Press and Dryer Configuration

[chubsetc]

I will be changing the configuration of my press to the dryer in my production room.  We have always side loaded onto the belt (6.5 years) but the new config. will most likely have us loading straight onto the end of the belt.  I have everything setup in the M&R Shop Layout tool but was wondering for those who load directly to the end of the belt what your distance is from unload pallet to the dryer belt.  We currently run at 27" from pallet to the side of the infeed.  I'm thinking a bit more space would be nice for movement but don't want to increase it too much as to lessen efficiency. 

[RICK STEFANICK]

I will be changing the configuration of my press to the dryer in my production room.  We have always side loaded onto the belt (6.5 years) but the new config. will most likely have us loading straight onto the end of the belt.  I have everything setup in the M&R Shop Layout tool but was wondering for those who load directly to the end of the belt what your distance is from unload pallet to the dryer belt.  We currently run at 27" from pallet to the side of the infeed.  I'm thinking a bit more space would be nice for movement but don't want to increase it too much as to lessen efficiency.

The correct distance depending on your set up is 30-32". M/r techs will encourage 30" Honestly those measurments have always worked for me.

[tonypep]

The correct measurements need to consider minimal footprint. 27 inches has always been my go to but yes, it does depend on configuration. I have long since learned to stay out of the way!

[chubsetc]

Thanks for the input, at least that supports not getting things too far apart. 

[mimosatexas]

We run pretty close. For space reasons and for efficiency we don't have the unload station exactly 180 from the belt, but slightly offset so the unloaded only turns about 120 degrees. Works very well.

[blue moon]

it is a combination of factors. . .
You want enough space for ppl to walk by and potentially even get a cart with shirts though. I think OSHA mandates 30" of clearance.

When setting our layout we made it so there is the absolute minimum of turning needed to place the shirt on the dryer (I think we are around 60 degrees) and minimum walking to load and unload the shirts. If they have to take a step, it's too far. Standing in one spot does not seem to work, so we have about a half step of distance. This eliminates rotating in the joints and seems to be better on the bodies.

pierre

[RICK STEFANICK]

Here are 2 opposite configurations

[jsheridan]

24 to 27" is preferred to minimize movements. Anyone under 5'5" will have to take a step for a 30" throw onto the belt.

[RICK STEFANICK]

24 to 27" is preferred to minimize movements. Anyone under 5'5" will have to take a step for a 30" throw onto the belt.

John post up a couple photos of your configuration. 24 seems tight.

[chubsetc]

I always need to remember what works for me and what works for other employees may be different.  I'm 6'2" so a little more distance is good for me when I go through the motions but may be extra work for someone shorter.  Having room to move carts through is another concern as the 27" makes it very tight when moving things around.  All things to think through as we plan but there is not a ton of room to put things as we'd exactly like but we will be striving to do what is best with the space we have.