Grand Machine and Design took on the challenge of revolutionizing the assembly process for a core local customer in the fluid systems industry, known for their reliance on manual labor and precision in part assembly. Facing quality issues and time inefficiencies, our mission was to transform their existing operations into a more productive and fail-safe environment.
Before:
After:
Customer Profile
- Industry: Fluid Systems
- Challenge: Over-reliance on manual assembly leading to quality concerns and inefficiencies.
The customer’s operators were bogged down by a labor-intensive assembly process, utilizing hammers and punches, which not only slowed down production but also raised concerns over part quality. The manual inspection of each part with calipers to prevent downstream failures added an additional layer of time and potential for error.
Objective
The goal was to eliminate manual hand assembly in favor of a more user-friendly, efficient, and accurate method, ensuring a faster and more reliable way to confirm part dimensions.
Solution Implemented
Grand Machine and Design introduced a simple yet innovative solution that replaced the archaic punch and hammer method. Our approach:
- Ergonomic Assembly Method: A custom-designed clamp and nesting mechanism provided a safe, ergonomic, and repeatable method for part assembly. This design offered mechanical advantages at a fraction of the cost of an arbor press.
- Dimensional Verification: The addition of a Good/No-Good gauge nest allowed for quick, reliable dimensional checks without the need for manual caliper measurements.
Results & Benefits
The newly implemented system not only streamlined the assembly process but also significantly reduced the time and cost associated with quality checks. The customer benefited from:
- Enhanced Safety and Ergonomics: Minimized risk of injury and improved operator comfort.
- Increased Efficiency: Faster assembly and quality verification process.
- Cost Savings: Low-cost solution that stayed within budget constraints while enhancing production quality.
Inspiration
This case underscores the power of simple, thoughtful innovations in solving everyday manufacturing challenges, proving that significant improvements don’t always require big budgets.
Customer Quote
“A simple solution to an everyday problem” – encapsulates the essence of our approach, delivering practical, impactful enhancements to our client’s manufacturing process.
