Traditionally, automobiles, airplanes, refrigerators and other products contain a wide variety of rigid parts connected by joints that are designed to be strong and stiff. In the future, engineers will use more compliant mechanisms, which contain a single-piece flexible structure that elastically deforms without joints to produce desired functionality.
The A3 process is a simple way of getting a problem, an analysis, a corrective action or an action plan written down on a single sheet of large paper, often with the use of graphics. Many manufacturers use it as a powerful lean management tool.
Dove Data Products had quality and delivery problems related to the foam they were using in its Z-blade cartridge because the supplier manufactured parts abroad.
Forest City Gear has supplied 60 space-qualified gear components, housings and carriers to Aeroflex in Hauppauge, NY, a major contractor on the newest Mars Rover for the Jet Propulsion Lab.
In late 2008, Classic Metal Finishing began discussing automation as a way to increase production speed, boost flexibility, improve accuracy and lower labor costs.
Medical device manufacturer Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG has optimized cycle time on its line by connecting assembly stations with the Montrac transport system from Montech AG.
Philips Respironics isn’t resting on its laurels in the healthcare market, as evidenced by the opening in April 2009 of a $32 million plant in Murrysville, PA, devoted to high-volume, low-mix production of special devices used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
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