Help me design my shop

[sqslabs]

I have a new press on the way, and am currently trying to figure out how to lay out my equipment in the most efficient way possible.  I currently have a 6 color Javelin, 6 color Rototex manual, and a Heatwave dryer.  I'll be adding a 12 color RPM Revolution. 

If possible I'd like both autos capable of production, as the Javelin will still be utilized as a backup press and in other specific instances.  It will be very rare that I will be running both at the same time due to the capacity of the dryer.  I was originally going to place the manual at the end of the infeed of the dryer and an auto on each side, but realized today that I won't have the space to do so.  The manual will mainly be used for fill-ins and sampling once the new press arrives, so taking a few extra steps to get to the dryer would be acceptable.

I've created a PDF of the print shop to scale (including all equipment listed) which can be edited in any vector program by dragging and dropping.  The file is of the current layout of the shop, and the new press is just thrown in there for editing purposes.  Things are a bit tight in certain areas due to the placement of the dryer, and I'd really like to have as much space as possible to move around the equipment with this new layout.  Any help would be greatly appreciated as I only have one shot at this and would like to get it done right.

If I use your layout, you will receive the t-shirt shown below on a white Gildan 5000, your choice of size.  If that doesn't get this party started, I don't know what will.

Thanks much, I'll be looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.

[IntegrityShirts]

Next Level 3600 or 6210 Large or no deal.

[sqslabs]

Next Level 3600 or 6210 Large or no deal.

Alright, I'll pull out the big bucks.  Winner will now get CHOICE OF SHIRT (up to $5.00) as well.  Fingers crossed that the forum server can handle the strain now that the ante has been upped.

Great looking layout, I had just started considering a diagonal setup yesterday but the OCD side of me was having some trouble with it so I'm glad to see it get recommended.  And the Rototex is looking great.   

It looks like you figured it out, but just wanted to mention to others that the bottom of the map is where the bay doors are, and where the shirts exit the building.

[Inkworks]

Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?

[sqslabs]

Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?

That's an interesting question.  But after checking with the manual it does not appear to be an option.

[jsheridan]

Can the belt on the Heatwave run in both directions?

The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel

[sqslabs]

The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!

[Inkworks]

So a double pole, double throw switch of suitable amperage/capacity would make the belt reversible at the flip of a switch allowing you to feed from either side, which means you can probably have all 3 presses within easy feeding reach by putting two at one end and one at the other end.

I'd put the Rototex and Revolution at one end and the Javelin at the other as you probably can't run both autos at the same time any way, and also so the catcher end has more space when running the Revolution as it's likely to get the most use and run the fastest.

[TCT]

I didn't see in the fine print, but is the offer for the shirt include 2X sizes? Probably not, cheap bastard.....

Here is what I got. It may not be the best idea considering we seem to move things every few months!

[244]

The belt motor is DC, reverse the two leads to change direction of travel

Good to know, thanks for the heads up!

The belt will not track properly in two directions. You will have to adjust every time you reverse it. Just a FYI!

[jvanick]

alex's layout is much like I would propose, except that the massage table would be in a separate room with a red light outside the door

on a serious note, configuring like that allows maximum efficiency for all 3 presses to feed the dryer, and looks like it maximizes staging room as well as allows you closer access to the overhead doors for outbound shipping.

[Inkworks]

The only problem with all 3 presses at one end is that it doesn't leave much room for product and operators.

[TCT]

The only problem with all 3 presses at one end is that it doesn't leave much room for product and operators.

Really only two presses, as he said the manual won't be used a whole bunch. And also if both presses are not running full bore at the same time with 10K orders I think it will work. It is nice to unload from the mail press(RPM) to the end of the belt, that way you have the whole thing to throw shirts on easier.

Guess what wasn't mentioned is what way do the presses rotate? Can you change/decide which way the RPM goes?

[mimosatexas]

I think Alex's is ideal, and you actually have plenty of room to tweak a foot or two this way or that to give that extra buffer space for product etc.  I would prioritize space around the presses in order of size, so if the manual has to get squeezed a bit to rotate the others around counter clockwise a bit for that extra space, so be it.

[larryk]

Don't forget to allow a little room for them flash units...... if it isn't already figured in the dimensions. And you will need room for the shirt cart for loading.