Just when you have calculated your traditional CapEx ROI saying “Yes,” you cannot pass “Go” until 2023 because your new machinery lead time is a year away. Now what? Now you should prepare for it!
Instead of focusing on the wait, get better organized before your new machinery arrives. This is the time when you should optimize existing space constraints, boost labor productivity, lift morale, improve safety, implement preventative maintenance, and further reduce/reclaim waste. Your long lead time can be put to good use by revving up your operations and getting better organized. Here are two central tactics to use at your plant. [For all photos and images, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Boost Production
Boost an existing saw’s production that does not have an automated in-feed deck by adding a semi-automated SmartConveyor. Even semi-automated and manual pull saws will benefit from improved material flow by adding an 8 ft to 12 ft SmartConveyor to the material in-feed.
By adding a semi-automated SmartConveyor, the saw operator can efficiently pre-load, for example, 30 collated boards onto the SmartConveyor and then start cutting 30 boards uninterrupted because he’s able to concentrate on the task at hand. And, the SmartConveyor will square up the boards and drop them one at a time onto the saw’s manual feed deck.
Improve Efficiency
Now, improve the efficiency of catching lumber by creating a lumber stacking buffer with a lumber catch table. The cut piece buffer will allow the saw to set up for the next piece to cut while the lumber catcher stacks the lumber from the buffer on the catch table. When lumber is being stacked without the benefit of a cut piece buffer, the saw has to wait until the lumber is stacked.
Add a cut piece buffer with a lumber catch table. Adding just a 10 ft Lumber Catch Table creates a buffer for the saw to move onto the next setup.
In addition, you can add simple conveyors, rollers, and bins to separate saw dust from reclaim pieces and wedges/blocks.
The additional perpendicular scrap incline(s) and simple rollers (the green roller in the two photos) can be added within your existing space.
Feed the Beast!
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. https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions