Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) and Carousels are similar in their purpose and effects, but they do have unique differences. If you’re wondering what differentiates these two automation solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve outlined the varying characteristics between VLMs and Carousels, highlighting what you need to know about the mechanical, physical, and cost differences between these two automation solutions.
Before we get into the differences, let’s quickly talk about what makes these material handling solutions similar. Both the VLM and Carousel are high-density storage solutions. They both make the most of available clear height and have excellent compaction of material (i.e. minimizing stored air), which means ultimately their small footprint saves a great amount of floor space. This can make it easier for these new automation solutions to be integrated into current setups or fit into new facility layouts.
VLMs and Carousels both can function as standalone machines or communicate with your company’s ERP. Both can also manage access for specific personnel to specific areas of the machine, keeping inventory and tools safe from unauthorized personnel. Vertical Lift Modules and Carousels are both heavily customizable in a wide variety of ways, allowing them to meet specific storage requirement needs for many different customers in different industries and use cases.
Now, let’s get into what makes these two automation solutions different.
What is a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)?
A vertical lift module is a secure lift system utilizing trays to store and retrieve items to a pick window. Opposed to a carousel where all material is moved in a sequential manner, individual trays are manipulated one at a time. Customers can store material of widely varying heights within a VLM, limited only by the height of the access opening, making the basic tray platform ideal for storing a wide variety of items, especially large or uniquely shaped inventory.
What is a Carousel?
A carousel is an automated shelving system that brings items to users on a track system. When an item is called down to the picking window, all trays rotate internally. The shelves in these carousels are all the same height. Carousels typically occupy a much smaller footprint than a VLM (especially in terms of machine depth) and don’t need as much internal space dedicated to mechanical components, so their storage density is typically greater than a VLM of equal height.
How high are typical Vertical Lift Modules vs Carousels?
VLMs can vary in heights and can be customized based on what works for your facility. The Hanel Lean Lift that ISS Material Handling provides is especially beneficial above 20’ and can reach heights up to 60 feet tall.
Vertical carousels, such as the Hanel Rotomat can fit in a building with clear height less than 26 feet high. This is to ensure that the weight balance will be accurate and the machine will remain stable. Above this height, a VLM is necessary.
What is the footprint of a Vertical Lift Module?
A vertical lift module typically takes up about 150 sq ft of space. VLMs are typically deeper than carousels with trays coming in 4-13 ft and the depths varying from 2-3ft deep.
The Hanel Lean Lift has up to 85% space savings for footprints, making it ideal for facilities that want a small footprint automation solution.
What is the footprint of a Carousel?
Vertical carousel footprints are typically 32-65 sq ft of space. The Hanel Rotomat also has up to 85% space savings, which is great for facilities needing high density storage solutions without a large footprint.
What is the picking speed of a Vertical Lift Module?
While neither Carousels or Vertical Lift Modules are recommended for the inventory and operations that require the highest possible picking speeds, both options can still achieve impressive rates that are satisfactory for many operations. For operations where pick speed is a priority, VLMs can be equipped with higher-speed motors for faster operations and with laser pointers and even Augmented Reality-integration to quickly indicate the location of the item needed for picking. This enables workers to pick and retrieve items faster. An average picking speed for a vertical lift module is 150 to 350 lines per hour.
What is the picking speed of a vertical carousel?
Vertical carousels have picking speeds of 100 to 400 items per hour. The Hanel Rotomat has a wide variety of unique and very useful storage opening configurations. These range from drawers to plastic bin trays to open shelves with movable dividers, which combined with pick-to-light-esque light bars can enable impressive pick speeds and accuracy.
What is the typical cost for a vertical lift module vs a carousel?
Some assume carousels require a lower investment than VLMs, but they are typically similar in cost. It’s important to consult with experts to help evaluate your operations
Ready to start your automation project?
Finding the right automation solution for your facility is important to ensure that your specific needs are met. Our St. Louis material handling experts are here to help you find the best solution, whether that be a vertical lift module, carousel, or maybe something else. Reach out to ISS Material Handling here to inquire about material handling solutions or hop on the phone with one of our St. Louis automation experts at 833-754-2164.
About the Author
John Fontaine
Automation Sales Lead
After a 9 year career as an officer in the US Navy Submarine Force, John developed vital experience in the advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems with business development roles at two major defense contractors. In directing the growth of ISS Material Shelving, a division of Industrial Shelving Systems, John’s mission is clear: to remain thoroughly customer-focused, ensuring that businesses who partner with ISS Material Handling seize the right opportunities for automation adoption, fueling responsible growth amidst challenging economic circumstances. When not in the office, John enjoys all things music, cooking, and fitness.