Rexroth Audio Case History: Improving the Production of Eyeglass Lenses with Lean Production
New podcast episode features application example explaining how Rexroth flexible conveyors helped a manufacturer produce custom-made eyeglass lenses without the need for constant monitoring, saving valuable time, resources and money.
(Buchanan, MI - www.boschrexroth-us.com/lean) Bosch Rexroth has released a new lean manufacturing audio case history discussing how Ophthonix Inc. (www.izonlens.com), a company specializing in custom-made eyeglass lenses, was able to improve its production and minimize waste using automated conveyor systems-an approach not commonly associated with lean.
With design, layout, and integration help from Eagle Technologies (Bridgman, MI www.eagletechnologies.com), Ophthonix Inc. utilized a VarioFlow Modular Conveyor System and aluminum structural framing from Rexroth to implement a lean-based, fully automated, continuous-flow pull system that linked all facets of its production equipment.
The system helped Ophthonix meet its needs for controlling cost, by allowing the company to achieve a high yield with very little waste. "With the Rexroth VarioFlow conveyor system and automated equipment, there is now a constant and continuous flow," said John Lemperle, Vice President of Operations at Ophthonix. "We've noticed our product cycle time is now approaching the process time of the equipment."
Earl Cooper, Project Manager for Eagle Technologies, explained that a major challenge in the design and layout was having a scalable system that would be able to meet forecasted volumes while staying within the facility space. "VarioFlow was a perfect fit to meet all those challenges," said Cooper.
As a result, the Ophthonix lab is now equipped to move lenses to various workstations via a modular conveyor, without the need for constant employee input and monitoring, saving valuable time, resources and money.
"Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow Flexible Conveyor Case History" is episode number seven in Rexroth's lean manufacturing podcast series, available for listening or free download from the company's website at www.boschrexroth-us.com/leanpodcast. The podcast series is also available from the iTunes podcast library and other podcast directories on the web.
Developed by Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group, each eight- to fifteen-minute lean manufacturing podcast episode presents guest experts and information to help manufacturers and OEMs understand and apply lean principles and practices in their businesses.
Visit www.boschrexroth-us.com/lean for more information on lean manufacturing, including easy-to-use lean guidebooks and additional resources.
Bosch Rexroth AG, part of the Bosch Group, achieved sales of approximately $7.4 billion (5.4 billion Euros) in 2007 with nearly 33,000 employees. Under the brand name of Rexroth the company offers all drive and control technologies, from mechanics, hydraulics and pneumatics to electronics and associated service. Over 500,000 customers worldwide utilize Rexroth's unique technological know-how to implement their innovative and future-oriented systems and machine concepts. The global player, represented in over 80 countries, is an extensive supplier of components and systems for industrial and factory automation and mobile applications. Visit www.boschrexroth-us.com for more information.
For more information, please contact
Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Kevin Gingerich
816 E. Third Street
Buchanan, MI 49107
Telephone (269) 697-5295
Fax (704) 583-7294
kevin.gingerich@boschrexroth-us.com
Godfrey Public Relations
Todd Walter
40 North Christian Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Telephone (717) 393-3831 ext. 133
Fax (717) 393-1403
twalter@godfrey.com
