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Did You Check These Real-life Lean Manufacturing Examples?

LEAN MANUFACTURING
The lean manufacturing process is the most time-tested, dependable, and proven method of manufacturing. It has helped numerous notable firms worldwide to reduce production waste and optimize their overall manufacturing operations. Many lean tools, such as 5S lean manufacturing, JIT, and Kanban, have helped manufacturers be more productive and efficient than ever before.

“Lean is a way of thinking, not a list of things to do.”

– Shigeo Shingo, a Japanese Industrial Engineer

In 2014, 29% of manufacturers had implemented lean manufacturing or intended to do so. (Source: MAXIML)

This article highlights lean manufacturing principles and the most commonly used lean tools. We will also look into the three lean manufacturing examples that will help us understand how lean manufacturing techniques may help manufacturing organizations become more successful.


Lean Manufacturing Principles


Value

Value is always determined in terms of the customer's requirements for a particular product. For instance, what is the manufacturing and delivery schedule? What is the cost? What more critical requirements or expectations must be met? This information is vital when it comes to defining value.


Value Stream

The next step after value is to map the "value stream," or all the steps and processes involved in creating a given product, from raw materials to delivery to the client. Value-stream mapping outlines all the steps that move a product or service through a process. Processes might be in design or customer service. The objective is to "map" the movement of material or product through the process on one sheet. The purpose is to identify and eliminate unwanted steps. Some call it process re-engineering. This practice also helps to understand the entire business function.


Flow

After removing waste from the value stream, the next step is to ensure there are no interruptions, delays, or bottlenecks. "Sequence the value-creating steps closely so the product or service flows smoothly toward the customer," LEI suggests. This may require breaking down silo thinking and becoming cross-functional across all departments, which can be difficult for lean projects to accomplish. However, studies indicate that this can significantly improve efficiency and productivity, often by up to 50%.


Pull

With better flow, the time it takes to get a product to market (or to the customer) can be greatly reduced. As a result, "just in time" manufacturing or delivery becomes simpler. This means that the consumer has the ability to "pull" the product from you at any time (often in weeks instead of months). As a result, the manufacturer or provider and the client save money by not having to build things or store resources in advance.


Perfection

Developing lean thinking and process optimization part of your organizational culture is the most crucial step. Remember that lean is not a static system that takes continual effort and care to perfect. Lean should be implemented by all employees. Experts claim a process is not fully lean until it has been value-stream mapped a dozen times.


The Most Used Lean Manufacturing Tools

Lean manufacturing employs a variety of lean tools to optimize output and efficiency by making the most use of available resources. Lean manufacturing seeks to improve processes by demanding less work, time, and resources. Specific lean tools may be more suited to one type of business than another. On the other hand, 5S lean manufacturing, Kaizen, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, and Focus PDCA are among the most useful lean tools.


Three Examples of Lean Manufacturing


Toyota

Toyota was the first big company to adopt the lean manufacturing process. They have mastered lean manufacturing techniques to minimize defective products that do not meet client expectations. Toyota achieves this goal through two key methods. The first is Jidoka, which means "mechanization with human assistance." While some portions of the operation are automated, humans regularly examine the product's quality. There are extra programs in the system that can shut down the machines if there is a problem.

The second method is called the JIT model. Individual cars can be made as per order using JIT inside the Toyota Production System, but each component must fit precisely the first time due to a lack of alternatives. Therefore, pre-existing production issues cannot be overlooked and resolved quickly.


Intel

Computer chip maker Intel implemented lean manufacturing techniques to produce better products with zero defects. This approach has helped to minimize the manufacturing time from three months to ten days. Intel eventually learned that manufacturing low-quality things would not enhance earnings or customer satisfaction. Instead, both parties gain from quality control and waste reduction methods. This is especially true in the electronics business, where products are constantly updated.


John Deere

John Deere has implemented a lean manufacturing process. Many of their quality control techniques are completely automated, allowing for faster inspection of more parts. This means more products flow out of the door each day, and the consumer gets a better deal. These controls also monitor how each part of their products is made, so they don't overproduce and waste valuable resources.


Final Word

Being successful with lean manufacturing techniques is a notable achievement for any organization because it involves eliminating redundant efforts, finances, and processes that have hindered your business's growth for an extended period. Recognize your business requirements and select the appropriate lean tool. Ultimately, lean is not just a method; it is an attitude that every manufacturing organization must adopt.


FAQ


What is the objective of lean manufacturing?

Lean manufacturing aims to improve product quality, cut down on waste, speed up production, and save money.


What are the drawbacks to lean production?

Using lean techniques reduces the error margin. Late supply deliveries can lead to shortages of raw materials and delayed deliveries. This flaw can damage client relationships, drive customers to competitors, and cost you money.


Is lean still applicable today?

Lean manufacturing is relevant now and will be for years to come. So, this might be an exciting opportunity for lean manufacturing to evolve in a new space with new resources.

Spotlight

Brandt Group of Companies

Brandt serves the industries of agriculture, construction, forestry, geopositioning, government, landscaping, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, rail, remediation & waste and tube & pipe. Headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Brandt employs over 2200 people and is a platinum member of the Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program.

OTHER ARTICLES
Industrial 4.0

Best Practices for Successful Digital Transformation in Industry 4.0

Article | September 21, 2023

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Lowering costs and expenditures is another significance enabling businesses to eliminate waste, save time, and conserve resources by automating data entry, approval workflows, and financial procedures. Additionally, automation enables efficient management of decentralized global teams from a central hub, further contributing to cost savings. Automation aids in enhancing security measures and simplifying compliance procedures. Businesses proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations by automating data-intensive tasks. 97% of IT managers feel process automation is necessary for digital transformation. 5. Implement Additive Manufacturing The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM)technologies has prompted the evolution of innovative business models that emphasize environmental perspectives. AM has emerged as a transformative solution within the smart manufacturing industry, offering numerous advantages, such as improved labor, energy, and material optimization, enabling companies to respond to changing market demands effectively. AM is particularly time-saving and cost-effective for small-batch complex geometries products, allowing for non-traditional mass customization and shortening the product development cycle. It encourages changes in sustainable business models, including integrating recycled materials, increasing component attributes, and enhancing product lifecycle. AM’s sustainable benefits have garnered significant attention, focusing on reducing waste, optimizing material consumption, and shortening supply chains. Using layer-by-layer production, AM is considered less wasteful than traditional subtractive methods. It also facilitates the creation of products with extended lifecycles through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Study data estimates that the cost savings that can be achieved with Industry 4.0 transformations is 50%. 6. Choose the Appropriate Technology The success of digital transformation endeavors hinges on the careful selection of technologies to invest in. Avoid investing in the latest technology just for the sake of digitization, and refrain from rushing into numerous significant changes simultaneously, which may overwhelm employees. Instead, opt to gradually replace legacy systems and synchronize technology with business objectives through the implementation of new procedures. Here’s what Airbus did. Case Study: Airbus Airbus is the market leader in aeronautics and aerospace products and services worldwide. The organization needed a user-centric digital transformation solution to optimize its data analytics, technology, and machine learning tools, but this proved difficult. Later, it embraced open-source technology and consolidated its 15 tools onto a user-friendly platform. In ten months, this helped produce 290,000 visits and 2,200,000 page views. Additionally, the company's service center is now managing 30% fewer incidents. 7. Adapt Company for a Change Digital transformation does not demand extensive technical expertise from management and employees; rather, it necessitates a shift in mindset. By embracing this new mindset and leveraging technology solutions to automate processes for both customers and employees, rapid growth can be achieved within the organization as well as in the external market. To facilitate this transformation, it is essential to identify areas that require change, enhance transparency, and foster a culture of collaboration within the organization. By taking these steps, an organization can effectively prepare for the changes brought about by digital transformation. Case Study: Honeywell The Fortune 100 manufacturer operates in industries such as aerospace and building technology. To improve product quality and make it easier to apply digital strategies, it cut its operations from eight markets to six. Early in its transformation journey, it established a digital transformation group in the company that led digital innovations like data-driven product offerings, IoT-connected devices, and advanced industrial process control. Honeywell Intelligent Wearables eliminated the need for expert site visits, empowered workers to continue learning, improved their performance, and effectively shared their knowledge with peers by connecting field workers with remote advice. In 2018, Honeywell's share price grew from $95 to $174, and revenue went from $40 billion to $43 billion. 8. 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Cummins now uses Microsoft 365 for information management and collaboration to create a new workplace culture. Cummins' 58000 employees work cross-functionally and globally to stay ahead. Cummins relies on Microsoft 365 for strict security, data management and delivery, and compliance. Final Thoughts Successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0 requires a strategic and holistic approach beyond technology adoption. It demands a cultural shift, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear vision of the desired outcomes. To achieve successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0, organizations must adopt best practices that encompass technological, cultural, and strategic dimensions. Data-driven decision-making, agility, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach are key elements in this transformative journey. By prioritizing these practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.

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As a part of the Industry 4.0 movement, factory engineers are increasingly adopting some form of industrial Ethernet to interconnect the machines and other equipment implementing their production processes. Ethernet has been around in multiple forms for over 40 years. Most of it serves the IT community by interconnecting PCs and other equipment to a company LAN. Because of its flexibility, Ethernet has been adapted to many industrial uses.

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Article | February 11, 2020

Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is considered a crucial hub in the middle of China, a place of high importance for the production of automobiles, electronics, optics, and fiber optics. Wuhan and surrounding cities in the Hubei province are currently on a government-imposed quarantine at a scale the world has never seen before, some Chinese officials have referred to the situation as warlike.

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Making digitalization work for you requires an understanding of your manufacturing ecosystem. Standards - such as ISA-95 - only guide you on a journey to more deeply comprehend the workings of your unique process for manufacturing your products. A batch manufacturing ecosystem often includes campaign management. Campaign management is not mentioned in ISA-95, which only speaks generally of order processing.

Read More
Industrial 4.0

Best Practices for Successful Digital Transformation in Industry 4.0

Article | September 21, 2023

Navigating the path to success by unveiling the best practices for thriving in Industry 4.0 through successful digital transformation. Embrace the data-driven decision-making and customer-centricity. The pursuit of successful digital transformation has evolved from a business strategy to a business necessity. It is a vital imperative for organizations striving to survive and thrive in an ever-competitive market. Within this paradigm shift, a journey unfolds that transcends the commonplace and ventures into the realms of strategic innovation. This best practices article is not just a standard guide but a roadmap to excellence. Explore the best practices that propel businesses into the forefront of Industry 4.0. Beyond the surface of technology adoption lies a deeper narrative, one of cultural transformation, stakeholder collaboration, and visionary leadership. Delve into the intricacies of data-driven decision-making, the agility that fuels progress, the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering commitment to the customer experience. Each of these elements forms a crucial thread in the tapestry of successful digital transformation. Through compelling case studies and real-world examples, draw inspiration from industry leaders who have not merely embraced change but have harnessed it to redefine their future. 1. Make confident decisions with Digital Twin Combining the physical and digital realms enables seamless integration of the entire value chain, from design to production, while optimizing with continuous data flow. A digital enterprise can harness the limitless power of data by obtaining valuable insights to make quick and confident decisions and to produce best-in-class products through efficient production. The Digital Twin approach integrates the entire product lifecycle with the factory and plant lifecycles and performance data. The end result is a continuous, open cycle of product and production optimization. The digital twin is a comprehensive digital representation of a product or process throughout its entire lifecycle. By creating a digital twin, companies can achieve significant value, such as faster time-to-market for new products, improved operational efficiency, reduced defects, and exploring new business models to drive revenue growth. With the digital twin, companies solve physical issues more efficiently by detecting them early on and accurately predicting outcomes. It empowers them to design and build superior products and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction by better serving their needs. By adopting smart architecture design, companies can continuously realize iterative value and benefits at an accelerated pace. Manufacturing, automotive, aviation, and other industries have adopted digital twins to boost productivity and efficiency. By 2025, the manufacturing industry is predicted to reach a market size worth over six billion U.S. dollars. 2. Vertically Network Various Units in Enterprise Vertical integration in a Digital Enterprise involves the convergence of IT and OT (Information Technology and Operational Technology) to enable seamless data flow from the shop floor to the top floor. The vast amount of data generated by field devices and control units on the shop floor is vital in the context of Industry 4.0, where intelligent data utilization and communication are paramount. Vertical integration generates a comprehensive solution by integrating IT systems at various hierarchical manufacturing and production levels. 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This integrated approach enables the digitalization of the complete value chain, spanning from design and production to service and recycling. By establishing seamless horizontal integration, it eliminates information silos and creates connections that encompass all aspects, from product innovation and manufacturing to product usage and beyond. Horizontally integrated companies focus on their core strengths and partner to support the value chain. Horizontal integration helps information flow between plant-level Manufacturing Execution Systems (MESs) when a company's manufacturing sites are spread out. This allows production sites to quickly share manufacturing data, such as unexpected delays, breakdowns, and inventory levels. Automated cooperation is crucial to supply chain integration in both the upstream (production processes and downstream (the process of bringing the finished products to market) supply and logistics chains. The integration lets a corporation automatically switch production duties between locations. A study byMcKinseyfound that companies that engaged in horizontal integration in the digital age saw their market share increase by an average of 10%. 4. Upgrade Digitalization using Automation Automation catalyzes growth by streamlining operations, breaking down silos, and promoting cross-functional collaboration. With reduced errors and increased efficiency, businesses can scale their operations with fewer resources, fostering a climate of innovation. This increased productivity allows employees to focus on more creative and challenging tasks, leading to higher motivation and engagement. Furthermore, automation provides a better customer experience, essential in today's digital-savvy market. By automating processes, businesses ensure quick access to customer information, leading to increased satisfaction. Lowering costs and expenditures is another significance enabling businesses to eliminate waste, save time, and conserve resources by automating data entry, approval workflows, and financial procedures. Additionally, automation enables efficient management of decentralized global teams from a central hub, further contributing to cost savings. Automation aids in enhancing security measures and simplifying compliance procedures. Businesses proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations by automating data-intensive tasks. 97% of IT managers feel process automation is necessary for digital transformation. 5. Implement Additive Manufacturing The adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM)technologies has prompted the evolution of innovative business models that emphasize environmental perspectives. AM has emerged as a transformative solution within the smart manufacturing industry, offering numerous advantages, such as improved labor, energy, and material optimization, enabling companies to respond to changing market demands effectively. AM is particularly time-saving and cost-effective for small-batch complex geometries products, allowing for non-traditional mass customization and shortening the product development cycle. It encourages changes in sustainable business models, including integrating recycled materials, increasing component attributes, and enhancing product lifecycle. AM’s sustainable benefits have garnered significant attention, focusing on reducing waste, optimizing material consumption, and shortening supply chains. Using layer-by-layer production, AM is considered less wasteful than traditional subtractive methods. It also facilitates the creation of products with extended lifecycles through repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Study data estimates that the cost savings that can be achieved with Industry 4.0 transformations is 50%. 6. Choose the Appropriate Technology The success of digital transformation endeavors hinges on the careful selection of technologies to invest in. Avoid investing in the latest technology just for the sake of digitization, and refrain from rushing into numerous significant changes simultaneously, which may overwhelm employees. Instead, opt to gradually replace legacy systems and synchronize technology with business objectives through the implementation of new procedures. Here’s what Airbus did. Case Study: Airbus Airbus is the market leader in aeronautics and aerospace products and services worldwide. The organization needed a user-centric digital transformation solution to optimize its data analytics, technology, and machine learning tools, but this proved difficult. Later, it embraced open-source technology and consolidated its 15 tools onto a user-friendly platform. In ten months, this helped produce 290,000 visits and 2,200,000 page views. Additionally, the company's service center is now managing 30% fewer incidents. 7. Adapt Company for a Change Digital transformation does not demand extensive technical expertise from management and employees; rather, it necessitates a shift in mindset. By embracing this new mindset and leveraging technology solutions to automate processes for both customers and employees, rapid growth can be achieved within the organization as well as in the external market. To facilitate this transformation, it is essential to identify areas that require change, enhance transparency, and foster a culture of collaboration within the organization. By taking these steps, an organization can effectively prepare for the changes brought about by digital transformation. Case Study: Honeywell The Fortune 100 manufacturer operates in industries such as aerospace and building technology. To improve product quality and make it easier to apply digital strategies, it cut its operations from eight markets to six. Early in its transformation journey, it established a digital transformation group in the company that led digital innovations like data-driven product offerings, IoT-connected devices, and advanced industrial process control. Honeywell Intelligent Wearables eliminated the need for expert site visits, empowered workers to continue learning, improved their performance, and effectively shared their knowledge with peers by connecting field workers with remote advice. In 2018, Honeywell's share price grew from $95 to $174, and revenue went from $40 billion to $43 billion. 8. Integrate Digital Transformation into Business Goals Establish a strong connection between the digital transformation journey and the company's goals. Define the specific achievements to accomplish through digitization efforts. By aligning digital transformation initiatives with business objectives, a company can enhance its effectiveness in completing tasks, retaining existing employees, attracting new talent, and successfully overhauling company culture. Case Study: Cummins Cummins, a manufacturer of diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators is an example of a company that has capitalized on the increased demand for environmentally friendly products. Microsoft cloud compliance opportunities boost data security and IP protection. Microsoft has been one of the world's foremost technology companies for decades. Satya Nadella shifted the company's revenue model away from desktops and accelerated the transition to cloud computing. Cummins now uses Microsoft 365 for information management and collaboration to create a new workplace culture. Cummins' 58000 employees work cross-functionally and globally to stay ahead. Cummins relies on Microsoft 365 for strict security, data management and delivery, and compliance. Final Thoughts Successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0 requires a strategic and holistic approach beyond technology adoption. It demands a cultural shift, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear vision of the desired outcomes. To achieve successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0, organizations must adopt best practices that encompass technological, cultural, and strategic dimensions. Data-driven decision-making, agility, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach are key elements in this transformative journey. By prioritizing these practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.

Read More

Achieving Interoperability in an Industry 4.0 Factory

Article | February 11, 2020

As a part of the Industry 4.0 movement, factory engineers are increasingly adopting some form of industrial Ethernet to interconnect the machines and other equipment implementing their production processes. Ethernet has been around in multiple forms for over 40 years. Most of it serves the IT community by interconnecting PCs and other equipment to a company LAN. Because of its flexibility, Ethernet has been adapted to many industrial uses.

Read More

The Impact of Coronavirus on Electronic Manufacturing

Article | February 11, 2020

Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, is considered a crucial hub in the middle of China, a place of high importance for the production of automobiles, electronics, optics, and fiber optics. Wuhan and surrounding cities in the Hubei province are currently on a government-imposed quarantine at a scale the world has never seen before, some Chinese officials have referred to the situation as warlike.

Read More

Digitalizing Your Manufacturing Ecosystem

Article | February 10, 2020

Making digitalization work for you requires an understanding of your manufacturing ecosystem. Standards - such as ISA-95 - only guide you on a journey to more deeply comprehend the workings of your unique process for manufacturing your products. A batch manufacturing ecosystem often includes campaign management. Campaign management is not mentioned in ISA-95, which only speaks generally of order processing.

Read More
MORE ARTICLE

Spotlight

Brandt Group of Companies

Brandt serves the industries of agriculture, construction, forestry, geopositioning, government, landscaping, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, rail, remediation & waste and tube & pipe. Headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Brandt employs over 2200 people and is a platinum member of the Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies program.

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Lean Manufacturing

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Lean Manufacturing

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Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

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Lean Manufacturing

CMTC Helps George T. Hall Company with Lean, Quality and IT Services

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) | September 11, 2023

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) has played a pivotal role in boosting the business of control solutions provider George T. Hall by delivering Lean, Quality, and Information Technology services. This collaboration has transformed George T. Hall's operations, leading to increased productivity, certifications, and substantial cost savings. CMTC's collaboration with George T. Hall resulted in several significant outcomes. George T. Hall expanded its workforce, doubling service demand and estimated increased sales of $1.5 million, along with cost savings exceeding $2.5 million. Capital investments of $1.9 million were made to enhance products, equipment, information systems, software, training, and other resources. The need for operational enhancements drove the partnership between CMTC and George T. Hall, overcoming pandemic-related setbacks and strategic growth during a challenging business environment. George T. Hall, founded in 1932, started as a small distributor and has evolved into a full-service control solutions provider. The company operates in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, renewable energy, mining, and wastewater, serving clients across California and beyond. George T. Hall initially faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a slowdown in its business growth. Recognizing the need for strategic improvements, the company engaged with CMTC in June 2020. The key areas of focus included Lean and continuous improvement, quality management systems, and the implementation of a new ERP system, Acumatica. Implementing Acumatica ERP system replaced multiple disparate systems, improving productivity and visibility. The company achieved ISO 9001 certification and was recognized as one of 2023's Best Places to Work in Orange County. These efforts aimed to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and provide unified access to critical information. George T. Hall's transformative journey, facilitated by CMTC's services, underscores the value of strategic improvements in business operations. The company's achievements, including certifications, workforce expansion, increased sales, and cost savings, reflect the positive impact of these enhancements on its overall performance and competitiveness. About CMTC California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering technical support, workforce development, and consulting expertise to small and medium-sized manufacturers across California. CMTC's operations are conducted through various cooperative arrangements with both federal and state government entities, most notably with the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a department within the Commerce sector, specifically for the State of California.

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Lean Manufacturing

Adcole Improves OptiShaft Product Line for Accuracy and Precision

Adcole LLC | October 13, 2023

Adcole LLC, a global leader in precision measurement solutions, has launched an enhanced version of its OptiShaft product line, featuring improvements in accuracy, repeatability, extended capacity, and faster results. The enhanced OptiShaft product line is available for purchase globally. Adcole's OptiShaft product line leverages advanced measurement algorithms and proprietary optical technology, resulting in exceptional accuracy and precision. Rigorous testing ensures enhanced repeatability, even in high-volume production settings. The machines now offer a 1.2-meter length capacity and faster scanning speeds. The user interface and software have been improved for a more efficient and intuitive experience. Enhanced data handling capabilities facilitate seamless integration with quality control systems and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This advancement addresses the evolving needs of industries such as automotive, aerospace, and precision shaft manufacturing, where precision measurement is critical. The improvements include: Exceptional Accuracy: Improved measurement algorithms and proprietary optical technology ensure unparalleled accuracy. Enhanced Repeatability: Rigorous testing and fine-tuning lead to consistent and dependable measurements. Extended Capacity: The machines now offer a remarkable 1.2-meter length capacity, enabling measurement of longer and more complex shafts and precision components. Enhanced Scanning Efficiency: Improved linear scanning speeds, quicker rotational scan measurements, and more efficient data processing Upgraded Software and User-Friendly Interface: Boasts a more intuitive user interface, streamlining measurement setup, operation, and analysis, and offering an expanded feature set for enhanced measurement capabilities. Streamlined Data Management: Equipped with advanced data handling capabilities, it ensures seamless integration with existing quality control systems and Industry 4.0 initiatives. The enhanced OptiShaft product line empowers customers to achieve higher levels of precision in their manufacturing processes. It provides improved accuracy, repeatability, and the ability to measure longer components, all of which contribute to increased productivity and cost savings. About Adcole LLC Adcole LLC, a prominent figure in precision measurement solutions, operates on a global scale, offering pioneering metrology systems and services to diverse industries across the world. Its storied history in the domain of shaft metrology spans over 50 years, testifying to its unwavering commitment to advancing measurement technology. Adcole's primary objective revolves around expanding the horizons of measurement technology to empower its clientele in attaining the utmost levels of quality and productivity.

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Manufacturing Technology

Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

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