Product category:
Conveyor systems (production and general purpose)
News Release from: Contax | Subject: Rommel conveyors
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 12 September 2007
Conveying systems double electronics
capacity
To double the capacity one of an electronic device manufacturer's production lines two loaders, two unloaders, an inspection conveyor and an ergonomic workstation have been installed.
Production automation system specialist, Contax, has supplied contract electronics manufacturer, Zirkon, with a range of Rommel conveyors to automate one of their production lines Zirkon has purchased two Rommel loaders, two unloaders, an inspection conveyor and an ergonomically designed workstation
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 Jun 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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As a result of the Rommel equipment, and other upgrades, the production capacity of the line has now been doubled.
"We have three production lines in all," explained Roy Baxter, Zirkon's production manager.
"Two already use Rommel board handling equipment and the third was manual.
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When demand increased, we needed to upgrade our third line by making it fully automatic.
We then contacted Contax to order a further set of Rommel equipment".
He continued, "We have always used Rommel and find it very robust and reliable - and that is essential for us.
Conveyor equipment is something that you take for granted.
However, although it is only a small part of the line, it is imperative that it functions perfectly.
If it's not working then it stops a million pound production line from working - you really can't afford to take that sort of risk.
Rommel is essentially a problem-free conveyoring system, so it was the right choice for us".
Zirkon attribute much of their production success to their policy of commonality of systems.
"As a CEM we need reliable and flexible equipment," commented Baxter.
"Our major driver is the need to respond quickly to customer demand.
So that we can adapt to customers' changing demands we often have to look at smaller runs so need to be able to handle a variety of boards in a wide range of sizes.
Flexibility is key in our production, and this, together with fast changeovers and a fast turnaround, have become essential elements to our business," he said.
In order to meet these demands, Zirkon has implemented a policy of uniformity.
According to Baxter, using the same equipment on their lines has ensured that they can move jobs quickly and easily from one line to the next, depending on their capacity.
"This was yet another reason to stay with Rommel equipment," said Baxter.
"By keeping our lines identical, we can maximise our production and turnaround speed and so improve our overall efficiency".
Commenting on the service received from Contax, Baxter concluded, "We are a regular customer, so we are obviously very happy with their service.
If we have any queries or problems we can just call them and there is always someone on-hand who will help there and then.
They give us very prompt service and we have always been perfectly satisfied with them".
* About Contax - Contax is one of the UK and Ireland's most comprehensive suppliers of automation equipment.
Products range from PCB assembly, automatic optical and X-ray inspection, reflow solder, screen printing, precision liquid dispensing, cable preparation, robotic soldering and robotic assembly as well as cleaning systems.
All of this is backed up by Contax's after sales operation and an extensive second user department to fully support their installed base.
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