Automation
Material handling systems, automated loading and unloading, vertical storage towers, and fully integrated fabrication lines that keep your cutting equipment producing around the clock.
Up to 80%
Floor Space Savings
< 40 sec
Tray Exchange Time
5 Systems
Han's Laser Automation
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Advantages
Why Choose Automation?
Continuous Production
Automated loading and unloading keeps your laser running through shift changes, breaks, and overnight operations without operator intervention.
Throughput Gains
Eliminate table-exchange wait time and manual material handling bottlenecks. Full-cycle systems like the ALU Series reach horizontal speeds of 60 m/min.
Safety and Consistency
Servo-controlled automation with safety interlocks replaces manual sheet handling, reducing injury risk while delivering repeatable positioning accuracy.
Scalable Configurations
Start with a single-machine loader and expand to multi-tower, multi-machine lines. Every system supports modular growth from standalone units to full factory automation.
Featured
ALU Series
Full-cycle automation: servo-driven loading, multi-tower storage, and fork unloading at up to 60 m/min
Han's ALU Series
Models
ALU3015-B, ALU4020-B
Max sheet size
3,000 x 1,500 x 20 mm (3015-B), 4,000 x 2,000 x 16 mm (4020-B)
Horizontal travel speed
Up to 60 m/min
Lift speed
Up to 9 m/min
Our Machines
The Complete Automation Lineup
Each system is engineered for specific applications. Compare specs to find the right fit.
Automated sheet metal loading and unloading system
SLU Series
The SLU Series pairs a vacuum suction loading device with a comb-fork unloader on a single gantry-style C-frame, giving a laser cutting machine hands-free sheet exchange in a compact footprint. Individually controlled suction cups pick raw sheets with single-sheet detection to prevent double feeds, while the comb-fork mechanism slides under finished parts and scrap for clean removal. Two electronic carts rated at four tonnes each shuttle material between the storage area and the cutting station at 20 m/min. The welded C-frame goes through a stress-relief cycle (welding, rough machining, vibratory stress relief, precision finishing) for long-term dimensional stability. PLC-based control handles both manual and automatic modes, with modular programming that simplifies diagnostics and maintenance. ACM configures the SLU with optional FMS intelligent scheduling through the Hans APC-FMS 4.0 platform, which coordinates task assignment, parameter adjustment, and integration with ERP, MES, WMS, and CAM systems across the shop floor.
- Footprint (L x W x H)
- 18.5 x 5.6 x 4 m
- Max travel speed
- 40 m/min
- Max positioning speed
- 8 m/min
- Max sheet size
- 3,000 x 1,500 x 5 mm
Compact sheet automation system for laser cutting
CLU Series
The CLU Series uses a compact gantry structure to give a laser cutting machine continuous automated loading and unloading without the footprint of a full tower system. Independent loading and unloading modules work simultaneously: vacuum suction cups handle raw sheets while a separate fork mechanism clears finished parts, so the laser never waits for a table exchange. Sheet separation and thickness detection prevent double feeds and catch material errors before they reach the cutting head. ACM configures the CLU in two standard sheet formats (3015 for sheets up to 3,000 x 1,500 x 25 mm, and 4020 for sheets up to 4,000 x 2,000 x 16 mm). The modular construction means faster commissioning and simpler layout changes compared to fixed-frame systems. For shops moving toward unattended production, the CLU integrates with tower storage expansions and connects to MES platforms through its IoT-enabled control system. Safety guardrails and interlock switches come standard.
- Sheet formats
- 3015 (up to 3,000 x 1,500 x 25 mm), 4020 (up to 4,000 x 2,000 x 16 mm)
- Frame type
- Compact gantry structure
- Loading method
- Vacuum suction cups with sheet separation
- Unloading method
- Independent fork mechanism
Automated vertical sheet storage tower
AS Series
The AS Series replaces floor-level sheet racks with vertical tower storage that holds up to 60 tonnes of material in a fraction of the floor space. A single tower with 20 storage levels takes up roughly 4.5 x 4 metres of floor area while storing sheets, semi-finished parts, and finished workpieces on trays rated to three tonnes each. One-button tray retrieval completes in about 40 seconds, and the built-in warehouse management system tracks inventory in real time with barcode scanning and automatic weight and height measurement. ACM supplies the AS in two standard models: the AS3015-S for sheets up to 3 m x 1.5 m, and the AS4020-S for sheets up to 4 m x 2 m. Both offer 10, 15, or 20 storage levels with a maximum stacking height of 90 mm per level. The tower connects directly to laser cutting machines, press brakes, punch presses, and downstream equipment through a rear discharge port, making it the centrepiece of an automated production cell. Single, dual, or multi-tower configurations are available, and the WMS integrates with ERP and MES systems for centralized inventory control across the shop floor.
- Models
- AS3015-S, AS4020-S
- Max sheet size
- 3,000 x 1,500 mm (3015-S), 4,000 x 2,000 mm (4020-S)
- Storage levels
- 10, 15, or 20
- Load capacity per level
- 3 tonnes
Fully integrated sheet metal fabrication line
MLU Series
The MLU Series connects every stage of sheet metal fabrication into a single automated line. Intelligent storage towers feed raw sheets to gantry-structured laser cutting machines, vision-guided sorting stations classify finished parts by size or order, robotic press brakes handle bending to +/-0.01 mm tolerance, and laser welding stations complete the assembly with minimal thermal distortion. The entire sequence runs from a unified scheduling platform that coordinates material flow without manual intervention between stations. ACM configures MLU lines around each shop's specific product mix and throughput targets. The storage module uses compact vertical towers that take roughly one-fifth the floor space of conventional warehousing while handling over 100 tonnes of material daily. Vision-guided sorting uses industrial cameras with deep-learning algorithms for real-time part identification, and the robotic bending cells scan each part before picking for automatic alignment and forming. For shops producing energy storage cabinets, elevator panels, appliance housings, or general enclosures, the MLU eliminates the labour and handling time between separate cutting, bending, and welding stations.
- Process stages
- Storage, laser cutting, vision sorting, robotic bending, laser welding
- Daily material handling capacity
- Over 100 tonnes
- Bending tolerance
- +/- 0.01 mm
- Vision sorting
- Industrial cameras with deep-learning part identification
See everything we carry from Han's Laser.
Side by Side
Compare Systems
See how each platform stacks up across the specs that matter most.
ALU SeriesFeatured
- Automation Level
- Full-cycle (load, cut, unload, sort)
- Max Sheet Format
- 4,000 x 2,000 mm
- Storage Capacity
- Up to 40 slots, 3T per rack
- Multi-Machine Support
- 1-to-4 configurations
- Best For
- High-volume multi-machine lines
SLU Series
- Automation Level
- Load and unload
- Max Sheet Format
- 3,000 x 1,500 mm
- Storage Capacity
- Electronic carts (4T each)
- Multi-Machine Support
- 1-to-N expandable
- Best For
- Single-machine, compact footprint
CLU Series
- Automation Level
- Load and unload
- Max Sheet Format
- 4,000 x 2,000 mm
- Storage Capacity
- Optional tower expansion
- Multi-Machine Support
- Modular add-on
- Best For
- Entry-level with upgrade path
AS Series
- Automation Level
- Storage and retrieval
- Max Sheet Format
- 4,000 x 2,000 mm
- Storage Capacity
- Up to 60 tonnes (20 levels)
- Multi-Machine Support
- Multi-tower centralized
- Best For
- Space-constrained storage
+1 more machine — view full table on desktop
| Specification | ALU SeriesFeatured | SLU Series | CLU Series | AS Series | MLU Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automation Level | Full-cycle (load, cut, unload, sort) | Load and unload | Load and unload | Storage and retrieval | Full factory (storage to welding) |
| Max Sheet Format | 4,000 x 2,000 mm | 3,000 x 1,500 mm | 4,000 x 2,000 mm | 4,000 x 2,000 mm | Custom |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 40 slots, 3T per rack | Electronic carts (4T each) | Optional tower expansion | Up to 60 tonnes (20 levels) | Integrated smart towers |
| Multi-Machine Support | 1-to-4 configurations | 1-to-N expandable | Modular add-on | Multi-tower centralized | Unified line |
| Best For | High-volume multi-machine lines | Single-machine, compact footprint | Entry-level with upgrade path | Space-constrained storage | Full factory automation |
Applications
Industries We Serve
Automation systems are trusted across diverse industries and production environments.
FAQ
Automation Questions
Answers to common questions about our automation products.
ACM supplies automation from two manufacturers. From Messer Cutting Systems: shuttle tables, dual-pallet exchange systems, storage towers with turntable feeding, and PlasmaFLEX automated load/unload systems for plasma cutting. From Han's Laser: the ALU and SLU Series loaders/unloaders, the CLU Series compact gantry automation, the AS Series vertical storage towers, and the MLU Series fully integrated fabrication lines covering storage through cutting, sorting, bending, and welding.
Yes, both Messer and Han's Laser automation systems can be retrofitted to compatible machines already on your floor. ACM handles the site assessment, mechanical integration, and control system setup. For Han's Laser systems, the CLU and SLU Series are particularly well suited to retrofit installations due to their compact, modular construction.
The ALU Series is a full-scale system with multi-tower storage, FMS scheduling, and 1-to-N machine configurations for high-volume production. The SLU Series is a mid-range option with vacuum loading, comb-fork unloading, and electronic carts in a compact footprint. The CLU Series is the most compact gantry-style option with independent loading and unloading modules, ideal for shops starting with basic automation.
The AS Series vertical storage towers typically free 60 to 80 percent of the floor space used by conventional flat racks. A single 20-level tower stores up to 60 tonnes of material in a footprint of roughly 4.5 x 4 metres.
Yes. All Han's Laser automation systems support lights-out operation when paired with storage towers. The ALU and MLU Series include FMS scheduling platforms that coordinate multi-machine production without operator intervention. The CLU Series connects to tower storage expansions for unmanned cutting cycles.
Han's Laser automation integrates with MES, ERP, WMS, and CAM systems through standard interfaces. The Hans APC-FMS 4.0 platform provides centralized scheduling and monitoring. Messer systems connect through Global Connect controls and OmniFab production software.
ACM manages the full lifecycle: layout assessment, system specification, installation, operator training, and ongoing service from our Cambridge, Ontario base. We design automation solutions around your floor layout, shift pattern, and throughput targets rather than offering generic catalogue configurations.
Guides
Maintaining your Automation
Written by the people who install and service these machines.
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Our team has 19+ years of experience helping Canadian manufacturers find the right cutting and processing equipment.
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50+
Machine Models
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