Dawn Denby, Author at Production Systems

Focusing On Energy-Efficiency – A Goal For Finishing Systems Companies In 2024

In 2024, one of the main goals of companies in the industrial coating industry, when looking towards the future, is enhancing energy-efficiency in their processes. Technological advancements developed and incorporated in pursuit of these goals include energy-saving systems, usage of fewer resources, and software that helps promote the saving of resources. One finishing systems manufacturer is introducing an exhaust air treatment system that breaks down pollutants, such as solvents, in contaminated exhaust air through biological oxidation. Current systems for cleaning exhausted air use thermal afterburners; Thermal afterburners use a heat treatment process powered by gas to destroy industrial contaminants such as volatile organic compounds. This new treatment system works differently, eliminating the need for gas. Industrial finishing companies have in the past focused on building new facilities from the ground up, when needed. Today, many companies are deciding to modernize existing plants rather than build new ones. This shift in thinking – from greenfield to brownfield projects saves money while also incorporating efforts to optimize energy efficiency, and reduce emissions, and save materials. A new trend in finishing systems [...]

Dawn Denby2024-04-04T07:08:04-04:00April 2nd, 2024|Components & Connections|Comments Off

Production Systems Incorporates Slot and Tab Features Into Our Frame Designs For Easy Installation

Steel structures used in industrial environments are being designed to incorporate features that innately guide components into their correct positions during assembly. Known as ‘self-fixturing,’ this slot and tab design simplifies assembly and minimizes the need for adjustment. It basically makes assembly much quicker and easier, with minimal tools. And the structure stays the way it’s supposed to. Today’s machining technology has made it possible to design and produce components with slots and tabs. A few decades ago, when steel was cut using a shear press, this was not possible. New machines, such as the CNC and laser tables, have made this an option. In addition, only a few years ago, Solidworks introduced a “tab and slot” feature in their design software. This upgrade made the process of adding these assembly features quick and easy for designers. Self-fixtured steel designs assure that components when assembled align properly to each other. However, every tab or slot carries multiple stress concentrations, and when added to a steel component, there is a risk of disrupting the stress flow and creating high stress areas. [...]

Dawn Denby2024-01-08T16:12:29-05:00January 8th, 2024|Components & Connections|Comments Off

Finishing Systems For The Door Manufacturing Industry

Industrial finishing systems are routinely used in the door manufacturing industry. These door finishing systems are designed to provide a high-quality, durable and aesthetic coating for various types of doors. These systems can include spray booths, curing ovens, conveyor lines, dust collectors and other equipment that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the door manufacturer. Some of the benefits of using door finishing systems are: They can handle different materials, such as wood, metal, fiberglass, composite and plastic, and apply different coatings, such as paint, stain, varnish, lacquer and polyurethane. This allows the door manufacturer to offer a wide range of products with different styles, colors and finishes. They can improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of the door manufacturing process, by reducing waste, energy consumption and labor costs. They can also increase the output and quality of the finished doors, by ensuring a consistent and uniform coating application. They can enhance the appearance and performance of the final product, by providing a smooth, glossy and resistant surface that protects the door from scratches, stains, moisture and [...]

Dawn Denby2024-01-08T15:20:48-05:00January 8th, 2024|Company News|Comments Off

Maintaining Your Paint Line Conveyor System

Routine check-ups and preventive maintenance ensure your paint line conveyor system runs at peak performance, decreases the chance of unexpected shut-downs, and prolongs the life of your equipment. No one can deny that it’s better to schedule downtime for maintenance than to have an emergency situation that interrupts production, requires immediate attention for repairs, and necessitates replacement parts be expedited. Below are six maintenance activities that help keep your conveyor system running optimally: 1. Perform a quick checkup of your conveying system every day. While the conveyor system is running, look to see if there are any leaks, oil stains, or visual signs of wear and tear. Listen for noises that are unusual and could indicate worn parts. Always write down and record the results of your quick visual and audible inspection for future reference. 2. Clean your paint line conveyor system on a regular basis. Paint line conveyor systems are most often in facilities full of contaminants - from paint overspray to dust, dirt, and debris. Regularly cleaning contaminants and removal of built-up coatings now will decrease the likelihood [...]

Dawn Denby2023-11-07T13:18:03-05:00November 7th, 2023|Material Handling & Conveyance|Comments Off

Considerations When Choosing A Conveyor For Paint Finishing

There are many types of conveyors used for handling products through paint and other finishing operations. The type of conveyor selected for your operation will depend on the weight, shape and size of the items being conveyed. You also need to consider the type of finishing process being applied. Depending on your specific requirement, you can select a conveyor systems for use with dip lines, powder coating, wet spray painting, wood finishing, e-coating/plating and other finishing applications. Conveyor Considerations: What type of paint or process will be used (i.e. powder coating, plating, wet spray or chemical wash) in the finishing process? What is the environment of your finishing operation (i.e. dip tanks, ovens)? And what chemicals will be involved? What paint finishing quality is required? What type of material are you conveying; metal, wood, plastic, etc.? What is the size, shape and weight of the items? Will the items being finished be moved on a cart (at floor level) or can it be attached to an overhead conveyer? What size is the space where the conveyor will be installed (in [...]

Dawn Denby2023-11-07T12:31:45-05:00November 7th, 2023|Material Handling & Conveyance|Comments Off

EPA’s Best Practices For The Paint Mixing Rooms

According to a flyer published by the EPA, certain practices should be adhered to when working in a paint mixing room. Below is a summary of these best practices, and our thoughts on the points as well. 1) Keep Containers Covered The EPA recommends always putting the lid back on any opened paint containers. Solvents and paints contaminate the air when uncovered, and in reverse, air also contaminates the paint. By covering the container, you minimize the harmful vapors that leak into the air. And since paint and solvents evaporate, you can save money by keeping the lid on them. 2) Install A Ventilation System Or Buy A Prefabricated Mixing Room Many mixing rooms in factories have become mixing rooms by default – it’s just where people have historically mixed paint. That’s why they are often poorly ventilated posing a safety risk and a threat to the employees’ health. If your company has one of these, it is recommended you install a good ventilation system that will pull vapors away from work stations. A good prefabricated mixing room will already [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T14:39:47-04:00October 3rd, 2023|Mix Rooms & Paint Kitchens|Comments Off

UL508A Standard for Industrial Control Panels

When it comes to UL508A certification, let’s start with the UL part. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories; it is an officially recognized and authorized organization that conducts extensive safety research and develops standards in the US and Canada. Its goal is to assure consumers that the products they buy are safe. Underwriters Laboratories are most widely known for creating standards for electrical products. For example, every electrical outlet, light fixture, and light bulb in the U.S. has a UL symbol on it. A UL508A standard is a set of instructions regarding the manufacture of industrial control panels. Electrical inspectors look for the UL508A marking when reviewing a panel. The marking communicates to the inspector and the buyer that a third party examined the product, found it to comply with nationally recognized safety standards, and certified it. The certification also guarantees that the panel is compliant with national and local electrical codes. An industrial control panel, according to UL, is "an assembly incorporating two or more pieces of industrial control equipment or related control circuit devices, provided with interconnecting wiring and [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T13:35:28-04:00October 3rd, 2023|Control Panels|Comments Off

Paint Kitchen Add Ons

Industrial Paint kitchens are fire-rated buildings used for the safe storage of hazardous materials. They can also be used for applications such as paint mixing and pumping stations. There are many options and accessories that can be added to customize the design of your paint kitchen for your unique business applications. For instance, you can specify size requirements (to accommodate small, medium and large industrial operations) or if your kitchen will be used for indoor or outdoor applications. Depending on your operations, you may need specific accessories, such as a fire extinguisher system, floor grating, access ramps, air-conditioning units, convection heaters or water sprinkler systems. You can also order grate lifting tools, a parts hanger system, booth access tables, supply boxes, hose and spray gun hangers, shelving and various equipment hanger solutions. Other options may include exhaust ductwork, intake fan and a control panel. Custom-size doors are available for specific applications. You can also automate your paint kitchen to be intelligent. These systems contain a smart set of sensors, actuators and control modules that communicate to optimize paint supply and [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T13:32:09-04:00October 3rd, 2023|Mix Rooms & Paint Kitchens|Comments Off

Guidelines On The Storage And Mixing of Paint

There are many regulations regarding the mixing of paint, its storage, and its transference from one container to another. Since most paints and finishing materials are highly combustible, they can easily ignite. That’s why, it’s important for codes and guidelines to be met. One regulation requires that storage and mixing of paint be done in an industrial mixing room or a spray booth. When it comes to the storage of paint in a facility, there are guidelines regarding the maximum amount; this falls under the MAQ, or Maximum Allowable Quantity limit for hazardous materials allowed in an area without additional protection. The MAQ, which can be found in the International Fire Code, is dependent on the class of liquid and its container. Certain conditions and risk mitigating efforts can allow for an increase in the MAQ of a facility. For instance, if there is a sprinkler system in the building, the MAQ can be increased by 100%. If the hazardous material is stored in an exhausted area, such as a paint room, the MAQ can be increased by 200%. This [...]

Dawn Denby2023-09-05T14:00:48-04:00September 5th, 2023|Mix Rooms & Paint Kitchens|Comments Off

Improve Productivity, Efficiency and Safety with Industrial Conveyors Systems

There are many reasons conveyors are used in production facilities across the world and why the market for conveyors is growing rapidly. Because they are so useful, a broad range of industries use the technology. Manufacturing, packing, automobile assembly, logistics and distribution, agriculture, recycling, to name a few, use conveyors because of the undoubted benefits. Conveyors are the perfect tool for safely transporting materials from one area to another, and between different levels. Conveyors bring a number of benefits to a manufacturing and production plant. Some of the uses and benefits of conveyor systems include: Manufacturing engineers use conveyors to move goods or products from one location to another. Conveyors can greatly speed of this process while reducing the use of forklifts and other motorized equipment on the plant floor. Heavy products and raw materials can be moved around a facility and between processing and packaging machines that are too heavy for team members to lift. They not only lower labor costs but they also improve safety. Products can be assembled or added to while moving from point A to [...]

Dawn Denby2023-09-05T13:28:07-04:00September 5th, 2023|Material Handling & Conveyance|Comments Off

About Dawn Denby