DynaCon Conveyor Systems Replace Old Conveyors at JAE Oregon

JAE Oregon, manufacturer of quality electronics connectors for telecommunications and automotive applications, is dedicated to identifying opportunities for continual improvements in manufacturing operations. In an effort to reduce the amount of scrap from its molding operation and eliminate costly adaptations needed to integrate traditional conveyors with metal detection equipment, Todd McNemee, Senior Molding Manufacturing Engineer, designed a cavity separation system that integrated reconfigurable conveyor technology with channeled sliding metal detection units.

"The DynaCon modular conveyor systems work so well, I am introducing them as replacements for the older conveyors we have, as quickly as I can," says McNemee.

Muskegon, MI-based Dynamic Conveyor Corp., innovator of reconfigurable conveyor technology, produces the DynaCon line of modular conveyor systems enabling facilities to employ custom conveyors at standard conveyor costs. Easily interchangeable modules, as short as 6", allow users to alter configurations within minutes.

Prior to contacting Dynamic Conveyor Corp., McNemee attempted to make old conveyors work with new sliding metal detection systems designed to reduce the amount of scrap tenfold. The new configuration, however, resulted in the old fixed-length conveyors extending into the walkway which was unacceptable. Modular conveyors facilitate custom configuration and precision adjustment without expensive alteration.

Another downfall of the old conveyors says McNemee, is that "bearings in traditional conveyors tend to fail too often, start to grind and create a black degraded mixture of metal shavings and grease which results in product loss." Additionally, belts on traditional conveyors get off track over time, resulting in belt fragmentation that mixes with product which then has to be scrapped. With maintenance-free DynaCon conveyor systems, no lubrication is needed and the positive sprocket drive with automatic belt tracking eliminates slippage and edge damage of belts.

"The more we replace, the fewer contaminations and complications we have, and that is good for the bottom line," says McNemee.

The new systems also enhance ergonomics at the plant. Where totes were previously filled at floor level, parts are now delivered to a carousel bagger or to totes atop workstations using Z-style conveyors.

Two additional features of DynaCon's conveyor systems also complement JAE Oregon's production line-3/8" mounting bolts along the conveyors' sidewalls, and the variable speed control.

"Other conveyors do have speed control, but I have not found them to be as good as the DynaCon," says McNemee. "Others would advance and stop and advance and stop. The way we have it set up now allows parts to cool to room temperature by the time they reach operators."

Before installing modular conveyors, one piece of debris in a tote or a single bad part would render an entire tote scrap. With the new system, subpar parts are caught before entering the tote system, increasing production output. McNemee says, "the DynaCon system is an integral piece in our quality control system, wherever it is used, and really helps with our containment." JAE Oregon produces 15 million connectors per month with round the clock shifts, 365 days per year.

For more information about DynaCon modular conveyor systems, or to view videos of reconfigurable conveyor technology in action, visit the web site http://www.DynamicConveyor.com or write Dynamic Conveyor Corporation at 5980 Grand Haven Road, Muskegon, MI 49441; phone (800) 640-6850.