A handle on efficiency

Automated handling systems can streamline the production process and cut inefficient non value-added time without compromising quality.

Regardless of the application or a component’s complexity, production costs can be broken down into value and non-value added time. But in some cases the percentage of non-value added time is as high as 95 per cent of the total production time, meaning value is only being added for five per cent of the time — when it is being machined.

Naturally the aim is to reduce the non-value added time by cutting inefficiency without compromising quality. This means taking a good look at such issues as material handling, set-up time, tool changes, spindle acceleration/deceleration, and traverse times. It’s a daunting task, but don’t despair — there are faster routes to the same ends.

One key solution is to increase spindle utilisation by repeatedly and rapidly providing the right component to the machining centre. Because if work handling isn’t efficient it will take up too much of the total cycle time and lower productivity.