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PRODUCTS FINISHING — pfonline.com 39 PL ATING C L I N I C • Plan ahead to minimize downtime and overtime if the schedule slips • Have auxiliary equipment onsite ready to install once the shutdown takes place and install as much as possible ahead of time • Extended transporter rails in the future expansion areas installed ahead of time will enable ease of equipment installation • Plan for a safe working environment As for reducing the risk of higher scrap and rework from the faster process, I would suggest the following: • When first considering expansion, construct a new Time Way diagram for the faster throughput. This should include any additional transporters or transfer shuttles needed to increase throughput • Ensure similar immersion times, lifting times, lowering times and dripping times for the new Time Way as compared to the Time Way that is currently running successfully • Review the Time Way with the chemical supplier and identify any potential concerns then plan for a resolution • Make sure there are ample tanks to accommodate the faster process cycle • Incorporate additional transporter capacity so as not to compromise current time parameters For a standard hoist line, most of the cycle time for each transporter is consumed in the lifting and lowering of the work bar. In my past experience, during the expan- sion discussions, the lifting and lowering speeds are always considered viable options for reducing cycle time. I can tell you this is not a good idea. The speeds initially established were engineered based on the flight bar geometry, hydraulic effects of the solution and work bar sway. Changing these parameters could lead to signifi- cant increases in scrap or part damage. Stand firm on your current parameters and try to keep these constant. If that is not possible, document risk with a new process FMEA and follow closely. It may cost more to install additional trans- porters but in the long run, this will surely pay off in scrap and rework savings. There are many things to consider when thinking about expansion. No one person has all the right answers so in an effort to minimize your risk, include your mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, archi- tects, software engineers and chemical suppliers in your planning. Don't forget about the waste treatment side of the equation as more production equates to more drag out and additional treatment costs. Joe Arnold is the business development manager at Atotech. He can be reached at joe.arnold@atotech.com, or at 803-817-3676. Parker Boiler Co. 5930 Bandini Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90040 Never a Compromise for Quality or safety Tel: (323) 727-9800 Fax: (323) 722-2848 sales@parkerboiler.com www.parkerboiler.com It's Time for You to... - Save Money - Improve Efficiency - Reduce Operating Costs - Lower Utility Bills It's Time for Your New... - Thermal Fluid Heater - Steam Boiler - Medium Temp Process Heaters