Decisions, decisions – how do you decide between a retrofit for your plant or upgrading to a new truss line? It’s all about the options.
Let’s Start with the Retrofit
Retrofitting an existing table is not for the faint hearted, so it’s important to know you have experts on your side when Spida is retrofitting in the factory. All systems – old to new – have almost the same components and considerations:
Tables: so many configured spacings and size options
Gantries: tracked, tuck under track, or even the new trackless
Ejectors: flat, high lift sloped, extending to outfeed conveyor
Receivers or transfer rollers: receivers that extend toward table or transfer rollers
Roller outfeed conveyor
Finish press
Most vintage tables can be modified to accept Spida Auto Jigging rails with some reinforcements and some tinkering (or lots of tinkering) after the slots are cut into the tops and frames. Common table layouts of these systems were a walk-through configuration with 16 to 18 inch walkways and 6–8 ft wide tables, and although that worked wonderfully for manual jigging and handling of trusses, most times this is not the best layout for auto jigging. So, the question to ask is: do we keep the walk-throughs open or put a solid top over the opening that accommodates another auto jig rail? The solid top option helps keep the auto jigging as close to the desired 2 ft on center as possible. Most companies we deal with opt for closing off the walk-throughs and adding auto jigging rails in these areas so that they can achieve better through-put off the table.
After adding new auto jigging to the existing table, we look at the remaining items that make up a line. Gantry press considerations, how we run the system, if we want the builder climbing up and down off the table after every truss, platform on the gantry, platform with control station to run the gantry like new lines, finish press for reliability – there are so many questions! Importantly, we discuss all of these considerations very early in the design process so that the customer gets the optimal production off the line. Spida Machinery partners with the factory to determine the best fit for your style of work.
As you can see, there is a lot involved in the retrofit of a roof line, with many man hours in the design, build, and equipment fitting process, and also a bit of down time while all equipment is retrofitted electrically, mechanically, and hydraulically.
Evaluating the New Machinery Option
If we look at new equipment, there have been innovations added to the functionality of each part of the truss line which increase the productivity of the complete line.
Tables: The tables will be designed and engineered for auto jigging at the desired spacing, as needed, and are now solid top for the length of the system. The tables can also be configured with plastic or metal tops for manual jigging if required.
Gantries: The gantries ride on the tables, so there is no track on the floor allowing for a safer workspace. A walk-on platform has been added to the gantries so the operator doesn’t have to climb up and down off the table – instead the top operator runs the gantry while the guys on the floor gather the next parts.
Ejectors: Some gantry control panels allow the operator to eject the trusses from the jig to free up the workers on the floor. Additional safety systems on the gantries include safety scanners that are programmed specific to the installation, and some know the location on the table to stop the ejectors from coming up and hitting the gantry. The ejectors are now sloped to aid the workers in getting the truss off the tables without injuring their backs.
Transfer rollers: Transfer rollers pull the trusses off the ejectors replacing receivers, with less maintenance all round. Our conveyors are also belt-driven with better guarding for safety.
Finish press: The finish presses have been redesigned and are all built for a long life.
Most innovations in the new lines are about the capability of making simple to complex trusses and multiple pressing actions across trusses, hips, and jacks at the one time. Safety of the workers is also paramount and this is seen with great vision across the whole truss line, conveyors, and finishing line.
Deciding on Your Best Options
Talk to Spida Machinery! We can discuss your requirements and the time you have allowed for your new or retrofit piece of equipment. There is so much to consider, but we have experts on hand to help you through the entire process. We understand your commitment and time capabilities, and we want to help you identify what’s right for you.