Since installing a Model 320 Air-Operated Transporter from Vibro Industries, Tate Access Floors has virtually eliminated the downtime previously attributed to a conventional conveying system. Installed on a line that manufactures perforated access floor panels, the Model 320 is used to remove slugs created in the perforation sequence. One hour of downtime accumulated daily to unclog the old conveyor belt has been reduced to about 5 minutes -- a reduction of more than 90%.
Tate Access Floors, Inc, of Red Lion, PA, manufactures a wide selection of solid and perforated access floor systems typically used in high tech environments such as computer rooms, biomedical, microelectronic, pharmaceutical and laboratory facilities, and other "clean room" applications. The rugged panels can bear the weight of equipment and personnel while the perforation provides turbulence-free air flow for optimum environmental conditions.
The Vibro Model 320 Air-Operated Transporter is used on a line that creates perforated vinyl-laminated steel 24 x 24 in. panels, which are produced at 200 units per hour on a 1,000 ton Danly punch press. As the slugs are punched out of the panels, they fall into metal trays that carry them to the end of the line, where they are automatically discharged into takeaway containers.
"At peak capacity, we run that line 24 hours a day, six days a week," said Steve Dougherty, senior production supervisor at Tate''s Red Lion plant, "and with the old belt-driven conveyor we would have to stop the line several times a day because the slugs would get under the belt and jam up the conveyor. But since we''ve installed the Vibro Transporter, we''ve eliminated more than 90% of that downtime."
In this application, the Model 320 simultaneously operates two discharge trays (see photo). Weighing just 13 lb, it can transport up to 60 lb of material at 15-40 ft per minute. The slugs move with the slow-acceleration forward stroke, but remain stationary during the rapid return stroke, progressing steadily toward the waste container. This process avoids the application of conveyor chains, belts, or springs, which often require frequent downtime for cleanup, scheduled and emergency maintenance, and -- especially in this application -- jams.
Vibro Air-Operated Transporters are currently available in four models, all of which easily adapt to existing conveyor lines. Their compact, lightweight design enables them to be installed in cramped, congested areas, even where conventional conveyors will not fit. Motion sensors for automatic shutoff, cover guards for harsh environments, quick-release clamps for fast tray removal, and adjustable bearing supports for trays are available as options.