Teamwork Delivers a Creative Production Solution
What do you do when a long-standing customer comes to you with a challenge: their standard product needs a significant ramp-up in a short time? At that moment, the required milling machines were fully booked. However, through creative thinking and the in-house development of a new clamping fixture, we were able to boost output as requested. “Together with the team, we developed a new workholding setup so we could produce the required volumes on a different machine. You truly go further together.”
These are the words of team lead Erik. When he received the request to increase production, it required a quick pivot. “It concerns a substantial series of a specialized product specialized product that must be precisely milled for hydraulic control applications. There are many operations involved, with tight tolerances and low surface-roughness requirements.”
Quality
The product was not new, but the quantities were. During a tour of production, the classic yet highly accurate Okuma milling machine quickly came into view as an option. However, due to the different way this machine operates, a different clamping solution had to be devised to guarantee the same quality.
Result
“The Okuma was also not equipped with options that the new generation of machines does have, so we chose to use other tools to achieve the same result.”
Collaboration
Thinking up, designing and making a new clamping solution was a collaboration between various colleagues. “My team consists not only of craftsmen who have been with us for years, but also young colleagues who have just left school or are still in their internships. All knowledge is valuable and welcome. The younger generation brings a lot of knowledge of digital systems; drawing a clamping setup digitally is no big deal for them.”
Trust
“With the experienced colleagues the focus is on trade skills and many years of practical knowledge. Together we considered what the best clamping solution could be, and an intern converted it into a design. It does not matter whether you are an intern or a long time employee at Pillen Group. We place our trust in you and we always do it together.”
Production
An initial concept was created in SolidWorks and based on that a manufacturing drawing was made, after which the new clamping solution was produced and tested in house. With success. In the new setup for the Okuma milling machine, colleagues can now clamp 48 aluminum raw blanks.
Making the impossible possible
Some time later a complete product rolls out, ready for the customer. By using this clamping solution, this classic machine can also be used in night production, ensuring that the customer receives the required quantities. “A fine example of how together we make the impossible possible,” Erik concludes.
Uitdaging
Do you also have a production challenge We are happy to think along with you and translate your wishes into concrete plans. Submit your question to us and we will contact you.