Lean manufacturing relies on consistency, quality, and continuous reduction in all types of “waste.” While the culture and processes for a lean environment are a given, what most often determines whether a company will consistently meet the performance requirements of its goals is the machinery that runs the production line.
This article provides a brief description of the products from each supplier, including a key feature, and a brief description of how the product may assist in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of your production, as well as the overall reliability of your lean-focused operations.
Below is a list of the top equipment suppliers that help companies remove process inefficiencies and improve the overall reliability of their operations through improved workflows, increased material efficiency, standardised workflow processes, and reduced waste.
How Lean Manufacturing Improves Equipment Efficiency
The main goal of lean manufacturing is to create an efficient flow through all of the processes of creating a product, which will help:
- eliminate unnecessary steps,
- decrease equipment downtime,
- increase product quality,
- make sure that each step of the process adds value for the customer.
Lean also produces a better product at a lower cost by focusing efforts to remove unnecessary steps in each and every process.
Below is a list of the top equipment suppliers that help companies remove process inefficiencies and improve the overall reliability of their operations through improved workflows, increased material efficiency, standardised workflow processes, and reduced waste.
#1: Composite-Tech.com: High-Efficiency Production Solutions
Composite-Tech has been involved in the manufacture of fiberglass reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar and mesh, as well as flexible couplings and curved frame components, since 1998.
The company has developed new, technologically advanced equipment that can help in the development of an efficient process with minimal waste, as the machines will provide manufacturers with methods to optimise their workflow, increase product quality, and decrease waste, all of which are important characteristics of companies looking for reliability and precision in a lean operation.
Key Points
- Automation of the manufacturing process
The amount of time spent on manual activities is reduced; there are fewer variations in the execution of processes.
- Increased material efficiency
There is less waste and an increase in the total number of products produced.
- A modular, scalable machine design
A system that can be used for both low-volume and high-volume production.
- In-line quality control systems
Quality is controlled by using systems that monitor product characteristics as the product is being made.
- A lean-friendly design
Changeovers occur faster, and there is a reduction in the variability of the workflow.
- FRP & GFRP Products
Composite-Tech’s equipment is used to produce FRP and GFRP reinforcement composite products that are lighter than steel rebar, stronger, corrosion-resistant, and provide an environmentally friendly alternative for producing composite products in a quality environment with low waste.
Composite-tech.com is the best option for manufacturing companies looking to develop a better, less wasteful production environment using new equipment that is both modern and scalable for lean production.
#2: Lean Factory America
Equipment from Lean Factory America is designed to help implement lean factory strategies in order to enhance visual control, promote the use of standardised work processes, and improve the continuous movement of raw material through the factory floor.
The products provided by Lean Factory America are used to provide organised workstation layouts, reduce unnecessary motions, and assist in maintaining an orderly and productive working area.
Key Points
- Customised flow rack and FIFO system equipment
- Equipment designed for improving the visibility of processes through the use of visual control tools
- Modular design of equipment to allow for ongoing improvement
Companies looking to improve their 5S implementation, Visual Management, and Flow Efficiency will find Lean Factory America to be an excellent resource.
#3: Flexlink
Flexlink is a supplier of the most advanced flow solutions in manufacturing today, which greatly enhance efficiency through reducing all non-value added movement, takt time, and increasing the throughput of products.
Flexlink’s complete systems are designed so that each product moves through the system without interruption and at consistent intervals, creating an environment where there are no stoppages or interruptions in production and therefore can be used to create a stable and predictable cycle time.
Key Points
- Optimised compact conveyor systems that take up less floor space.
- Automatic product handling equipment to provide a consistent takt time.
- Equipment to monitor productivity and identify bottleneck areas.
FlexLink is a good choice for manufacturers seeking to create a more streamlined and
rapid flow through production and significantly reduce motion waste.
#4: Nordson Industrial Solutions
Nordson Industrial Solutions offers advanced systems to dispense, bond, and coat products using its advanced technology to assist companies in all types of manufacturing industries to achieve precise product application while minimizing material waste.
The products provided by Nordson were engineered to provide repeatable accuracy, rapid set-up time, and stability of operation, which are attributes that are beneficial to Lean Manufacturing efforts as they contribute to defect reduction, ensure quality, and enable continuous production line operations.
Key Points
- Precision Adhesive Dispensing Systems
- Automated Bonding Machines for Consistent Output
- Quick Change Over Controls
Companies that require a reliable adhesive and material application process with a focus on minimising waste and achieving high-quality production will find Nordson an excellent resource for their needs.
Final Thoughts
Together, these four companies strengthen modern manufacturing processes through improved material flow, better precision, and a more reliable manufacturing environment. In terms of providing support for lean manufacturing, each company provides support for the same goal, but in an entirely different manner than the others.
In these terms, Composite-Tech has made it easier to use advanced materials, while the other tools have made it easier to dispense or apply coatings more accurately.
When taken together as a whole, all of the companies mentioned help manufacturers to eliminate waste, provide a streamlined operation, decrease downtime, and produce quality products consistently from line to line throughout the manufacturing process.