From an ergonomic standpoint, MPC Products Corp, a supplier of electromechanical actuation systems, saw a lot of room for improvement in its assembly and test areas.
Benches did not meet requirements; there was no above-bench storage, which is important for assembly applications where easy, direct access is required. As a result, vertical space at the workstation for tool storage, document organization, etc. was not used effectively. There was little free space below the work surface for technicians'' legs; restrictions made it difficult to move back and forth across the width of the workbench, and work surfaces were unorganized and cluttered with parts, tools, and instructions. Keeping floors clean around and under bench areas was also difficult.
The setup was not suitable for progressive build/cell manufacturing. In the build area, technicians required a more efficient and highly organized workspace, with effective tool storage, document presentation, power outlets, task lighting, and monitors/test equipment. Test stands were needed in the test area to hold test fixtures weighing up to 600 pounds, and complemented by electrical controls and monitoring equipment in various configurations and sizes.
Also needed was a method of transporting products (i.e. mobile carts) off line and delivering them to the build area.
With a view to making the facility more comfortable for its workers and more suitable for progressive build/cell manufacturing, the following goals were developed:
- Relocate the line to another area of the building
- Increase assembly efficiencies
- Reduce floor space requirements per technician
- Improve department organization
- Increase department capacity, adding workstations and test stations
- Develop all required workstation applications from a single workstation, which would enable easy expansion and reconfiguration when needed
- Allow for transitioning from build-in-place to progressive assembly for higher volume jobs; maintain build-in-place for low volume jobs
- Quick/low-cost installation
- Simple changeover/reconfiguration for new or changing tasks.
Lista Arlink® Series 8000 Workstations offered the ideal solution for MPC Products Corp. The modular design was used for all technicians'' assembly areas. Back-to-back and side-to-side installation reduced cost-per-station through sharing of common structural components, such as columns, stabilizer panels, and outriggers. A column height of 84 in. provides usable space all the way to the top, and pegboard organizers provide accessible tool storage. Document shelves store work instructions, manuals, etc. Tiered parts bin rails provide multiple levels of parts bins and easy access, while locking drawers provide secure storage. And CRT monitor platforms are mounted on articulating swing arms.
" I have been very pleased with the Lista Arlink workbenches," says Raul Ortiz, manager of linear actuator assembly. "The best attribute about the Lista Arlink product is its ability to reconfigure, quickly and easily, in so many ways. It is working well for us, plus we''re thinking of new ways to use Lista Arlink products in the future."