CONVEYOR EQUIPMENT IN A SMALL PRODUCTION PLANT1

To install conveyors in a going automobile manufacturing plant of moderate size, without interrupting production, and with a minimum amount of rearrangement of the plant and an investment commensurate with the saving to be effected, was the problem, the solution of which is herein described. The conditions that determined whether power-driven or gravity-actuated conveyors should be used are discussed and the various types required for handling raw stock, for machining operations, for sub-assemblies and for finished assemblies are indicated. Among the operations for which conveyors were found particularly advantageous are those of handling cylinder castings from the storage of raw stock to the stockroom for finished parts; carrying cylinders between various machining operations and from the inspection bench to the storeroom for finished cylinders; machining transmission cases; carrying rear-axle gearcases through machining operations and delivering them to the starting end of the axle-assembling line; handling parts between departments and machines; assembling transmissions, engines, and front and rear axles; carrying axles to the washing and paint-spraying machines, thence to the chassis assembling line; handling the trimming of open bodies; the final conveying of chassis and finished cars; and handling the finished cars through the final-inspection and touch-up operations. The conclusion reached is that the use of conveyors not only pays, but pays well.