Due to a growing demand of storage for printing plates, this customer was looking for an extension with BCM. Since many years this corrugated factory has been a customer of BCM and they have already a large variation of flatbed die, rotary die and manual printing plate storages on several locations in their factory. In order to simplify the logistics and optimize the space for expansions in the future, the customer wanted something new and technologically sound, with a large capacity, easy accessibility and positioned right next to the ink kitchen.

The Solution

This particular solution was the first of its kind from BCM: SmartStorage P1, F-type. A semi-automatic printing plate storage with a front-mounted crane on a single rack storage solution. As always, this storage solution is 100% customized by BCM Transtech to fit this particular location and customer needs. The new semi-automatic technology from BCM Transtech was chosen, as it is still very easy to operate manually, but with a lot of smart and supporting software functions as well as operational safety.

The Operation of the BCM SmartStorage P1, F-type

The crane is pushed manually by the operator. In principle similar to the manual cranes from BCM Transtech, aka the BCM PrimeStorage. However, in the semi-automatic version like this, all printing plates have been registered in the system of the storage. This means that the storage knows exactly where all dies are located in the storage, which is a big advantage in both collection and returning the printing plates. When the operator types in the printing plates he needs, the system tells him where to go with the crane. On the monitor the operator can even see exactly when he is in the right spot and when he is then ready to collect or return the printing plates. This BCM SmartStorage solution is available with several extra smart software options. As standard is has remote access devices installed for online support, an industrial pc, database and mechanical equipment making this system far superior to the BCM PrimeStorage is many ways.  ​​​​​​​

Loading and unloading the trolley

In the front-mounted crane systems from BCM, this being BCM SmartStorages or BCM PrimeStorage, the trolleys for the dies, or as in this example the printing plates, are always positioned inside the storage in a garage for the trolleys. The trolley has a fixed position in the garage, thus the software and control system of the storage always know exactly where the trolley is and where and how to deliver and collect. As with the storage, the software control system does not allow the operator to make any mistakes and assists the operator in positioning the trolley correctly. The trolley itself is on wheels and very easy to maneuver by the operator.