PTM ALS system for the tobacco industry

The CargoMatic system allows the semi-trailer to be loaded and unloaded quickly (90sec) with almost any load - in this case, cartons of various sizes. It is used in shuttle transport between the semi-product warehouse and production.

In this project, both the stationary system and the semi-trailer with the mobile system were customized to meet the customer's requirements. The transport takes place on a production site with very dense buildings, making it virtually impossible to maneuver a full-size semi-trailer (13.6m). Therefore, especially for this project, we ordered a shorter (10.5m), two-axle semi-trailer and adapted the length of the CargoMatic systems to the length of the semi-trailer.

At the loading site, due to the lack of space in the warehouse to install a stationary system, a step-by-step loading option is used. This is possible, thanks to an independent control unit installed on the semi-trailer. The forklift operator positions the load (in this case, cardboard boxes) at the edge of the semi-trailer. Sensors installed in the semi-trailer detect the positioning of the entire load row and the semi-trailer's CargoMatic system moves the load one position forward, allowing the next load row to be positioned. This action is repeated, until the semi-trailer is fully loaded. Using this loading option only requires the semi-trailer to be connected to a 400V power supply. 

This version of loading is not as fast as the fully automatic version (combining the semi-trailer system with the system at the dock), but it is definitely faster than traditional loading. The forklift does not have to enter the semi-trailer, so it covers a shorter distance, which reduces loading time and fuel consumption (less co2). The lack of need for the forklift to enter the semi-trailer also translates into no damage to both the goods being loaded and the semi-trailer itself. The plan is to modernize the warehouse to include space for the installation of a stationary CargoMatic system.

A fully automated process is already in operation at the unloading site - a combination of the trailer system and the stationary system. It allows a full semi-trailer to be unloaded in about 120 seconds. Before the installation of the automatic loading systems, the unloading process took about 40 minutes, and required an additional forklift and an operator to operate it.

The installation of automatic unloading systems from PTM Polska has significantly improved the efficiency of logistics processes inside the plant, reduced costs (fewer forklifts), resulted in less damage to goods, and improved the safety and comfort of the crew.