Versatility of Belts
This same company had a problem with belts on previous systems, specifically with diagonal vulcanized seams that were damaged or came loose, causing the belt to come apart. Attempts to repair the belts created seams causing uneven product flow, pinching and part damage. "

DynaCon systems utilize interlocking belt systems that are formed in links allowing the belt to be taken apart and reassembled easily, every inch. Maintenance and repair are never a problem.

Ideal for Today’s Operations
Such conveyor systems are ideal for operations with frequent layout changes or those who need to quickly change process lines, but also ideal for operations that are competing with larger corporations with greater budgets. For example, Air Support Medical Company, manufacturer of parts for anesthetic and respiratory circuits, wanted the ability to run their molding machines 24X7, but that was challenge for the small corporation.

"To do that would we would have needed two operators on at night, but then you need to have supervisors and it gets to be financially difficult." said Kathy Walters, Air Support Medical Company’s owner.

The solution has been to evolve lights-out operations at night, using a simple video surveillance system, similar to one used in a convenience store, and the internet to monitor the molding machines. However, before discovering the DynaCon modular conveyor system, the company’s ability was limited.

"Sometimes if we had small parts, we might run it in a Gaylord, but it had to be something that wouldn’t make a lot of parts because we couldn’t get it away from the machine fast enough. The DynaCon gave us the ability to run a lot of the parts and be able to control the flow of parts that came off of it," said Walters.

Being able to quickly set up and reconfigure conveyor systems has been a major source of help for them. "We just bought our fifth conveyor system," said Walters. "The flexibility is great; you can move them around, or you can add parts to go higher or remove them if you need a lower conveyor. They give us the cost-effective ability to run and control the flow of the parts during lights-out operations."

Their formula has worked; in a declining economy, they are expanding and having to hire additional personnel.

To remain competitive in today’s tough markets, manufacturers should take every measure possible to ensure they can replace, change or add new processes "on the fly" with technologies such as reconfigurable modular conveyor systems.

---

Bruce Boyers is a freelance writer based in Glendale, Calif.