Previously we discussed concurrent working, or multitasking in a sense, to discuss how some tasks can be done in parallel. There are many ways for working in parallel that can help your shop to improve. Following are some ideas, and what we would like is for you to comment your own ideas.
Program CAM software cutterpaths on the shop floor, while the machine is running
With advanced CAM software, one programmer can program the next job(s) while their mill is running the current job. If you have confidence in the reliability in your CAM software, where one does not need to “babysit” the mill continuously, they can spend time while the mill is cutting, to get the next part programmed.
Run multiple mills with Advanced CAM software and a little planning
With Advanced CAM software, you most likely can have one mill operator / programmer run multiple mills. If doing parts with complex 3D shapes, that require roughing, semi finishing and finishing, it’s not uncommon for a person to run two or even more mills all simultaneously. This can be accomplished by prudent use of standard sequences (templates) and batch processing. Allowing the mill operator to set up the next mill, while one mill is running and his computer is calculating cutterpaths on the next model.
Utilize older machines
Many shops, as they buy new equipment, start to phase out or stop using some older equipment. Keeping an older machine busy, can help bottlenecks from forming on newer machines (Read the One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard). Some ways to do this are by using an older mill to square up material to e moved to newer mills.
Another way is to mill differently on an older mill. Perhaps use an older mill to plunge rough a part, then semi finish and finish it on a newer mill. We discussed this topic in our regular Tip of the Week.
Cut multiple parts simultaneously
When milling smaller details, mounting several into the machine at one time, and milling them all at once, can be a time saver. Utilities such as WorkNC’s MPM, Multi Part Machining, help to automate this task allowing for optimized sorting of tooling.
While one group of parts is being milled, the others can be mounted onto a quick change pallet to be ready for when the machine is available.
What are your ideas?
This was just a few commonsense ideas. We know many of the readers have ideas of their own. We’d love to see them in the comments.
I think the biggest threat to production, profit, and repeat business is an employee.
Therefore, the employee should be connected to the production process via the wallet.
If a human gets paid the same whether they produces 10 units or 1000 units…shame on the manager or owner that allows this to happen!
The biggest fear I have with “efficiency” is an entire shop gainfully employed producing scrap at record pace.
Collecting employees tied to results, who prosper from being on the ball, alert, and conscientious is the place to focus on increased production, quality and ingenues ways to get the job done better cheaper faster.