April 14, 2004
Hydraulic Supply Company Adds New Quality and Productivity
Capability to Hose Shop
We are
continuing to invest to ensure quality and productivity in our hose
production shop. In April we started using a new Finn-Power
model 120 crimp machine with an electronic VS controller.
Some of the
quality features are:
The crimp machine has cpk2 process
capability. This means the machine has the capability to produce
crimp diameters and crimp ovality that meets the manufacturers
specification.
Aeroquip is using this machine in
their facility and has several years of measurements verifying the
machines capability. We will be measuring ourselves to ensure this
continues.
The dies don’t move parallel to the
hose when crimping so locating the crimp is easier and more
accurate.
There is an electronic locater that
makes sure the crimp will be in the right location and the crimp
cycle is triggered automatically.
The electronic control on the
machine allows us to store the hose style, hose size, and fitting so
a simple menu selection specifies the proper dies and crimp
diameter. Also the actual Crimp diameter is displayed for a visual
confirmation.
A crimp count is displayed so that
after each batch of hoses are made you can verify all ends were
crimped.
The electronic interface will allow
capturing hoses made and interfacing with work orders in the shop
for documentation of work properly done and tracking if there ever
is a problem. The software for this is not completed but is in
process at this time.
Some of the
productivity features are:
The crimp machine is rated for 2400
crimps per hour.
Set up is fast – you just pick your
hose and fitting from the menu and the dies are specified and the
crimp diameter is set and displayed. The die opening is pre-set and
the crimp dwell time is pre-set.
A quick change die tool makes
changing dies fast and easy.
Locating the crimp is fast and easy
since the dies don’t move parallel to the hose.
There is an electronic crimp locater
that initiates the crimp cycle when the hose is in the right
location.
Fewer measurements are necessary to
ensure quality since the machine is cpk2 process capable.
