Creform Corp.
Creform Corp., a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles has developed an L-shaped work-cell workstation for an electronics components manufacturer to aid and assist its assembly operation.
The L-shape line configuration supports one-piece-flow assembly practices. This flexibility makes it easy to add or remove associates as manufacturing needs change. The station could be run with one person or two if more production is needed.
The workstation features a variation of Creform’s skate wheel conveyors. Above the work surface are two levels of supply lanes that allow the flow of small and medium sized bins. The upper shelf has a slight angle to return empty boxes. The lower section of the workstation also uses standard plastic wheel conveyors for larger totes to flow underneath the surface. The work surface is made of durable HDPE plastic. At the top of the structure, a horizontal pipe is included to provide a location for hanging tools and could also accommodate a work light.
Due to the flexibility of the Creform system of pipe and joints, each of the custom configurable workstation has a dimension of 39" W x 59" L x 86" H that allows the manufacturer to optimize its floor space and to efficiently use available workspace.
The workstation lends itself to both complex assemblies with many parts or mixed model production for simpler assemblies. It boasts heavy-duty leveling feet that adjust to the flow of the floor surface. Parts or supplies replenishment can be performed on the back side of the structure preventing interruptions to the assembly operator working at the station. It is built with ESD White Gray colored plastic coated 28mm steel pipe and clamped together nickel-plated metal joints.
Useful accessories for such a station include overhead light, computer screen, shelves, additional flow lanes, drawers, information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, and hooks to hang tools and supplies. All Creform workstations can be configured for ESD components when sensitive electronics need to be protected.
The modular design allows a user to add only the accessories needed and configure the station that works best today and then change it tomorrow as needs change by taking advantage of the Creform System’s flexibility.
Further, workstations can be mobile or stationary. For even heavier duty applications they can be built using Creform’s unique 42mm pipe and are available with options such as drawers and shelves for storage, various pipe colors, casters instead of feet, tools, and cup holders.
Assembled structures are a great starting point for any customer. After delivery and introduction, a user can take advantage of Creform’s flexibility by changing the station’s configuration and features to best match the needs of their production process and manufacturing associates.
The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing custom solutions to enhance these programs.