PECM Issue 31 2018 | Page 132

Identifying highly specialised solutions can reap huge efficiency rewards – whether dealing in large systems or individual components. Early diagnosis of cancer can greatly improve survival rates, with health centres utilizing the latest technology to ensure identification of the condition is achieved sooner. OPTIMAS INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY FOR CANCER DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER Early diagnosis of cancer can greatly improve survival rates, with health centres utilizing the latest technology to ensure identification of the condition is achieved sooner. Cancer diagnosis machines are at the forefront of this technology, which emphasizes the importance of smooth manufacturing operations when producing such equipment. When one leading manufacturer was experiencing downtime due to fastener issues, they contacted Optimas to help improve productivity. E The manufacturer was suffering between 15-30 minutes of downtime on a daily 132 PECM Issue 31 basis, with the entire production line coming to a halt in such circumstances. The fasteners were identified as the cause of the stoppages: certain components that were installed via airgun presented multiple issues. Firstly, fasteners were becoming jammed during installation into the machine’s sheet metal. Furthermore, fasteners were becoming stripped of their coating, and in more severe cases, the applied torque was forcing the airgun out of the operator’s hands, causing health and safety concerns. Optimas was contacted by the manufacturer due to a proven track record of developing and supplying fastener solutions globally to OEM manufacturers of medical equipment. The business operates a vast component portfolio, backed by a highly efficient logistics network that blends global capability with local points of contact. Often consulted at the initial design stage of projects, Optimas was a logical choice to tackle the challenges presented by this particular component. Working closely with the manufacturer’s engineering teams and the part supplier, Optimas fastener experts started to assess what aspect of the fastener was causing issues. Dialogue between the teams at this stage was key, and resulted in the identification of the cause.