Checking the Stamp of Quality on Powertrains

It’s all about saving . . . saving costs . . . saving time . . . saving steps. And most importantly, saving the potential for errors. That’s what one automotive powertrain supplier considered when they invested in a quality (both figuratively and literally) mobile workstation from Creform Corporation (Greer, SC) to use for inspection, process and part checks, and the fulfillment of paperwork right at their stamping machines – right near the point where a quality check makes the most sense and can have the greatest impact.

For this particular application, the inspection workstation has a load capacity of 250 lb and comes with a ½ in thick black plastic work surface to hold all of the necessary parts, gages and paperwork. A 4 ft long overhead light provides the illumination for all inspections. A unique feature of the workstation is a shelf within the structure that provides a place for a computer while the accompanying monitor, whose platform is built off the same side as the computer, is in an elevated position for ease of review and good visibility. The keyboard can be placed on the work surface or on a pull out drawer below. Above the work surface is a panel that can be used for document presentation and includes a convenient flat pipe to hold clip-on plastic bins. The workstation can be configured as a stand-up or sit-down station.

Secured to the workstation’s legs is an Ergo Lift hydraulic cylinder to allow for height adjustment to optimize the ergonomics for each employee. A simple hand crank lowers and raises the station with little effort. The Ergo Lift has l,000 lb capacity and a 12 in stroke. Designed for both warehouses and manufacturing operations, this workstation can be configured as mobile or stationary. The mobile stamping inspection workstation used in the automotive stamping shop is mounted on four 4 in swivel caster wheels for easy rolling and positioning. The station can be ESD for anti-static applications. The mobile inspection workstation can be configured to a wide range of width, depth and height dimensions by using its system of pipe and joints, as well as a variety of colors. The stamping inspection workstation structure is 48 in W x 28 in D x 68 in H.

Accessories for the inspection workstation include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, power distribution strip and hooks for hanging tools and supplies. 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 and implementing these programs.

Creform Corporation, PO Box 830, Greer, SC 29652-0830, 800-839-8823, Fax 864-877-3863, [email protected], www.creform.com.