Fastener production generally requires a heat treatment step. The heat treatment line is typically fed with bulk bins containing one tonne of product, which takes an hour to treat. It is essential that the flow of product to the heat treatment furnace is accurately controlled. This ensures that the products obtain the required, consistent properties. After treatment the products need to be packed into bins at the end of the line. The bins are normally handled by forklift truck.
Analysis
We analysed the lifting, tipping and reloading operations upstream and downstream of the heat treatment furnace.
Upstream unit
Lifting/tipping unit with input buffer to feed fasteners to the heat treatment furnace. With four buffer positions the line can operate for half a shift without operator intervention.
Downstream unit
Routes empty upstream bins downstream for loading with treated fasteners. The soft-drop reloader unit collects fasteners in a pan and gently spreads them across the bin, preventing thread damage.
Analysis
We analysed the lifting, tipping and reloading operations upstream and downstream of the heat treatment furnace.
Upstream unit
Lifting/tipping unit with input buffer to feed fasteners to the heat treatment furnace. With four buffer positions the line can operate for half a shift without operator intervention.
Downstream unit
Routes empty upstream bins downstream for loading with treated fasteners. The soft-drop reloader unit collects fasteners in a pan and gently spreads them across the bin, preventing thread damage.
Our auxiliary equipment for fastener heat treatment enables fastener manufacturers to operate this essential process efficiently and minimise damage to the products due to handling.
