Automation saves time
When evaluating operations from a lean perspective, sometimes a comparatively small change can provide big results. RMF found that switching its tapping process from a manual operation to Wilson Tool's QuickTap saved time and increased accuracy.
“As parts get more complicated with more taps, the chances of manually missing one are greater,” Miller notes. “QuickTap has solved part of that because once you automate [the tapping process] in the turret or turret/laser combination machine, you only need to check once a sheet for all the parts on the sheet. As long as the ones at the end are good, usually the whole sheet is good.”
Every customer wants everything right away, says Mark Collins, Wilson Tool sales engineer. “The biggest challenge fabricators face is getting parts fabricated and out the door to their customers quickly,” he adds. “The QuickTap makes it extremely fast. You can punch your holes and punch your part and tap it—all in the punch press. Depending on material type, thickness and tap size, the QuickTap can tap up to 200 holes per minute, so it’s a tremendous time saver.”
Moving tapping into the punch press with the QuickTap allows the user to tap a threaded hole with every machine stroke at any programmed location on the sheet. The tool comes with its own internal fluid injection system that is synchronized with the machine stroke and lasts for up to 40,000 holes before a refill is needed. In addition, tap tools are easily changed and are available in both imperial and metric sizes.
Read the full article in the December 2018 issue of the FF Journal.
December 10, 2018