Update from the Production Floor
Last week, we were excited to present a time-lapse video to show the moving out of six of our oldest Swiss machines, as we got ready to move in the new ones. Well, the cool new stuff has arrived! There is even more enthusiasm around the shop floor now, after the installation of three new Tsugami S205 Swiss-type CNC lathes.
The new machines are 20mm models with sub-spindles capable of machining on five axis. All are fitted with magazine bar-feeders, 2,000 PSI high pressure pumps, fire suppression, and mist/smoke filters. We thought you might enjoy another time-lapse video of the installation to appreciate the effort that went in to make it happen.
By the way, I cannot say enough good things about the professional rigging group, J&W Transfer from Janesville, WI, that was responsible for the moving in and out of the equipment. In fact, they have moved every single piece of equipment in and out of our facility since we moved in back in 2000. They consistently do work that is clean, efficient, and safe. I would not use anyone else.
In addition to our three new Swiss CNC machines, we have purchased our first robot. It is a collaborative robot by Rethink Robotics, and we are experimenting with how to increase our productivity with technology, allowing our team members to work more with their minds and less with their backs. We will keep you updated as we roll out new projects with the robot, but for now, take a look at this video from Rethink Robotics for a better understanding of this technology.
Lastly, we have also added eddy-current testing (ECT) to help validate part lengths, as we strive for zero defects. It is inevitable that Swiss mechanical machines running magazine bar-feeders at four to seven seconds per part can sometimes have a hiccup that results in a short (non-conforming) part. Since sorting with the human element does not guarantee that all of these are caught, we are now sorting with this inspection system 100% of the time in order to protect ourselves and our customers. This advanced technology is not inexpensive, but it is well worth it, as we aim to deliver perfection to our customers. You can learn more about ECT at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy-current_testing.
We continue to change and grow at China Instrument Parts, with a goal of always providing the best product and best value for our partners.
Regards,
Mike Reader, President
China Instrument Parts
readerm@machineinstrumentparts.com
