New Jungheinrich AGV for Sauer Polymertechnik

Sauer Polymertechnik, a manufacturer of plastic packaging and hollow parts, has announced that intralogistics provider Jungheinrich, is implementing a logistics systems solution at its production site in Föritztal, Germany. 

The order includes an automated guided vehicle system (AGV) with eleven of Jungheinrich’s new automated trucks ERC 213a, which will take care of material flow between production and a high-bay warehouse. Via the Jungheinrich Logistics Interface, the automated trucks are connected to the Warehouse Management System (WMS), which Jungheinrich is also providing. The AGVs will service more than 150 stations in total and will perform over 100 transport tasks per hour. The routes of the automated trucks are up to 870m long. 

The ERC 213a is the latest model in the Jungheinrich AGV portfolio. With its compact design, the automated truck is especially suited for automated transport processes in areas where space is at a premium. The ERC 213a also offers a high level of efficiency thanks to modern lithium-ion technology. The 2.8 kW three-phase motor ensures constant performance, while the electronically controlled lift motor enables gentle, quiet hoisting of loads of up to 4,400 mm. With its steel frame and closed structure, the ERC 213a features a particularly robust design. Safety systems, such as the personal protection scanner that comes as standard in this series, check the route for obstacles during operation. The new configuration of the personal protection scanner around the automated truck ensures contactless safety in the drive direction, load direction and while turning corners. Navigation is controlled by a laser guidance system. Jungheinrich developed the ERC 213a based on a series production model which is used in a vast array of applications. One benefit of our proven truck technology for our automation customers is the high level of availability of spare parts. The AGV can easily be integrated into existing IT structures or used as a stand-alone system. 

Jungheinrich first started working with Sauer Polymertechnik’s when it constructed a fully automated high-bay warehouse for pallets in 2015. This included a double-depth, 130-metre long, 23.5-metre wide and 38-metre high storage system in a rack-supported structure, as well as conveyor systems that include centring stations, double pallet stackers and pallet labelling machines, fire protection doors, a stage and three stacker cranes with telescopic forks from the Jungheinrich subsidiary MIAS. In addition, all of the software and IT used in the warehouse is from Jungheinrich, and consists of control technology and a WMS with integrated material flow calculator.

Steve Richmond – Director of Logistics Systems at Jungheinrich UK comments: “The use of automated guided vehicles and a robust warehouse management system within manufacturing and logistics remains a growing trend, as more companies take advantage of new intralogistics technology to help transform operational performance, efficiency, reliability and safety within their business. We’re delighted the be working further with Sauer Polymertechnik as they continue to optimise and automate their processes and manufacturing site.”