English (UK) 
简体中文 Indicator 1: Daily capacity limit - how to break through the 3,000-piece watershed?
fundamental contradiction: The theoretical daily capacity of the plug-in line is only 2000-3000 pieces, while the speed chain easily exceeds 5000 pieces. However, blindly selecting the speed chain may lead to small parts jamming.
Scenario Decision Making::
- When the size of the PCB board > 20cm and the daily single volume > 4000 pieces, the speed chain speed up the advantages of the prominent (measured efficiency increase of 30%)
- Manual intervention in the insertion line is more flexible when the daily output of micro-components (e.g. capacitors for mobile phones) is <2500 pcs.
cost avoidanceA sensor factory strong on the speed chain processing 5mm parts, jamming downtime daily average of 2 hours; switch to plug-in line and add double-station, capacity rose 25%.
Indicator 2: Workpiece Size Adaptability - Why 0.5cm Makes the Difference
physical boundaryAluminium slot width adjustment range of 50-450mm for plug-in line, specially designed for PCB boards; Speed chain workpiece is suitable for >200mm rule pieces.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Shaped workpieces (e.g. curved audio housings) optional speed chain + customised magnetic suction pallet (positioning accuracy ±0.1mm)
- Bilateral operating table for insertion line for mixed production of multi-size small boards (<100mm)
cost avoidanceAutomotive electronics factory mistakenly ECU module (120 x 80mm) on the plug-in line, the transmission offset rate of 15%; retrofitted with pneumatic positioning fixtures after the yield rose to 99.2%.
Indicator 3: Automation potential - where are the red lines for manual intervention?
efficiency turning pointWhen the production line is manually interfered more than 5 times per hour, the efficiency of the speed multiplier chain decreases by 40%, while the plug-in line can be flexibly adjusted by the free section design.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Fully automated SMT articulation section → times the chain RFID automatic board separation (response speed 0.3 seconds)
- High-precision insertion processes (e.g. FPC wiring) → Insertion lines + air batch hangers (manually assisted anti-reverse insertion)
cost avoidanceLED screen factory used speed chain in the back end of the patch, due to the bead direction calibration failure rework; additional visual inspection station after the monthly loss of 800,000 yuan.
Indicator 4: Payback cycle - 18 months versus 6 months betting
Cost formula: Multiplier chain investment of about 1.2 million (including smart carriers), payback takes 18 months; plug-in line basic configuration of 200,000, 6 months back to the capital.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Large quantities of standard products (e.g. power adapters) → multiplier chain to dilute the cost per piece
- Small batch and multiple batches (industrial control motherboard customisation) → plug-in line light asset operation
cost avoidance: Medical device vendor loaned money for multiplier chain, equipment idle due to fluctuating orders; subleased plug-in line capacity to small neighbouring factories, increasing annual revenue by $600K.
Indicator 5: Environmental Compatibility - The Hidden Minefield of Wet Workshops
restricted area: Steel speed chain in the humidity>70% workshop rust rate increased 15% per year; plug-in line aluminium alloy track corrosion resistance but weak load-bearing.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Coastal electronics factory → Double speed chain for stainless steel sprocket (high price 30% but life 5 years +)
- Food-grade workshop → lubrication-free design for insertion lines (to avoid oil contamination)
cost avoidanceZhuhai circuit board factory did not do moisture-proof treatment, multiplier chain roller rust jammed; replaced with nylon roller after the failure rate to zero.
Indicator 6: Mixed production capacity - the life and death of flexible manufacturing
Switching Costs: The changeover of the doubler chain requires the adjustment of the tooling plate (time consuming 10-30 minutes), while the plug-in line achieves a 5-minute changeover by replacing the aluminium groove.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Automotive electronic mixing line (12 models) → Doubling chain + quick-change fixture (supports RFID automatic parameter adjustment)
- Consumer electronics small batch (50 headphones) → plug-in cable free section mode (single cable compatible with multiple board types)
cost avoidance: OEM factory produced 200 smartwatches with plug-in line, due to frequent track adjustment loss; switching efficiency increased 8 times after upgrading to motorised widening system.
Indicator 7: Space utilisation - the secret of $1,000 per square metre production value
Density Revolution: The speed chain enhances the space efficiency 40% through three-dimensional layout (jacking and panning + multi-layer reflux); the insertion line needs to be reserved for manual access.
Scenario Decision Making::
- Plant height > 6 metres → double assembly island (e.g. hard disc production line) built by timespeed chains
- Narrow old plant → L-shaped layout of plug lines against the wall (minimum turning radius 0.5 m)
cost avoidanceShenzhen mobile phone factory in 80 square metres of space, strong plug speed chain, maintenance channel is not enough to cause safety accidents; change to plug-in line ring layout after the injury rate dropped to zero.
Ultimate Decision Anchor: When there are contradictions in the 7 indicators (e.g., both large quantities and multiple varieties are required), the use ofSegmented hybrid programmes--The front section of the speed chain is responsible for heavy duty modules (daily capacity of 8000 pieces), and the rear section of the plug-in line handles precision insertion (yield guaranteed at 99%). Dongguan motor factory with this programme, in the same capacity to save 300 square meters of plant, annual rental savings of 1.08 million. The essence of the production line is the flow of the profit pool, the selection is not either one or the other of the single-choice questions, but with the data to measure the output effectiveness of each centimetre of the conveyor belt.
