Floor Mounted Conveyor System
Specialized Conveyors: A Production Manager's Dream
Published in Modern Materials Handling, 1990
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When Shadwood Enterprises Ltd., a manufacturer of portable battery charger units, opened its new plant in North Bay, Ontario, management wanted a single conveyor to move goods throughout production. They installed an inverted, floor mounted conveyor that carries the chargers between the plant’s four processing stages.
The system consisted of four identical, inverted assembly line conveyors, each approximately 100 ft long. Each conveyor is fitted with 16-by 12 in. trays specifically designed to hold the chargers. Each tray has two compartments, and is mounted on a 24-inch center.
A single conveyor brings goods to the assembly, testing, packaging, and palletizing stations. At each station, when the chargers are removed from the conveyor, the empty trays remain. Empty trays constantly circulate on the conveyor and allow workers to replace goods onto the conveyor as rapidly as possible. |
Paul Stroz, plant manager for Shadwood, describes the conveyor system as “a production manager’s dream.” By moving goods to and from each station, the conveyors minimize the amount of manual work done within the plant.
The new system also occupies minimal floor space. Eighteen-in.-wide assembly tables are connected directly to the conveyor’s frame. Carpet covers all of the tables to mute sound. Pacline.
Published in Modern Materials Handling, 1990 Casebook/Directory