Increasing Demand Calls for Automation
This company explored automated processes with a robot they previously purchased but had yet to use.
The robot indexes the parts through the nests, loading a blank and unloading a finished part after each machine cycle, and depositing the finished parts onto a conveyor belt.
Glacier Tool and Die in Stevensville, Montana, recently won a defense contract to make the trigger/hammer assembly for the M16. The contract was for 65,000 pieces, with the possibility that the order could increase in volume. Within the first year, the order increased to 485,000 pieces. The additional volume placed a heavy demand on the equipment and the employees. The company quickly realized it needed to find a way to meet production demands, make it easier on the operators and reduce the overall cost per part.
To find out how Glacier explored automated processes with a robot they previously purchased but had yet to use, and you missed this article in the September issue of PM, read “Fast ROI Convinces Shop to Add Robotic Automation” online here.
Related Content
-
Automation Idea for Halloween?
Maybe not. But, the candy-throwing robots at MetalQuest’s Nebraska facility do enable the contract machine shop to stand out at career fairs and similar events.
-
Inside the Premium Machine Shop Making Fasteners
AMPG can’t help but take risks — its management doesn’t know how to run machines. But these risks have enabled it to become a runaway success in its market.
-
Automation in the Alps: Studer AG Unveils New Grinding Concepts
Studer AG, member company of United Grinding, held its annual press conference at its Swiss Alps location earlier this month to announce its new automatic loaders to accompany its existing grinding machines as well as other offerings and automation features.
