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Ingersoll Rand – Makes it Easy
One of the main causes of injury in a manufacturing facility is due to lifting heavy objects. In this case study, Air Power helps a customer eliminate the risk of injury with an Ingersoll Rand custom monorail lifting system.
Challenge
A local machinery manufacturer has had issues finding a suitable solution to include as part of their OEM machinery builds. They had a history of using electrical hoists and I beam trolleys which have not been well received by their end-users. The previous offerings by others were hard to maneuver and difficult to position the load for final placement.
Air Power Solution
Air Power proposed an Ingersoll Rand Zimmerman rail system, which are easily adaptable, cost-effective and easy to use. We designed a system for them that included 4 individual monorails with rigid mount hanger kits to increase clearance and ZAW air balancers with pendant controls for load lifting and proper part positioning. The solution allows each of the 4 sides of their machine to be covered from end to end.
Results
The proposed solution provided the necessary benefits including:
- The ZRA1 monorails utilized minimum push/pull forces, allowing ergonomics on the operator and ease of use.
- For future integrations, the individual monorails provide an easily adaptable solution, should the OEM design change over time.
- The aluminum profile ZRA1 provided a reduction in solution weight.
- The ZAW air balancers allow the end-user to position the load close to its final destination then use the “float” of the balancer for final (and exact) placement of the part; further enhancing the user experience.
Graco HydroShield Electrostatic Spray System
Air Power in partnership with Graco is working hard to prep the Hydroshield for upcoming customer demos throughout our entire territory! Pre-plan, setup, and spray prior to demo ensures a successful onsite demo. We’d like to thank the team of Graco Representatives Nick Lewis, Nick Yanavitch, and Chris Maicon for all working with the Air Power team to establish this product in the field.
The Graco Hydroshield Spray Package is an operator-friendly solution for spraying waterborne material that improves transfer efficiency and safety. This system includes manual electrostatic air spray or air-assist guns, controller interface, and high-performing pumps.
The HydroShield Batch Waterborne System makes it easy to safely use electrostatics to spray waterborne material.
- Refill paint supply without having to open the isolation cabinet.
- Use one controller with simple screens to set and adjust system parameters.
- Minimize downtime with durable components that are easily accessed and maintained.
Check out these pictures of the Air Power team setting up this system in the Air Power High Point Finishing Lab!
Assemble Faster with IR DC Tools
The assembly process in manufacturing plants typically is the largest drain on human labor resources. Anything that can be done to speed up that assembly process is critical. Especially, if it creates a reduction of labor and increased throughput, and increased quality in the final product.
Customer
A Global supplier of compression molded plastic parts to tier 1 automotive, Heavy Truck and bus, Heavy equipment, marine, reactional vehicle manufacturers.
Challenge
This company has 3 work cells installing multiple fasteners into door panels for Tier 1 automotive. They were using two tools per station (One DC, One pneumatic) and manually inserting and driving to torque 3 fasteners. This resulted in 3, 8-hour shifts of assembly 5-6 days a week to meet production demands. With this process, torque values were not being collected and there was no assurance of quality. Resulting in inconsistent quality, frequent rework, and often rejected batches of parts.
Air Power’s Solution
Air Power, Inc. in Partnership with Design Tool Inc. (DTI) proposed a solution utilizing both Ingersoll Rand DC Tools and DTI screw feeders. This would reduce Takt time thanks to the DTI screw feeders and assure consistent torque values and alert if there was an issue from bad fasteners,cross-threading, etc.
Result
Utilizing the DC tools along with the DTI Screw Feeders we were able to dramatically reduce takt time, increase quality, and dramatically reduce the amount of labor needed to meet production demands.
- Labor was reduced from (3) 8-hour shifts running 5-6 days a week to (1) shift 4 days a week.
- First Pass quality increased by 80%
- Rework is almost non-existent because any defects in fasteners or torque are corrected or captured in the work cell instead of at the end-user or in the quality department.
Cleco CellTek Launch
Cleco’s advanced tool and assembly solutions enhance user experience and increase productivity, providing powerful results for your company. They leverage new technology to increase tool accuracy, traceability, ergonomics, and safety. As a leading tool manufacturer, Cleco offers trusted tool solutions across numerous industries. Whether your company constructs high-tech automobiles, assembles planes for leading aviation projects, produces appliances, or builds earthmoving equipment, you can count on Cleco Production Tools for intelligent assemblies and world-class tools.
Cleco is very excited to present the future of connectivity, CellTek, part of our growing line-up of cordless electric tightening tools. Check out the CellTek experience!
Want to learn more about Cleco Production Tools from Air Power Manufacturing Solutions?
Click this link to view and/or download a copy of the Cleco Production Tools Catalog
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