Error-proofing is of paramount importance in manufacturing processes. By implementing measures to prevent and detect errors before they occur, error-proofing significantly reduces the likelihood of defects, rework, and product recalls. This not only enhances product quality and customer satisfaction, but also boosts overall productivity, and cost-efficiency, ensuring a competitive advantage in the market. Ultimately, error-proofing fosters a culture of continuous improvement and reliability, laying the foundation for sustainable success in the manufacturing industry.
The Problem
This specific customer had opened a new plant where they had very limited knowledge of fastening and battery assembly within their engineering, quality, and production teams. Our sales representative walked the line and noticed a few holes in their error-proofing. The repair station had no error-proofing to ensure that the buss bar was being tightened properly. They had been cross-threading fasteners with a hand tool that caused battery packs to be scrapped. Operators were experiencing injuries due to extended reach from improper tools.
After a discussion with the customer, they agreed to partner with Atlas Copco to implement our error-proofing workstation solutions to help this plant reach their maximum efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.
The Solution
Our team went back to the customer and conducted a live demo showing the benefits of Atlas Copco’s Industrial Location solutions. After the demo, they commissioned us to install and implement the following solutions:
AXF 3-3 Torque Arm with Industrial Location Guidance (ILG)
Inline DC tool on AFX arm
Extended remote start handles
By installing the torque arm with ILG, this ensures that each bolt will be accurately tightened on the customer’s buss bar and J bar. The inline DC tool on the torque arm will keep the tool perpendicular to the part which will eliminate potential cross threads. The extended remote handles allow the operator to be positioned away from the dangerous buss bar, eliminate injuries from leaning over, and requires just one operator when two were needed before.
If you’re interested in learning more about an Atlas Copco automated solution, contact us to schedule a demo today!
