If you’re a shop owner, maintenance manager, or operations lead who’s ever had to unpack a new “Other Automatic Machine” (OAM) and realize you didn’t plan for how to house it, you know the kind of headache I’m talking about. For the last eight years, I’ve been supplying OAMs to small manufacturing hubs, packaging plants, and even specialty food producers across the Midwest—mostly models designed for custom parts assembly, bulk material sorting, and line integration that don’t fit the standard robotics or CNC mold. What surprises most first-time buyers isn’t the machine’s performance, but how many skip the storage requirements, leading to delays, damaged parts, or even the need to rent temporary warehouse space just to get set up. Today, I want to break down exactly what storage an OAM needs, based on real on-site installations, not just manufacturer spec sheets. Other Automatic Machine
First, let’s define what we mean by “Other Automatic Machine” because that term covers a wide range of equipment that doesn’t fall into a neat category. For my business, OAMs include custom automatic sorting systems for agricultural produce, compact assembly lines for small medical devices, and semi-automatic packaging machinery tailored to unique product shapes. Unlike a standard robot arm, which often comes with a dedicated enclosure or base, OAMs are often custom-built to a client’s line, so their storage needs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, I’ve seen two common scenarios: clients who prep storage before delivery have the machine running in 72 hours, and those who wait until delivery often take two weeks to get it operational—wasting thousands in lost production time.
Let’s start with the most basic requirement: physical space dimensions. This is the first check I run with every client, and it’s not just about the footprint of the machine itself. OAMs almost always require clearance for installation, maintenance, and safe operation. Last year, I delivered a 12-foot long automatic sorting machine to a vegetable processing plant. The client measured only the machine’s 12×4 foot footprint and set their storage space to that, but they forgot the 3 feet needed on either side to route infeed and outfeed conveyors, plus 2 feet of clearance at the back for electrical and pneumatic connections. They spent three days reconfiguring their existing line just to squeeze it in, and a week later, had to move a maintenance access ladder that was blocking the machine’s service panel. My rule of thumb, which I’ve refined with 100+ installations, is to add a minimum of 25% to the machine’s listed footprint for work space. For example, a machine with a 10×5 foot base needs a storage space of at least 12.5×6.25 feet. If your OAM has moveable parts like rotary tables or extendable sorting arms, add another 10% to account for full operational movement. I once had a client with a custom assembly machine that had a 8-foot retractable arm—they set storage to the 8-foot base and ended up scratching a wall when the arm extended during testing. That’s a $2,000 repair bill that could have been avoided with a simple dimension check.
Next, environmental conditions. OAMs are built to handle heavy use, but they’re not indestructible, especially when it comes to dust, moisture, and temperature extremes. Most of my OAMs have metal frames, precision sensors, and electronic control panels—components that don’t play well with harsh environments. Last winter, I delivered three small automatic packaging machines to a dairy farm in northern Wisconsin. The client stored them in an unheated barn, thinking the machines were enclosed enough, but when the temperatures dropped below 0°F, the pneumatic lines froze, and the control software had a glitch from cold condensation. They had to pay for emergency on-site service, which cost twice the price of a standard installation. The fix? A climate-controlled storage space that stays between 60°F and 85°F, with relative humidity between 30% and 60%. This isn’t just for new machines—even installed OAMs need to stay in that range to prevent sensor drift. I also recommend dust mitigation for any OAM used in manufacturing settings. For example, a woodworking OAM I supply requires a HEPA-filtered storage space to prevent sawdust from clogging its sorting sensors. A few months ago, a cabinet maker client tried storing the machine in a workshop without dust control, and within two weeks, the sensor accuracy dropped by 30%, requiring a full cleaning that took half a day. If your space can’t support full climate control, I’ve had success with portable dehumidifiers and dust covers, but they’re only a temporary fix—long-term storage in harsh environments will shorten your OAM’s lifespan by at least 20%, per data from the Association for Automatic Manufacturing Equipment (AAME).
Power and utility access is another critical storage requirement that’s often overlooked. OAMs use more power than standard industrial equipment, and they often need dedicated utilities for their pneumatic and hydraulic systems. I always tell clients that their storage space must have a 208-volt three-phase power supply, minimum 50 amps, for every OAM unit. Last year, a small electronics assembly plant tried to hook up a custom OAM to their existing 110-volt single-phase outlet, and the machine’s control panel tripped the main breaker within 10 minutes of testing. They had to hire an electrician to run a new three-phase line, which added $1,500 to their setup costs. Beyond power, OAMs need access to compressed air if they have pneumatic actuators—most require 90-120 PSI. My sorting systems for produce often need a water line for rinsing parts during operation, so I always advise food processing clients to include a dedicated water tap within 6 feet of the storage space. If a client’s space doesn’t have these utilities, we can work with our team to add temporary connections during installation, but that delays setup by 2-3 days and adds extra costs. I also never recommend storing OAMs in spaces with shared power, like a crowded warehouse with multiple machines on the same circuit—power fluctuations can damage the machine’s sensitive control modules, which are custom-built and take weeks to replace.
Storage for ancillary parts and tools is another requirement specific to OAMs, because most of them don’t come with built-in storage for spare parts, tools, or consumables. Every OAM I supply comes with a small set of spare parts—extra sensors, valve seals, and belt replacements—but a growing number of clients need more space for bulk consumables like lubricants, sorting screens, or packaging materials. For example, my automatic sorting machines for potatoes require replacement sorting screens every 6 months, and some clients store 10 extra screens to avoid downtime. I recommend adding 10-15 square feet of dedicated shelving near the OAM’s storage space for these parts, plus a small cabinet for hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers used for maintenance. A plastic storage bin with locking lids works too, but it needs to be kept in a dry area—lubricants and small metal parts can rust if exposed to moisture, which can cause the machine to malfunction. Last year, a client stored a set of extra valve seals on the floor of their unheated storage space, and they rusted within a month, requiring a replacement order that delayed their production line by three days. That’s a small oversight that adds up quickly.
Safety storage considerations are often the most important, especially since OAMs are moving machinery with pinch points, rotating parts, and high-voltage components. My team always advises clients to allocate 5 feet of clear floor space around the OAM for safety access, and to keep flammable materials like cleaning solvents at least 10 feet away from the machine. Many OAMs require emergency stop buttons, and those need to be placed within easy reach from all sides of the machine, so the storage space can’t be cluttered with boxes or materials that block access to the E-stops. I also recommend that the storage space has proper ventilation, especially if the OAM uses hydraulic fluids that can emit fumes, or if it’s in a food production setting where cleaning chemicals are used. Last year, a snack food plant stored their new automatic packaging machine in a windowless room with no ventilation, and within a week, the fumes from the machine’s hydraulic system built up, setting off a fire alarm. They had to move the machine to a space with vents, delaying their launch by a week. OSHA also has specific guidelines for industrial equipment storage, so I always tell clients to check local safety codes for their area—most require at least 3 feet of clearance between machinery and walls for fire safety.
Now, let’s talk about the difference between short-term and long-term OAM storage, because the requirements change depending on how long you’ll be keeping the machine. If you’re storing an OAM for less than 30 days, the main requirements are basic climate control and power disconnects—just make sure to cover the machine with a waterproof, dustproof cover, and disconnect all power sources to prevent battery drain in the control panel. If you’re storing it for more than 30 days, you need to take extra steps: lubricate all moving parts to prevent rust, drain pneumatic lines to avoid freezing, and seal the control panel vents to keep dust out. Last year, a client stored an automatic assembly machine for three months while they expanded their facility. They just covered it with a tarp and left it plugged in, and when they tried to set it up again, 12 of the 24 sensors were corroded from condensation, costing $3,000 in repairs. For long-term storage, I recommend working with a team that knows OAMs—our company offers extended storage prep services, including full disassembly, lubrication, and sealed storage, which can save clients thousands in repair costs down the line.
What about common misconceptions I hear from buyers all the time? One is that OAMs are small, so they can be stored anywhere. I just talked about the dimension and clearance needs, but I’ve also seen clients try to store OAMs in hallways or between existing machinery, which leads to constant traffic disruptions during installation and maintenance. Another misconception is that climate control is only for hot climates. I’ve had clients in Texas store OAMs in garages without air conditioning, and the high temperatures caused the control panels to overheat, leading to frequent shutdowns. The third misconception is that they don’t need much storage space because they’re “automatic”—even automated machinery needs space for people to work on it, and space for all the auxiliary parts that keep it running.
If you’re looking to buy an OAM, don’t wait until delivery to figure out storage. Take measurements of your space a week before the machine arrives, check that you have the right power and utilities, and plan for spare parts and safety clearance. If you’re not sure if your space is ready, reach out to my team—we do free on-site assessments for any potential client, no obligation. We’ve worked with companies of all sizes, from small craft producers to large manufacturing facilities, and we know how to tailor storage solutions to fit your needs, not just the machine’s spec sheet. Setting up proper storage before your OAM arrives will cut down on downtime, reduce repair costs, and get your line running faster. If you’re ready to talk about your project, we can walk through your space, answer questions about requirements, and help you plan for a smooth installation. Don’t let a bad storage setback delay your production—reach out today to start the conversation.
Pencil Sharpener Assembly Machine References
Association for Automatic Manufacturing Equipment. (2022). Industrial Equipment Storage Guidelines: Optimal Environmental and Space Requirements.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Safety Standards for Industrial Machinery Storage and Operation.
Midwest Small Manufacturing Bureau. (2023). Case Studies: OAM Setup Delays and Cost Mitigation.
Ruian Hensen Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
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