Dawn Denby, Author at Production Systems | High Point NC

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

Advantages Of A Programmable Logic Controller

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a computer system developed to control a manufacturing process. PLCs are used in assembly lines to run equipment and control robotic devices - any process that requires a high level of consistency and the ability to diagnose a problem. PLCs range from small devices with less than 100 inputs and outputs (I/O) to large modular systems with thousands of I/O that are often networked to other PLC and SCADA systems. PLC systems can be configured to withstand extended temperature ranges, electrical noise, vibration, and impact. The first PLC was invented in 1968 for General Motors. It was created to replace hard-wired relay logic systems with easily programmable controllers that are flexible and robust. With hard-wired systems, altering the automation process was difficult. A change in the process required the system to be rewired and the documentation to be fully updated. The entire system would fail if even a single wire or relay failed, requiring technicians to spend hours examining the wiring schematic. Early automation systems were unreliable, requiring strict adherence to specific working conditions, [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T13:31:19-04:00August 1st, 2023|Control Panels|Comments Off

UL 508A Standard For Industrial Control Panels

When designing industrial equipment, machinery, or processing equipment it is very important to be aware of UL 508A standards. By law, industrial equipment and control panels are covered under the requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC NFPA 70) and must be suitable for use. UL 508A is the UL standard for the construction of industrial control panels. Working UL 508A into your equipment design, right from the beginning, is a great idea since it allows you to be certain you are meeting conformity at the time of installation. It is also a good idea to have a third-party UL laboratory label or a field representative label on the new equipment being installed. A UL label signifies that the panel builder has met the requirements of UL 508A, and that their panels are subject to inspection by UL field representatives. Not every panel is inspected by UL, but panels are subject to inspection by UL depending upon the quantity of UL labeled panels made in a given time period. A UL follow up services representative inspects the facility and reviews [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T14:18:09-04:00August 1st, 2023|Control Panels|Comments Off

Risks And Safeguards Of Industrial Ovens

The primary risks with industrial ovens are associated with the high temperatures and volatile materials inside the ovens. As temperatures increase in an enclosed space, and combine with flammable gases and vapors, an environment is created where combustion or explosion becomes a concern. The first line of defense to ensure a safe process is to comply with NFPA standards. The NFPA provides a list of stipulations, requirements, and regulations for all industrial equipment. Effective training, proper use, and regular maintenance of an industrial oven goes a long way towards preventing dangerous situations that can cause substantial damage and personal injury. In addition to NFPA standards, oven manufacturers provide guidelines for processes and procedures. They consider the different types of materials since they have individual safety requirements. A safety form should be attached to the oven that shows the materials being treated, the operating temperature, and the rate of exhaustion. Safety Considerations Temperature Control – Temperature Monitors and Shutoff Devices Common sense dictates that the operating temperature in an industrial oven must be less than the temperature of combustion of the [...]

Dawn Denby2023-05-25T15:30:44-04:00May 25th, 2023|Industrial Ovens|Comments Off

Industrial Ovens vs Industrial Furnaces

People often get industrial ovens and industrial furnaces confused. Both types of ovens provide high temperatures, both are housed in fireproof enclosures, and both are used for heat treatment in various industries. The major difference between the two, however, is simple – the temperature of the heat they provide. But there are other differences as well. Temperature The most notable difference between an industrial oven and furnace is the temperature. An oven operates at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. A furnace heats to temperatures above 1000 degrees and can go to 2000 degrees or higher. Heat Sources and Distribution An industrial oven contains a chamber where the product is held and a separate chamber for the heat source and air recirculation fan. The air is heated then recirculated into the chamber holding the product, using a system of ductwork. A large amount of air is needed to transfer the heat to the product. In an industrial furnace, the heat is introduced directly to the chamber where the product sits. The heat source can be gas, electric, steam, or hot [...]

Dawn Denby2023-05-25T15:33:11-04:00May 25th, 2023|Industrial Ovens|Comments Off

Meeting Safety Precautions For Paint Spray Booths

As with any industrial environment, following safety precautions is critical to the welfare of the people who work in them. In a facility with paint spray booths, reducing the risk to your employees and making sure your products are of the highest quality, are the top priorities. Below are some important procedures to follow. Protect From Hazardous Fumes A paint spray booth will contain hazardous fumes from the chemicals in paints, primers, varnishes, and other coatings. These can be very harmful to your employees’ health. A well-operating booth will maintain good air quality inside of the booth, as well as out. The ventilation system should be checked regularly to make sure it is running optimally. It should always be operating when spraying is occurring, and should continue running for an appropriate amount of time after the procedure is completed. It’s important to make sure exhaust fans, filters, and ductwork are in good working condition. Lower The Risk Of Fire Besides being toxic, finishing coatings are highly flammable. When paint is sprayed, a liquid flammable product becomes an airborne product; these [...]

Dawn Denby2023-06-20T13:21:45-04:00April 4th, 2023|Spray Booths|Comments Off

Powder Coating for Industrial Applications

The dry coating process has become increasingly popular due to its efficiency, durability, and minimal effects on the environment. For companies that require a high-quality durable finish, powder coating has become a popular solution. Industrial applications of powder coating has been increasing in many industries, including construction, appliance, lawn and garden, consumer goods, automotive and the military. Construction Within the architecture and construction industry, powder coating is a popular method for finishing aluminum extrusions. These extrusions are commonly used in a variety of applications, including windows, doorframes, building facades, and modular furniture. Additionally, powder coating is often used on highway projects for items such as light poles, guard rails, road signs, and fencing. This durable and long-lasting finish helps to protect these structures from the elements and wear and tear over time. Appliance The appliance industry uses powder coatings on refrigerators, washer tops and lids, dryer drums, air-conditioner cabinets, water heaters, range housings, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, microwave oven cavities, and freezer cabinets. In some applications, pre-coated blank stock is coated and then post-formed in the desired shape. Even, thin films [...]

Dawn Denby2024-01-08T15:48:04-05:00April 4th, 2023|Powder Booths|Comments Off

Different Types of Powder Coating Ovens and How to Choose the Right One

For professional results in powder coating, choosing the right type of curing oven is essential. A high-quality curing oven will produce superior results, as well as save money in energy costs. There are many options in powder coating ovens, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The two main types of powder ovens include infrared and convection curing. The main difference between these two ovens is how they work. Convection Powder Coating Ovens Convection ovens use convection heat, transferred through the air, to increase the temperature of the oven and the product surface. Curing in a convection oven starts on the outside of the product and works in. This outside-in method means it takes longer to cure the powder coating than it would with infrared. Due to the longer process, convection ovens are more often used for small production shops. But because convection ovens cure slower, they generally cost less than infrared ovens to purchase. There are two types of convection ovens: electric and gas-powered. Electric ovens usually have smaller variation in temperature control and cost less to [...]

Dawn Denby2023-03-07T13:09:24-05:00March 7th, 2023|Industrial Ovens|Comments Off

Maximizing Efficiency with Industrial Powder Coating Ovens

To maximize the efficiency of your industrial powder coating operation, it's crucial to ensure that your batch powder curing oven is performing at its best. The following information outlines items to consider that may help solve curing issues, improve your efficiency and increase the lifespan of your equipment. Air Temperature And Airflow One of the key factors that can impact the quality of your finished products is the air temperature and airflow within the oven. It's important to note that temperature uniformity can vary from oven to oven. Be aware that ovens with ceiling ducts may be cooler at the floor level, while ovens with wall ducts may have cooler areas in the corners and close to the floor. It's crucial that you regularly monitor temperature levels with an oven data recorder and keep a log of the results. To prevent changes in the way the oven functions, it is essential to check for modifications in the movement of air within your building. Is there wind blowing into the structure from outside? Were building exhaust fans deactivated but vents left [...]

Dawn Denby2023-10-03T14:30:23-04:00March 7th, 2023|Design & Engineering, Industrial Ovens|Comments Off

The Benefits of Investing in High Quality Custom Finishing Systems for Wood, Metals and Plastics

Investing in custom finishing systems for wood, metal or plastic products offers unique advantages that you won't get from standard, general purpose configurations. Read on to find out why a custom solution from Production Systems is worth the investment! Flexibility. There are no limitations when constructing a custom paint booth. Based on your finishing requirements, you determine what is and is not needed. Some items to consider are booth height & length, how much lighting is required, inside access lighting requirements, what style doors will be installed (bi-fold, trifold or drive-thru doors), rear exhaust location, air make-up units needed, and number of HEPA filters required. Improved Productivity and Efficiency. Investing in custom finishing systems can help you save time and money – giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your project. Custom-made finishing systems also boast higher levels of efficiency than standard systems, as they are tailored to give you exactly what you need to complete the job correctly and efficiently. In some cases, this increased productivity can even translate into cost savings! At Production Systems, we [...]

Dawn Denby2023-05-25T15:32:46-04:00February 7th, 2023|Finishing Systems|Comments Off

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