Essemtec’s Tower Increases Variosystems Flexibility of Production

For several months, Variosystems has been testing the Tower storage system in production. Open component reels and trays were not returned to the main storage, but kept within the Tower. This concept minimizes logistic efforts, reduces feeder setup time and the increases production flexibility. Based on the positive experience and savings, Variosystems decided to automate its complete component stock and move it into production.

Variosystems implements multiple Tower automatic storage systems from Essemtec. The Tower protects components from ESD, humidity and high temperatures when they are not set up on feeders. It features a controlled dry climate, in which components with MSL classification can be stored even without dry packs. Component storage and retrieval is simple, fast and fully automated.

The Tower offers storage space for 546 reels. For additional storage capacity, multiple towers can be clustered. The system includes software for stock management and consumption tracking. Component retrieval is just-in-time when they are needed for feeder setup. The access time for every component is only 8-12 seconds.

Additionally, the Tower can reduce component storage and management costs in small or large production. It shortens access and handling time, avoids unnecessary baking of MSL classified components and saves masses of MSL and ESD protection packing materials.