More than 120 proud RetroC owners will tell you that the auto-feeding of lumber is the most powerful feature of the Enventek RetroC automated component saw. Auto-feeding is made possible with Enventek’s SmartConveyor integrated with the RetroC’s clamping material feed chains. To that, we add the equally powerful feature of the RetroC – the magic of SpeedCatch with auto-filling carts that can keep up with the RetroC until the carts are filled and ejected to start the next cycle of cart filling. (For more on this feature, see my article, “Accommodating Your Catch As Catch Can.”) With three options, the SmartConveyor can be set up to work in any plant. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
The SmartConveyor (Deck A) is what we refer to as the “sawyers” deck. It is here that the sawyer simply has to re-crown the lumber if necessary and verify the piece order, width, grade, and length before the SmartConveyor takes over and automatically starts feeding lumber into the RetroC. The wear and tear on the sawyer is reduced significantly, because once lumber is flattened onto the SmartConveyor, the sawyer’s handling of the lumber is minimal, regardless of whether it is 2x3 up to 2x12 lumber.
Replacing an existing and traditionally forklift-fed legacy component saw or upgrading to an Enventek Lumber PickLine-fed RetroC is exactly the same procedure for the saw operator stationed at Deck A, whether it is an 8 ft long or 70 ft long SmartConveyor. This is the versatility of the RetroC, which enables a “One Size Can Fit All” approach. Shown here is SmartConveyor “Deck A” – the sawyers deck.
Of the three methods to feed a RetroC, let’s start with the simplest way to feed an auto-feeding RetroC component saw. Shown here is a forklift spilling and flattening lumber directly onto SmartConveyor Deck A from a bunk of lumber. For long runs of ag trusses, this is a very efficient material handling method.
Next up is a more efficient method of prepping the lumber for Deck A by repurposing an existing live deck, which we refer to as Deck B, to handle and organize the forklift-picked bundles or bunks of lumber that will then be spilled and flattened onto Deck A. Deck B is raised 12 inches above Deck A, and skate wheel roller arms are used as a lumber waterfall to spill the lumber to flatten onto Deck A. The sawyer clears Deck A and then spills the next bundle of lumber from Deck B. This works great for both long runs and for cut-by-truss batches.
Of course, the best way to feed a RetroC is with an Enventek Lumber PickLine. In this scenario, Deck A and Deck B are of equal length and at the same level – so no spilling or flattening of the lumber is required. The lumber comes up to the sawyer at Deck A already flattened by the lumber picker working on the PickLine trough (see photo on cover). More importantly, the lumber is culled and pre-crowned so that the sawyer gets the last look and touch as a final quality control check. The work of the lumber picker has also been checked by the PickLine using sensors to count the boards, verify the correct length, and verify the correct width of board. For more information on how to catch lumber spewing out of a RetroC, see “Batch Cutting vs. Cut By Truss.”
Whether you’re retrofitting or replacing, the time is now to upgrade to a RetroC with SmartConveyor. With three options for setting up the lumber feed, the SmartConveyor will be adapted to your space and your needs.
When you’re ready to Feed Your Beast and see these efficient and effective systems for yourself, let us know! Inside and out, LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation.