MARCH (Multi Axis Rapid Cincinnati Handling) System

Cincinnati Inc. (CI) continues its manufacturing solutions with the new MARCH (Multi Axis Rapid Cincinnati Handling) system for automated handling of metal fabrication materials. The MARCH system is for use with CI lasers to reduce operating cost and increase productivity and safety.

The system is custom designed and expands with additional components to grow with a business, or to accommodate specific space requirements. MARCH is available in two configurations: standard or high density. Configurations range from simple load/unload to those with expandable towers, output stations, over/under carts and conveyors. The system can also serve additional lasers on the shop floor. Standard systems are available with four to 10 shelves and will accommodate wooden pallets. High-density systems add up to another six shelves, and all shelves are rated to handle up to 6,600 lbs. each. 

“The MARCH system is taking automated material handling to places it may not have been able to go previously,” said Troy Wilson, product manager for cutting products, Cincinnati. “The design flexibility of the system allows us to adapt it to the available space. And with load/unload times of less than 50 seconds, the impact on operation efficiency is immediate.”

MARCH systems are available for both 5 ft. x 10 ft. and 2 M x 4 M CO₂ and fiber lasers from CI. Optional powered over/under carts can be added to either or both sides of the laser load frame for raw material and finished parts. The carts travel in and out of the protected zone for continuous operation. A sheet transporter uses vacuum cups to lift the top sheet off a stack of material and deliver it to the laser load table. Raw material can be placed on skids, pallets or carts positioned underneath the material handling rails. A material separation system includes a peeler, fanning magnet, air knife separator and material thickness detector to assist in material separation. Retractable forks remove the finished nest from the laser load table and deliver it to a cart or pallet.