The advantages of overhead conveyors for woodworking assembly
As a modern woodworking factory firm De Mors decided to optimize and accelerate various woodworking activities. Until recently De Mors used their overhead monorail conveyor mainly for coating processes . In order to improve productivity on the complete assembly line including packaging and preparations for dispatch, the new system carries products through the various steps of the finishing process. It increases efficiency and flexibility and frees up valuable floor space.
Overhead monorail systems
Overhead conveyors have become indispensable for the woodworking industry. Using overhead monorail systems various operations to the product can take place while connected to the monorail. Loading and unloading procedures are easily carried out with lightweight overhead cranes. This method of working has great effect on efficiency and increases flexibility. Another advantage of vertical overhead monorails is freeing up floor space.
A streamlined process
The overhead conveying system, designed and installed by Van Herwijnen Railtechniek BV, ensures that the manufacturing is a continuous process. One of the main reasons to extend the system was to prevent possible damages during assembly, glazing or packaging. When there is a need to temporarily hold work-in-progress, carriers can be stored in buffers until they are needed.
De Mors uses three parallel-running lines for the finishing process. After leaving the drying room, the elements are moved to one of these lines, depending on the type of elements. The center line is specifically for rotating parts such as windows, doors and specials. The outer two lines are mirrored for elements and frames. All finished products in the center finishing line stay connected with the rail. They are moved to the right place in one of the outer finishing lines when needed. In the center finishing line a separate place is equipped for fancy products. The two outer lines have several assembly places. The first one is equipped with a drop section which is able to move the product above and below the level of the rail system. This way employees can easily access the top and lower side of the products. A pit with a cover is placed underneath the first finishing place to secure the employees’ safety while working on the lowerside of the product. At one side a stepless variable frame is able to move tresholds in the right position for installation at door- of window-frames. At the second and third location drop sections move products to every possible level. Sleepless variable frames guarantee care of a steady product during assembly.
At the third location the rotating parts (windows and doors from the center finishing place) are moved to one of the two outer places. After assembly the window-/door-frames are transported to the glazing unit. The empty traverse beams from the center finishing line automatically moves to expedition.
After glazing the products are stored in a buffer. At the right moment the completed products are transported to two packaging units with drop sections. After packaging they are cleared from the railsystem. With the use of cranes they are placed on transport racks.
The empty traverse beams will automatically return to the beginning of the railsystem. During the entire process, the product stays connected to the traverse beam; from suspending from the rail up to preparation for dispatch.
