Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles has developed a large stand-up assembly workstation for a truck parts supplier.
The large workstation, 16′ L x 6′ x 3′ D, is set up in a line to support a one-piece-flow assembly for the manufacturer. The linear configuration also makes it possible to add or remove production associates depending on the manufacturing requirements. It features a plastic work surface across the front, while above the work surface are three flow levels with an angled presentation for totes. The flow lanes provide first-in-first-off (FIFO) parts handling while the secondary angle enhances visibility in the totes and physical access to the parts. The angled presentation style also keeps loose parts in the totes near the front of the box for easy picking and handling.
The many storage locations in the workstation lend themselves to both complex assemblies with many parts or mixed model production for simpler assemblies. It boasts heavy-duty leveling feet, as well as pull-out drawers in two locations that can hold tools and supplies.
Although the workstation pictured is quite large, the length, width, and heights can be custom configurable and made to be flexible with the Creform System of pipe and joints. It is built with blue-colored plastic-coated 28 mm steel pipe and clamped together with metal joints and is available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. In this case, Creform designed and fully assembled the structure.
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.
Workstations can be custom configurable with the Creform system of pipe and joints and can be built as a stand-up or a sit-down station. They are available as an assembled structure or kit with pre-cut pipes for quick on-site assembly. Further, workstations can be mobile or stationary. For heavy-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.
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 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.
