For many years, SmithCo used a submerged arc semi-automated welding station to weld one pass at a time on its frame beams. The new rail welding system gives the straightest, most consistent frame beams SmithCo has ever produced, according to the manufacturer.

SmithCo Side Dump Trailers has installed a pair of custom frame rail welding tables. Each table is 64 ft. long, 7 ft. wide and utilizes a pair of Bug-O side beam automatic welding systems coupled with Miller liquid-cooled welders to enable the SmithCo team to weld both the top and bottom flange in a single, continuous weld pass.

"The three main objectives of this project were to improve weld quality, increase manufacturing efficiency and improve worker safety," said Scott Lovell, SmithCo president and CEO.

"By reducing the number of times we have to move or handle our large frame rails, we greatly improved both worker safety and efficiency. For the customer, they are getting a more consistent and more professionally welded frame rail."

Automation Creates a Continuous Weld

The automated welder travels at a constant speed and creates a continuous weld down the length of the beam.

For many years, SmithCo used a submerged arc semi-automated welding station to weld one pass at a time on its frame beams. The new rail welding system gives the straightest, most consistent frame beams SmithCo has ever produced, according to the manufacturer.

From an efficiency standpoint, SmithCo reduced its floor footprint and improved material flow by combining the clamping, tacking and welding of frame rails into one process and one area.

With the new tables set up, old equipment was decommissioned, and the space was transformed into a large parts storage and staging area.The reduction in the number of work stations and processes to build frame rails allows the team to increase production numbers while also manufacturing a superior product, the manufacturer said.

Improves Safety, Efficiency

The idea for investing in a rail table came in 2019 as a way to improve the safety and efficiency of the manufacturing process. SmithCo worked with engineering students from Iowa State University to conduct a feasibility study and produce initial concept drawings. From there, SmithCo refined its concept to meet specific requirements and worked with a hydraulics supplier to create a custom hydraulic clamping solution.

In early 2020, the pandemic halted work on the project, but when work resumed in the summer of 2020, the company was able to complete the construction, installation and testing of the table.

SmithCo completed the project with two fully operational tables at the end of 2020.

Commitment to Annual Capital Projects

SmithCo always strives to be forward thinking. Every year the company aims to invest in capital projects to further enhance capabilities as North America's leading side dump manufacturer. Improvement projects are planned carefully in order to minimize production constraints and manufacturing delays.

"Our goal is to never stop improving our products, our processes or our people. This automation allows our people to work on producing even higher quality products," said Lovell.

For more information visit sidedump.com.

This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.

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