The customer is a top connector manufacturer in the world that required the professional expertise of MIJOINT to help realize the flexible production capacity of equipment. Please refer to the following case study to learn how our engineers identified the optimal solution for the customer.
Processes
These processes include UV laser + bending module, foil removal, CO₂ laser, dielectric removal, pre-forming & final trimming, soldering, and dispensing.
Challenge
The customer expected the equipment to support two operation modes: standalone mode for orders featuring multi-variety and small batch, and integrated line mode for mass production. It should allow to be flexibly configured according to order demands to achieve true flexible production.
Evaluation
On one hand, the lack of a flexible production mode leads to severe loss of customer resources. On the other hand, the wide variety of dedicated equipment necessitate constant purchase of new equipment, which would bring about idle equipment and increased production costs.
Solutions
We analyzed the customer’s current product range, manufacturing processes, and existing equipment. Based on the their needs, we formulated a solution suitable for their factory. Below are the steps for our project solution:
1. Solution evaluation & process verification → finalized the design proposal → completed 3D design with review to finalize the design → BOM release & material procurement → entered the manufacturing phase.
2. During the manufacturing phase, engineers conducted standardized defining and design for the key modules, unifying their external frame, positioning benchmark, and electronic control programs, enabling the standardized platform to accommodate the core process modules of the wire preparing section.
3. We configured an independent program system for each workstation that can be called with one click, enabling switching the corresponding program with one click while changing modules.
4. Each individual machine was rapidly interconnected via aviation plugs.
5. Finally, we completed equipment assembly and debugging and delivered the goods after passing the qualification.
Results
Finally, we’ve developed a standardized production line platform supporting quick changeover and flexible production. Equipment cycle time was reduced from 30s to 20s, with an improvement of 33.33%; Changeover time was shortened from 2 days to 8 hours, with a reduction of 66.67%; Labor requirement was reduced from 40 people to 30 people per shift, saving 10 people.
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Performance Indicator
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Before Improvement
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After Improvement
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Improvement Range/Effect
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Cycle Time (CT)
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30s/pcs
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20s/pcs
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Productivity increased by 33.33%
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Changeover Time
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2 days
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8 h
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Changeover time reduced by 66.67%
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Labor Configuration
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40 HC/shift
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30 HC/shift
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10 people saved per shift, reducing labor cost by 25%
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