If you Google images of “automated production lines,” the results are filled with pictures of robot arms and conveyor lines. What you won’t see – people. Why? Because in automated production lines, humans tend to touch the work in progress as little as possible. Why? Because it is accepted that the cost of manufacture increases every time someone touches the goods.
Whether or not you’re ready for robots on your line though, you’ve probably considered ways to improve your automation. You’re likely interested in increasing efficiency. Maybe you’re thinking about expansion. Your thoughts probably also include your concerns about it being difficult, confusing, and possibly even scary. But don’t let your hesitation keep you from moving forward.
For the past 15 years, Vekta has been involved in implementing Direct Delivery Systems – automatically moving cut components directly from the saws to where they will be used. During this time, we have learned what works and what doesn’t. We know and understand the hesitations many plant owners have with the direct delivery approach and we’ve found solutions to those problems.
The Vekta Direct Delivery System (DDS) is highly configurable and is customized to suit each and every factory precisely. Unlike other systems on the market, the equipment itself is basic, easily maintained, and easily repaired. You do not need to hire engineers to maintain the equipment!
So how does it work? Much of the logic takes place within the saws themselves – for optimization, orientation, order, and kickoff locations, for example. The cut components are then handed over to the Direct Delivery System with the appropriate information. Then the DDS handles conveying the cut components, tracking them along the way, and kicking them off at the correct final location. The aim is to deliver the components as close as possible to the jigs/assembly areas – in the correct orientation and order.
Key Features
The Vekta DDS is highly configurable to suit new and existing factory layouts. Our system abilities include:
- Accepts cut components from one or more saws
- High speed rotation options for moving components to a conveyor line that is 90 degrees to the first conveyor
- Able to split the conveyor into multiple lines feeding in different directions
- Dual and single direction kickoff mechanisms that can be positioned anywhere along the conveyor lines
- All cut components can be justified at the kickoff locations to best suit the factory layout – leading edge, trailing edge, or center justified – with printing locations on each member based on how the member will be justified at the kickoff location
- Kickoff components based on configurable rules, e.g., type of member, location in truss/frame, dimensions, etc.
Are you still hesitating? Consider these benefits that you can attain with a Vekta DDS:
- Streamline your factory by sending a job to your saw and knowing that moments later assembly can begin with the first components being available at the jigs almost instantly – no need to cut all or most of a job before assembly can begin
- Maximum safety with minimal labor
- Simple, reliable solutions that are easy to maintain and repair
- Operation and safety solutions that are customized for each and every installation – not a one-size-fits-all
- Scalable so you can add more conveyors and/or kickoffs in the future as needed.
Decrease the number of human touch points in your facility with the Vekta Direct Delivery System. We can provide automated solutions customized for your space, processes, and budget. Email info@vektausa.com to find out more.