Steel fabricators are driving the change from labour intensive material handling processes to automated material handling processes in a big way. The Middle East fabricator faces a gamut of difficulties involving labour intensive processes. Whilst cost of labour is going up, associated costs like government fees, visa costs, accommodation costs and retention costs are on the rise too. Added to that are costs of training and replacement.

Over time, the steel fabrication and overall manufacturing industry has seen a trend towards automating their material handling processes, be it through cranes, magnetic lifting, positioners or robotic solutions.

“SteelFab as the regions premier steel industry event has over the past editions reflected this change in the industry here,” said Saif Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah. “We have noticed this change on our show floor, where the exhibits have evolved over the editions. We now have more representation in material handling robots, overhead cranes, magnetic lifting and vacuum lifting,” he added.

Stadlers’ KASTOecostore tower storage system saves floor space

SteelFab 2019, the Middle East´s largest trade show for the metal working industry, will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE, from January 14 to 17, 2019.

Innovation is key for Stadlers Corp, a regular exhibitor at SteelFab, and with this vision it has now introduced the KASTOecostore tower storage system with automation for quick retrieval of sheets and round bars. The system accommodates material upto 1.5 m deep and upto 4000mm long. The KASTOecostore saves floor space and comes as standard with its own SmartControl, which has an intuitive, touchscreen HMI user interface for rapid, error-free data input by all operators.

Stadlers Corp has successfully installed over a hundred large capacity Tecnolift magnetic systems for handling of plates, profiles, rebar systems. This gives a quick ROI, cost effective edge to structural fabricators of warehouses, hangars and other complex structures for efficient and safe handling of plates, profiles, rebars, coils.

Safe and reliable lifting and handling for stainless steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous materials is supported by proven German vacuum-lifter technology. Automated container stuffing systems for boxes have also been successfully delivered across the region’s port’s increasing delivery speeds reducing bottlenecks. Manufactured by Lankhorst Netherlands, Stadlers provides safe coil storage with stacking upto three levels and 100 tonnes capacity. Its storage and handling devices are easily installed within existing cranes or structures and instantly add a professional atmosphere to the facility.

“Stadlers have been a large participant of the Steelfab exhibition for almost a decade and prefer the exhibition over other trade shows in the region for allowing us to meet and showcase innovation in both the steel production and fabrication sector. Keeping with the industry trend we now offer complete turnkey structural steel factory equipment and this coming edition we showcase our material handling and also low cost European laser system with Vanad 2000 group which provides all the advanced features and functions required for metal cutting,” said Sudesh Rodrigues, director, Stadlers Corp.

Yes Machinery, another regular exhibitor at SteelFab has two divisions: one is steel fabrication machines and the other industrial solutions. Yes is an absolute answer for the most innovative solutions for material handling operations across industries ranging from heavy lifting in fabrication industry to delicate lifting solutions in glass and aluminium industries. Yes is currently associated with the most reputed brands from across the globe in handling systems thus ensuring tailor-made solutions for clients for the daily hassles and challenges at the shop floor. One of the premium partners is Fezer, the German vacuum lifter manufacturer, offering solutions that could handle a weight of up to 400 tonnes with ease. 

Basanth Raghavan, sales director at Yes Machinery said: “We at Yes Machinery believe in a future world of sustainability which makes us obligated to make safety a culture, ergonomics a promise and increase in productivity an end result.”

Eurogulf Machines & Tools, offers a full range of material handling robots that can automate some of the most tedious, dull, and unsafe tasks in a production line and is one of the easiest ways to add automation. These robots enhance the efficiency of production line by providing quality products in a timely manner.

The show timings are from 10 am to 7 pm daily and the admission is free for all trade and professional visitors. More information is available at www.steelfabme.com