Improve screw feeder manufacturing process

Double A (1991) Public Company Limited, a fully integrated pulp and paper mill, was incorporated in 1991. Situated in Thailand's central plains, in the province of Prachinburi, the mill commenced operations in 1995. It has an annual capacity of producing 600,000 tons of pulp and 600,000 tons of paper. In paper manufacturing, there is a piece of equipment known as a screw feeder. It is used to transfer materials to the next processing stage and is 20 meters long with a diameter of 1 meter. The engineering department designed and manufactured this equipment on the shop floor located in Prachinburi province.

Fabricating blades with varying pitches accurately is a demanding task. The manufacturing process must account for the changing angles and dimensions, which requires specialized equipment and techniques to avoid deviations from the intended design.

The project's main objective was to replace 2D design with AutoCAD and identify an appropriate solution that aligned with the required applications and features, ultimately enhancing both the design and manufacturing processes of the screw feeder. At the forefront of the project's priorities was the establishment of an optimized workflow encompassing design and fabrication stages.

Able Success Co., Ltd. provided Autodesk Inventor training to the engineers at Double-A, equipping them with the skills to generate 3D models and 2D drawings of various screw feeder components, including shafts and connectors. Additionally, the training encompassed the utilization of iLogic forms, enabling the engineers to design blades with variable pitches. This initiative aimed to enhance the engineers' capabilities and streamline the design process for these intricate components. 

Subsequently, Able Success Co., Ltd. recommended that the engineers apply the newly acquired skills to real-world design and fabrication scenarios. By implementing these techniques, the goal was to enable Double-A's engineers to execute the manufacturing process accurately, thereby minimizing material wastage, reducing costs, and optimizing production timelines. This approach aimed to translate theoretical knowledge into practical benefits, ensuring efficient and effective outcomes throughout the design and manufacturing phases.

As a consequence of the training and guidance provided by Able Success Co., Ltd., the company has gained a comprehensive understanding of the new design tool and workflow, specifically Autodesk Inventor. This understanding has empowered Double-A to effectively employ Autodesk Inventor in designing variable pitch screw feeders and other components. As a result, the company has managed to minimize losses and waste in the design and manufacturing processes. This successful implementation of the recommended tools and methods has contributed to improved operational efficiency and reduced resource wastage for Double-A.

By adopting a 3D design workflow, Double-A has achieved significant improvements in both their screw feeder design and manufacturing processes. This approach has led to a range of positive outcomes, including precise and accurate designs, the creation of blades that match their intended dimensions, reduction in waste material, fewer manufacturing steps, decreased time requirements, and an overall decrease in operational costs. This shift towards 3D design has not only enhanced the quality of their products but also optimized their entire production cycle, resulting in substantial savings and improved efficiency.