If you think about it, product assembly lines are like one giant puzzle. They have so many pieces that need to fit together perfectly in order to create a finished product. If just one thing is missing, the whole operation could potentially fall apart. In recognition of that, let’s look at all the important components that make a product assembly line possible.
Carts
While often overlooked, industrial carts are an important part of the assembly line. They are essential when it comes to moving and storing heavy items that need to be used somewhere along the line. Some of the more modern carts used today are so elaborate that they’re essentially portable workstations that can play an important role in boosting productivity on the assembly line.
Conveyor Belts
Perhaps more than any other item, conveyor belts are synonymous with the assembly line. They are used to help transport items from one station to the next during the production process. Most people have a clear picture in their mind when they think of conveyor belts, but it’s interesting to note there are many different types of conveyor belts, each with a specific purpose based on the product and the industry.
Flooring
This is another component of assembly lines that doesn’t immediately spring to mind for most people. However, the bottom layer can be significant depending on the product. For instance, if workers have to kneel down as part of the assembly line, there needs to be comfortable matting beneath them. If workers have to stand on the assembly line, special matting can be used to help prevent their legs from getting tired. With most products, there’s a good chance a special type of floor will be needed on the assembly line.
Hot Melt Adhesive Applicators
Hot melt adhesives are an important part of product assembly in a wide array of industries. Everything from packaging to transportation to furniture requires adhesive to make sure products don’t fall apart. Each product needs a specific amount of adhesive and needs it to be applied in a particular way. Hot melt adhesives are literally the glue that help to hold the assembly line together.
Totes & Bins
As opposed to corrugated boxes, many companies are starting to use plastic totes and bins to store items along the assembly line. Such containers can come in all shapes and sizes to fit almost any kind of product. Also, because they can be reused, they’re much better for the environment than boxes.
Safety Equipment
The most important thing on any assembly line is safety. It’s even more important than productivity, at least it should be. Most companies will have special gates, railing, and even netting in place to make sure workers on the assembly line stay safe while on the job. The exact safety measures typically depend on what’s being produced and the specific dangers that exist, but every assembly line will have safety equipment in place to protect workers.
Workers
Speaking of the workers, they are also an important part of any assembly line. Obviously, there is a great deal of automation on assembly lines nowadays. However, skilled laborers are still required to put together a majority of products. Even if the assembly line is composed primarily of machines, workers are still needed to make sure all the equipment is running properly and the operation is going smoothly. Regardless of technology, good assembly line workers will never be replaced by machines.
Quality Assurance
Last but not least, there is the quality assurance part of the assembly line. Other than safety, this is arguably the most important part of the assembly line, as it’s the process that guarantees all areas of the operation are working as they should be. If not for quality assurance, customers could receive low-quality or defective products that may need to be recalled. Without quality assurance, the entire assembly line loses its integrity, so its importance should not be overlooked.
Contact us today for more information on incorporating one of our customizable hot melt systems into your product assembly line.
