IGT

– CASE STUDY –

IGT Cleans Up its Las Vegas Assembly Line with Energy - and Cost-Efficient Central Vacuum System

Manufacturing giant International Game Technology (IGT) is a world leader in manufacturing processes and profitability. When the Las Vegas, NV division began designing its new 850,000-square foot facility, management realized it was time for a change. Staff members were ready to trade in their brooms, dustpans, and portable vacuums for a powerful central vacuum system.

The Challenge

Design and implement a cost-effective method of removing debris from multiple work stations along 2,000+ linear feet of assembly line.

IGT's Production Division in Las Vegas runs two shifts of technicians who deconstruct slot machines then reassemble the components with new materials to produce functional gaming devices. The process results in a multitude of loose screws, metal shavings, nuts, bolts and plastic fittings.

Debris littered workstations and the existing decentralized debris collection process resulted in costly workflow inefficiencies. Debris worked its way into slot machines and into the conveyor system. Technicians handpicked wayward parts out of machines and brushed debris away from the conveyor. The result: expensive workflow stoppages and increased finished goods cycle time.

Their quick-fix solution consisting of shop-vac style vacuums proved costly and ineffective.

These portable off-the-shelf units required frequent personal maintenance, offered a very short life expectancy, and required cumbersome electrical cords.

The Solution

Install an energy-conscious 50hp central vacuum system that provides powerful suction to 33 vacuum stations at the point of process.

The AutoVac Industrial (AVI) team worked closely with IGT engineers and end users to identify process inefficiencies and determine the source of work stoppage. AVI then engineered a central vacuum system that would integrate with individual assembly line stations and enhance IGT's existing production process.

The system was custom engineered, manufactured and installed by AVI and includes: two 25hp centrifugal exhausters, four separators, 2,000+ linear feet of piping, 33 vacuum stations, Vacuum IQ™ motor controls, and Vacuum Logic™ remote monitoring software.

Suction is piped from the exhausters to individual vacuum stations to provide vacuum on demand at the point of process. As air returns to the exhausters, debris is filtered from the air stream by two primary separators on the assembly line floor and two additional hopper-style separators at the exhausters.

AutoVac engineered a solid Pay Station Canopy with LED lighting mounts to complement the overall design of the wash.

To ensure maximum energy efficiency, the vacuum producers are controlled by AVI's Vacuum IQ™ program. Its variable frequency drive technology and customized software work dynamically with the exhausters' motors to ensure optimum energy efficiency. The software constantly monitors demand for suction along the assembly line and adjusts the frequency of the motors so the suction produced always matches vacuum demand, thereby maximizing the system's electrical efficiency.

Vacuum Logic™ management software allows authorized personnel to monitor and manipulate the entire system remotely via internet connection. Parameters can be set for multiple shifts so the system runs during designated hours and then automatically powers off. Vacuum Logic™'s proactive maintenance software notifies personnel in real time whenever the system requires attention.

The Equipment/Features

  • Two 600 Series AutoVac centrifugal exhausters, 25hp each
  • One 600 Series Pulse Jet Filter Separator (hopper style) with 50 gallon debris collector fitted with quick disconnect and self-cleaning pulse-jet technology
  • One 600 Series Centrifugal Primary Separator with 50 gallon debris collector and quick disconnect
  • Two Primary Pre-Filter Separators at each disassembly conveyor for large debris removal before air enters main overhead piping
  • Custom engineered piping system with No-Clog™ technology, consisting of more than 2,000 linear feet
  • 33 Vacuum Stations located along assembly line consisting of ergonomic hose assemblies, nozzles and custom hangers designed and manufactured by AVI engineering team
  • Vacuum IQ™ motor control with variable frequency drive technology and proprietary software
  • Vacuum Logic™ remote monitoring software program

The Results

Increased worker efficiency and improved manufacturing cycle time, visibly increased employee focus and productivity, reduced man hours required to collect, relocate and remove debris, cleaner, safer work environment, improved quality control, and enhanced overall plant efficiency through simplified housekeeping.

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