FORMING AND FABRICATING AUTOMATION Conveyors—Four Steps for Maximizing Performance and Minimizing Costs C onsiderations in planning, engineering, automation and maintenance add efficiency and save money for operations seeking to add or update conveyors. Conveyors must be able 5.2: Conveyors
1. Planning First, identify goals for the
3. Automation When integrating conveyors with other equipment, espe- cially an automated produc - tion line, controls become critically important. The pro - gram must be able to handle all outcomes present within the integrated automated system. 4. Maintenance Although the frequency of maintenance and inspec- tions depends on run time, expect the need for routine conveyor upkeep. This in - cludes lubrication of bear- ings and rollers with an advanced lubricant, and in - spection of belts for wear and slack.
new conveyor, including: • Increase efficiency/ reduce downtime • Improve workplace safety • L ower total cost of ownership • Reduce energy costs • M inimize labor requirements.
The best conveyor for a given operation depends upon the application, material type, temperature, weight, plant atmosphere and more. Magnetic conveyors, shown here, can hold and transport ferrous parts and scrap efficiently, and without stray material leaving the belt and causing jams or equipment damage.
to withstand tough con- ditions and heavy mate - rials. Operations adding or updating conveyors can improve reliability, reduce unplanned main- tenance and lower total cost of ownership through a combination of four steps: planning, engineer- ing, automation and main- tenance. Metal formers should consider the fol- lowing to avoid elevated maintenance expenses and the loss of downtime.
2. Engineering The best conveyor for a given operation depends upon the application, material type, temperature, weight, plant atmosphere and more. All of this creates a dynamic set of application criteria that stamping conveyors must be engineered to handle. In fact, multiple conveyor types often are used in combina- tion to accomplish produc- tion goals.
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