Our team is often asked how a single operator can produce over 1000 lineal feet of wall panels. The answer comes from both the process flow and the material flow. We know, when an operator leaves their workstation, production is lost. Production can be lost at their station as well as other positions. When they stop and talk, use the restroom, or even leave to gather materials, they are reducing the production output. Square 1 Design & Spida work with each customer to build an individual solution for the specific factory. In the following three layouts, each system delivers the material to the Spida Extruder Operator. These systems minimize reasons to travel throughout the factory which cost production time.
In all cases, the plates are delivered directly behind the Spida Extruder Operator. In the first layout, the minor subcomponents are manufactured to the side the extruder, set on a conveyor, and ultimately delivered to the front of the Spida Extruder Operator. This limits the need to leave the station, limits the need for lifting and twisting, and contributes to the increased production. The rough openings are then subsequently placed inside the wall.
In the second layout, the customer was limited by floor space. Therefore, the minor subcomponents are manufactured above the extruder and delivered to the Spida Extruder Operator via a sloped conveyor. Again, there is little reason for the Spida Extruder Operator to leave the station. It is easy to point out here the roles of each person. The Subcomponent Operator controls the flow of material and the order of the walls, while the Spida Extruder Operator is the workhorse behind the operation. He controls the speed at which rough openings are installed, walls are produced, and how quickly they need to be sheathed.
Finally, a higher production facility may have multiple lines, as seen in the third layout. Here the rough openings are produced on the left side, transferred to the Spida Extruder Operator, and installed inside the wall earlier in the process. While the minor subcomponents are delivered by a curved conveyor again placing studs, “C” & “L” profiles directly in front of the Spida Extruder Operator. Here we are also showing the location of the plates on carts, inside the Spida Extruder Rails.
The variety of plant layouts and specific space restrictions at your facility require a customized solution. Square 1 Design is always willing to develop a plant layout for your facility, free of charge and free of any obligations. Contact us a Sales@Square1Design.com or 866-647-7771.