Adding value with single-piece part flow

Since the May issue, I have been writing about our combustion shop’s migration from batch processing to single-piece flow, or machining one part at a time. Single-piece flow eliminates work in process. This is desirable because WIP hides part defects and increases lead times and inventory levels.

As part of our single-piece flow process, we have arranged each of the machines’ tool magazines to have common tools. This allows us to run a program created for one vertical machining center on any VMC without resetting the tool magazine or changing the program. Horizontal machining centers are set up the same way. This arrangement means operators do not need to alter the tool magazine before they begin machining, allowing them to quickly move to the next operation.

All images courtesy C. Tate

NC Programmer Rocco Versace (right) and Component Engineer Matt Sealy discuss the CNC program, CAD models and documentation for a project.

Properly documenting processing steps and making the documentation readily available to operators is critical to implementing single-piece flow. Our manufacturing engineers work with the operators, NC programmers and fixture designers to plan and design the processes. Each of the part components and fixtures are modeled in CAD, allowing us to identify problems before a fixture is built. Once the fixture design is complete, models of the part and fixture are sent to the NC programmer.

Accurate models help reduce fixture rework and allow the NC programmer to produce more accurate CNC code, which helps reduce program prove-out time during the initial part run. Software that works in conjunction with our CAD system also allows us to utilize the models and create 3-D images of the setup, which can be viewed electronically or on paper, as well as create detailed instructions for operators.

At most large manufacturing companies like ours, engineers create instructions with detailed information about the part and setup so a part can be accurately reproduced. We refer to them as “work instructions” and provide a set for every operation in the plant. They are a critical component in our manufacturing process because accurate, concise instructions quickly tell an operator how to place the workpiece in a fixture and how to place the fixture in a machine tool.

All this careful planning and engineering, however, is ineffective if the operator cannot execute the plan. Incomplete or inaccurate instructions can cause the operator to seek answers and delay the start of a job. These delays negatively impact cycle times and can disrupt part flow to subsequent operations, possibly delaying other processes. It is important that the instructions accurately convey the process and all operators understand them.

Implementing single-piece flow takes time but it will improve lead times, increase flexibility and reduce setup times and WIP. The process may seem daunting but it is applicable in many shops.

Smaller shops, however, are often forced into batch processing because customers submit orders for a fixed quantity at irregular intervals or order parts only once. But those shops can still adopt concepts similar to our plan to achieve efficiency gains. The following are some examples.