an automated elevator from the supports to the picking bay.
The elevator moves vertically in the center between the two rows of supports and presents the tray out to the operator. It is controlled by a hardware and software system that is efficient and easy to use. Our Modula vertical lift can support up to 70 tonnes of storage and the elevator can move at speeds of average 2 metres per second. Vertical lifts evolved from the vertical carousel in the 90’s and are the new technology in automated storage.

Vertical Carousel

A Vertical Carousel has a series of carriers (shelves) supported by chains that rotate vertically in a closed loop. All inventory stored in a Vertical Carousel is moved when parts are retrieved (picked) and replenished. Vertical Carousels were the original type of automated vertical storage introduced many years ago with machines still in operation after 30 years. They are ideal for small parts. The shelves stop in front of a bench where the operator can pick from an ergonomic height. Vertical carousels need to have a fairly balanced load so the motors are not struggling to move the shelves around. Small parts are normally in storage bins which are pulled out so that the operator doesn’t have to reach in to get a part.

Vertical Carousel

Vertical Lift