Cell Manufacturing

[GOMEZ107]

Does anybody know a thing(or two) about cell manufacturing?



Gomez107

[E-Stop]

What do you want to know? Basically, cell manufacturing is a 'theory' that if machines are grouped in a "work cell" so that all the processes can be done with minimal movement of the parts and operators then you will be more effecient. Remember in the old days when all the lathes were grouped together on one side of the shop and the mills on the other side? Bridgeports all in a line and drill presses stacked in neat rows. In a "cell" you might have a machining center, a lathe, a Bridgeport and a drill press all in a "U" shaped configuration so that a part can be run from start to finish.

[bobho]

Another part of cell manufacturing is having workers who can run all the machines, and are motivated to keeping all of them running. The main goal is to cut costs and make a better product.
Cell manufacturing should need fewer workers, and a very cooperative union if its a union shop.

[glmoore]

Many of our lines use cells. For example we have 3 cells on one line each containing a Mitsubishi MH-300 Mill, Mazak Dual Turn Horizontal Lathe, and Kasper Verticle Lathe. One operator runs the Mitsu and the Mazak, one runs the Kasper. Small baskets move the parts 15 feet or so between the machines on roller conveyors. No more than two cells run at one time which gives a spare cell the operators can move to when a machine goes down.
The above is a good idea, but you have to consider that I work for a big three manufacturer with seemingly endless money. Having extra cells is not something you are going to do in a small machining environment, but it works out great for automotive production....gary