Cargotec (Kalmar) asked Vicoma to assist in designing a so-called 6 over 5 stacker crane. Cargotec offers products and services that contribute to faster, smarter and more sustainable world trade. Kalmar, part of Cargotec, is a global leader in terminal automation and energy-efficient container handling. They offer a wide range of solutions and services for handling cargo at ports, terminals, distribution centres and heavy industry.
Project: more storage capacity with 6 over 5 stacker crane
When we received the request from Cargotec, containers could be stacked up to four high. Cargotec wanted to create more storage capacity by increasing the maximum stacking height. The goal was therefore to be able to stack five containers on top of each other instead of four. To be able to realise this, a 6 over 5 stacker crane is needed. It is important that the crane is strong enough to carry out all the movements required. The stacker crane also has a system that stabilises the containers. This system must also be applied to the new stacker crane.
Vicoma’s role: strength calculations and free-running check
Vicoma’s mechanical and machine building engineers were tasked with helping Cargotec design the new stacker crane. To this end they made strength calculations for the crane’s legs, girder and wheelsets. In order to allow the storage process to run without interruptions, the free movement of the cables between the containers and in the cat was checked using a 3D model. Our engineers also checked whether cable runs remained within the enclosure angles.
Result: a properly functioning stacker crane
The efforts made resulted in a feasible design. Cargotec has already realised several 6 over 5 stacker cranes, which are being used successfully at the Maasvlakte at ECT. Together with Cargotec, we can look back with satisfaction on a fine project in which the objective has been achieved: the maximum storage capacity of the containers has been increased.
