With the successful launch of the PHS 3000 Allround pallet handling system, Liebherr’s PHS family is now complete. It enables the handling of large and heavy parts weighing up to three tons. Particularly in this area, automation can achieve a high degree of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The PHS 3000 Allround contains all the proven qualities of the PHS family,  just like its smaller siblings the PHS 800 and PHS 1500, the system automatically supplies machine tools with machine pallets. A flexible combination of standardized modules enables the user to uniquely configure their systems and allow for machine tools, setup stations, pallet storage and further modules to be added for expansion and scalability in all directions.

Large telescopic stroke for heavy parts

In the new weight class, large and heavy parts weighing up to three tons of transport load can be automated – for example, valves for pipelines, axle components for heavy commercial vehicles or structural parts for the aerospace industry. For the PHS 3000 Allround, a particularly robust telescoping stroke was developed. This also retains the special advantage of frontal access; the operator is able to access the machine at all times through a door between the PHS and the machine. This ensures minimal downtime and high productivity, since the system continues to run when decoupling individual machines for manual activities or maintenance work. The shelf magazine on the PHS 3000 Allround also offers pallet storage for up to three levels.

Particularly economical for heavy loads

The intelligent software makes automation profitable even with low batch sizes: “The cell control follows the material flow and manages orders so intelligently that even small batch sizes can be elegantly conveyed through [the system]”, explains Agnes Pröbstl, Product Manager of Automation Systems at Liebherr.

The possibility of setup during the machining process and unmanned manufacturing in multi-shift operation increases the machine runtime by up to 90 percent and reduces the unit costs by up to 40 percent; overall, increasing the capacity by two and half times. Because of the higher machine investment when machining large components, the automated handling is particularly profitable for parts with a high volume or weight. A pallet handling automation system increases the manufacturing capacity without additional machines and can therefore even cut investment costs.

About the Liebherr Group

The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality and user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 140 companies across all continents. In 2020, it employed around 48,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 10.3 billion euros. Liebherr was founded in Kirchdorf an der Iller in Southern Germany in 1949. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.