Conveyor handles complexity

Trojan Battery is the world’s leading manufacturer of deep cycle batteries. The batteries are built to meet the complex requirements of today’s advancing applications for the renewable energy, golf, heavy duty truck, serial/scissor lift, floor machine, RV and marine industries. But when looking to improve efficiency at its own manufacturing facility, the company realized it had some complex requirements of its own.

In its Lithonia, Ga., facility, the company was looking for ways to move the battery cases through machines during the pre-acid fill assembly process. Space was tight, the environment was harsh, and battery weight varied from empty plastic shells to 50-pound, lead-filled cases ready for acid filling and sealing.

The solution (Conveyors & Drives, condrives.com; Hytrol, hytrol.com) was a conveyor system that uses tight radius curves to avoid columns located throughout the facility and to keep the line moving efficiently.

The minimum pressure conveyors are set on close axle centers to maximize the system’s capacity and maintain throughput. And, 1.9-inch diameter rollers and heavy duty UHMV guarding were used throughout the system for added strength in the abusive environment.

“The conveyors are robust enough for our harsh environment and help us to be as efficient as possible in our manufacturing process,” said Eric Rueter, the company’s director of process engineering.
This new system increased Trojan’s battery production, reduced manufacturing costs, and created additional shipping capacity.