What shapes an S01 stacker project cost?

Compare the delivered task, not just a base-machine figure

A useful S01 budget describes what happens from receiving a panel to handing over a finished stack. Start with the actual panel family and one of the three selection routes: 2.5–12 m single unit; over 12 m stacking-only single-unit review; or over 12 m turnover with synchronized dual units.

Those routes do not set a fixed price. A firm quotation needs the permitted panel combinations, handling sequence and supply boundary. Use this guide to compare the scope of the task and identify what remains to be confirmed.

Which parts of the project change the budget?

The recorded single-unit stack height is not a dual-unit rating. Do not use S04 load, vacuum tooling or nominal cycle values to compare an S01 proposal. Ask each bidder to respond to the same workpiece records and project scope.

Use four statuses for every quoted item

1. Included / optionalIdentify the supplied item or separately priced option and the configuration it belongs to.
2. ExcludedRecord who supplies the missing equipment or service and where handover occurs.
3. Awaiting informationKeep the unresolved drawing, sample or interface visible. An unanswered scope line is not included.

Compare machine and integration scope before comparing totals. Keep currency, trade term, freight, tax treatment where applicable, installation and payment conditions explicit in the actual commercial response. This guide assigns no tax rate or legal interpretation.

Use the existing automation quotation checklist for the common bid schedule and download the quotation comparison worksheet. The worksheet collects responses; it does not estimate an S01 price.

Build a useful operating-cost baseline

Before discussing savings, record what the current process actually consumes. Use a representative period and identify its product mix. Keep observed costs separate from targets or proposed changes.

• Current staffed tasks, hours and applicable local labour cost; identify the tasks that remain after stacking automation.
• Actual panel arrivals, waiting time, stack-clearing time and production stops, with causes recorded.
• Rejected or damaged panels and handling-related surface observations against your current quality criteria.
• Maintenance, consumables, energy records where available, and the responsibilities for downstream removal.
• Proposed installation downtime, training, initial spare parts and any continuing service charges from the written offer.

Use those records to compare the current operation with a proposal under stated assumptions. An assumed number of operators saved or a short workshop clip cannot establish payback. No return-on-investment period is claimed here.

Keep performance claims attached to their conditions

Ask which panel was handled, its measured mass, the motion sequence, the cycle start/end events and what interruptions were included. Define representative-run output separately from an individual cycle. Ask how stack removal and product changes affect the proposal.

The three S01 workshop videos illustrate single-unit turnover, receiving-to-placement and synchronized dual-unit handling. They are useful for explaining the requested task; they do not establish a guaranteed output, labour reduction or installed-project result.

A proposal's performance commitment, if agreed, should identify the actual sample family and test conditions. Installation, training, manuals and overseas attendance also need the written service scope.

Send one brief to make the quotations comparable

Attach actual panel combinations, incoming and requested faces, the finished-bundle sketch and a current line layout. Identify the destination, delivery requirements, retained equipment and all optional tasks. Mark missing information TBD.

Start with the S01 selection guide and input sheet. If a panel exceeds 12 m, add the long-panel review questions. For an existing line, use the S01 integration record.

The web form accepts a summary, not attachments. Send authorised drawings and videos separately by email, retaining your own copies and naming their revisions.

Budget questions