Method for handling components of a sheet extrusion system

A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a carriage configured to support different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system;
• placing a first of the different components in a supported staging position on the carriage;
• performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of:
• a) transport the first of the different components;
• b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components;
• c) repair the first of the different components;
• or d) set the first of the different components up for installation;
• separating the first of the different components from the supported staging position on the carriage;
• and
• reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on the carriage wherein the second of the different components can be at least one of transported, maintained, repaired, or set up for installation,
• wherein the step of placing the first of the different components in the supported staging position for the first of the different components comprises supporting the first of the different components by first and second spaced supports on the carriage,
• wherein the first and second spaced supports are trunnion supports, the method further comprising the step of turning the first of the different components in the supported staging position for the first of the different components around an axis defined by the first and second trunnion supports.

A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a carriage configured to support different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system;
• placing a first of the different components in a supported staging position on the carriage;
• performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of:
• a) transport the first of the different components;
• b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components;
• c) repair the first of the different components;
• or d) set the first of the different components up for installation;
• separating the first of the different components from the supported staging position on the carriage;
• and
• reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on the carriage wherein the second of the different components can be at least one of transported, maintained, repaired, or set up for installation,
• wherein the carriage is configured to guide the first of the different components in the supported staging portion for the first of the different components guidingly in movement relative to the carriage around an axis.

A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a carriage configured to support different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system;
• placing a first of the different components in a supported staging position on the carriage;
• performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of:
• a) transport the first of the different components;
• b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components;
• c) repair the first of the different components;
• or d) set the first of the different components up for installation;
• separating the first of the different components from the supported staging position on the carriage;
• and
• reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on the carriage wherein the second of the different components can be at least one of transported, maintained, repaired, or set up for installation,
• wherein the different components comprise at least one of:
• a) a roll that engages a surface of a sheet material during a sheet extrusion process;
• b) a feed screw that is turned around an axis to advance material used to form a sheet during a sheet extrusion process;
• and c) a die component used to controllably discharge a material used to form a sheet during a sheet extrusion process,
• wherein the carriage is configured to guide the first of the different components in the predetermined supported staging position for the first of the different components guidingly in movement relative to the carriage around an axis.

A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a carriage configured to support different components on spaced supports on the carriage, the different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system,
• a first of the different components having a lengthwise axis;
• placing the first of the different components in a supported staging position on the carriage wherein the first of the different components is supported on upwardly opening U-shaped seats on the spaced supports;
• performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of:
• a) transport the first of the different components;
• b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components;
• c) repair the first of the different components;
• or d) set the first of the different components up for installation;
• separating the first of the different components from the supported staging position on the carriage;
• and
• reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on the carriage wherein the second of the different components can be at least one of transported, maintained, repaired, or set up for installation.

A method of handling components for a sheet extrusion system, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a carriage configured to support different components each making up a part of a sheet extrusion system;
• placing a first of the different components on spaced supports on the carriage whereby the first of the different components is in a supported staging position on the carriage;
• performing an operation on the first of the different components in the supported staging position to at least one of:
• a) transport the first of the different components;
• b) perform a maintenance step on the first of the different components;
• c) repair the first of the different components;
• or d) set the first of the different components up for installation;
• separating the first of the different components from the predetermined supported staging position on the carriage;
• and
• reconfiguring the carriage to maintain a second of the different components, that is different than the first of the different components, in a supported staging position on spaced supports on the carriage wherein the second of the different components can be at least one of transported, maintained, repaired, or set up for installation,
• wherein the carriage comprises a main frame and a subframe on which the spaced supports are located,
• wherein the step of reconfiguring the carriage comprises moving at least a part of the subframe relative to the main frame using at least one linear guides.