A system, not a machine
1 min read
Sometimes it's the seemingly simple things that have the wow factor. And that's just the feeling Machinery experienced when it got close up with XYZ Machine Tools' LPM machining system. I use the term 'machining system', but those who first make its acquaintance will see a vertical machining centre. Well, yes, but that's really a mistake, because the LPM machine is part of a system of working, one that is particularly directed to the efficient repeat manufacture of short run batches. LPM stands for Lean Production Machine, in fact.
The system comprises the LPM machine, integrated zero point workholding system, tool presetter, plus a machine-integrated CNC-displayed operator checklist, the latter being the effective heart of the system.
A further distinctive element is the integration of CNC programming for initial program creation, afforded by the ProtoTRAK Q&A control, and which is a feature of the company's manual/CNC mills and lathes. That is a big plus for existing ProtoTRAK users, who will likely be the first users of the LPM system. And the LPM, like these other ProtoTRAK machines, can be employed in manual mode. Our feature on page 38 details the LPM system and approach, while there's a step-by-step walk-through of the full process online, featuring additional images to help convey the technology's elements more clearly.
The LPM system sits between one-off or very small batch manufacturing, supported by XYZ Machine Tools' ProtoTRAK mills, and higher production available from machining centres. It is a classic case of a new product filling a gap between existing machines, but with a twist. Traditionally, such 'dicing and slicing' is achieved by offering a stand-alone machine that has a capability between one either side, so to speak, but not a complete system; a way of working.
The XYZ approach, or rather the Southwestern Industries approach (Southwestern Industries being the originator of ProtoTRAK and now owner of XYZ Machine Tools), incorporates good lean working practices, bringing them together as a package, supplied in one go. Zero point workholding has been around for years, as has presetter technology, while a standard method of working (the checklist) is a central lean practice – one of the 5Ss, in fact, is standardising (in total, all the Ss are: sorting; setting in order, straightening, simplifying; sweeping, shining, systematic cleaning; standardising; sustaining). But all these have been machine/workplace add-ons – the LPM system delivers them all in one go.
Of course, in order to fully benefit from the productivity boost that is undoubtedly delivered by XYZ's latest introduction, it will, in the end, be up to companies to apply the system with discipline. But there can be no doubt that the LPM approach will bring the benefits of lean manufacturing to the smaller company willing to apply that discipline.
See the full feature about the machine here
First published in Machinery, June 2011