Tool Storage Systems Provide Organization, Security and Inventory Control
Upgraded features, new designs and combination hardware and software solutions mean you no longer need to hunt down tools on busy shop floors.
Posted: December 20, 2022
Tool cabinets and storage systems not only securely store tools but also assist in maintaining up-to-date inventories of your shop’s tools so you don’t waste time locating them — or worse — ordering tools only to discover them at a later time.
Unite Tool Inventory Management with Tool Logistics
Sandvik Coromant’s (Mebane, N.C.) CoroPlus® Tool Supply service allows users to unite tool inventory management with tool logistics, helping operators to pick and return tools, manage restocking and maintain inventory control using the same interface.
Keeping track of cutting tools can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially on a busy machine shop floor that requires multiple versions of the same tool. To help maintain control over tool inventory, the CoroPlus Tool Supply combines hardware, software and service solutions to form a user-friendly tool restocking and inventory management system.
The tool supply consists of software, hardware and supporting service elements. Using the CoroPlus Tool Supply hardware, manufacturers can easily store and keep track of tools. Storage options can be tailor-made according to facility demands, with tool vending solutions ranging from open stock, drawers and lids to full tool cabinets. Each hardware option allows tools to be securely stored, without the risk of loss or damage.
As well as physically storing tools, manufacturers can collect and manage a wealth of tool data using the CoroPlus Tool Supply cloud-based interface, which can be used with or without a vending cabinet.
Tool use on the shop floor feeds data into the administration and management side of the system, helping engineers, purchasing and management teams to keep track of tool usage, costs, purchasing and inventory. Connecting to multiple suppliers’ tool databases, CoroPlus Tool Supply can store correct tool information, including ISO parameters, bill of material, spare parts, product images and computer aided design (CAD) file types, in a single area.
For machine operators, this means a greater insight into tool availability, easy access to technical data and the ability to source the right tool for the job. However, this is not the only benefit of the system. The interface can unite several areas of inventory management to streamline restocking. Using CoroPlus Tool Supply, purchase orders for new tools can be raised directly from the shop floor, reducing administration costs. Because inventory can be replenished automatically, plant managers have greater control of their inventory and instant knowledge of their tools’ status.
“The CoroPlus range exists to make manufacturing companies more profitable, streamlined and prepared for the digitalization of industry,” explained Markus Eriksson, Sandvik Coromant’s Business Development Manager for Digital Machining. “CoroPlus Tool Supply complements the existing components of our CoroPlus service, helping to streamline operations even further and bring a new perspective on tool inventory through its integration into the CoroPlus family.
“Although cutting tools aren’t manufacturing’s greatest expense, total tool inventory costs quickly amount if large numbers of tools are not handled correctly,” Eriksson continued. “The CoroPlus Tool Supply interface removes the hassle of tracking down and re-ordering tools, while delivering measurable productivity benefits.”
Integrating CoroPlus Tool Supply doesn’t only benefit those operating machine tools. “Because users of the tool management software and hardware can automatically raise orders for new tools from the shop floor, finance teams will be less burdened with the administration of reordering new parts,” Eriksson said. “Elsewhere, operations teams will find overall tool consumption is reduced, because the exact status of each tool can be instantly discovered — there’s no risk of tools being discarded because it’s assumed they’ve surpassed their lifecycle.
“Additional services are available alongside the tool supply, such as customer specific training, ERP interfacing and interactive system optimization support,” Eriksson continued. “Through these services, Sandvik Coromant helps customers customize reporting, review their specific product data needs and assess inventory levels to make the most of the CoroPlus Tool Supply.”
The potential of the tool supply extends beyond its current capabilities. Future ambitions involve connecting it to other areas of the CoroPlus range, such as the CoroPlus Tool Guide and CoroPlus Tool Library. Then, users will not only benefit from information on the location and status of their tools, but they will also have the opportunity to access full recommendations on tool use, such as advised cutting speeds and data, all taken from the same cloud source.
New Tool Caddy Ideal for HSK 125A Tooling
Stor-Loc Modular Drawer System (Kankakee, IL) has recently introduced the HSK-125A Tool Caddy. This unit has 1/4″ UHMW sheets over 3.80 ID tool holder locations. The bottom pan is 2.5″ below the shelf.
This new tool caddy is designed with new Tool Caddy Shelf Brackets, which are taller to provide 400 pound per shelf capacity. This product is ideal for the Top Heavy HSK125A Tooling.
Stor-Loc Modular Drawer System’s offers a standard delivery schedule of four-to-five weeks. Products are made in the USA with 100% components from the USA.
Newly Redesigned Metal Storage Solutions
Reengineered from the ground up, CRAFTSMAN’s (Towson, MD) S2000 series of metal storage solutions continues the company’s legacy to offer a variety of organization solutions to get the job done.
“Proudly manufactured by nearly 1,000 hard-working employees in Sedalia, Missouri using global materials, CRAFTSMAN is committed to building our S2000 series metal storage solutions for our proud American makers and doers,” said Matt Sallee, director of product management – automotive storage. “Our refreshed S2000 series is keeping its iconic design, while adding new and upgraded features to ensure the highest quality our customers expect.”
In addition to the S2000 series classic features like soft closing ball bearing drawers, new features include I-Frame construction with bumpers, integrated pegboard holes, upgraded casters, center access power strips, included drawer liners and more.
Units are available in red or black and a variety of configurations which include updated features such as:
- Pegboard added to chests and cabinets units for storage customization
- Upgraded casters with toe locking brakes that support a 1,500-pound overall load rating
- Steel I-Frame construction with bumpers added to chest to help increase durability
- Full-grip telescoping chest and tubular cabinet handles for professional-grade mobility
- Included pre-cut non-slide drawer liners
- Internal locking system with over-molded CRAFTSMAN logo key
- Centered access power strip for convenience
With a focus on reliable, high-performance tools, storage and equipment, CRAFTSMAN has revived its long-established pride in superior quality.
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