The Project
When a large global medical equipment manufacturer asked HTT to: (1) create several versions of a precise part, (2) create a specialized production and stocking system to allow a two-day “Just-In-Time” delivery program, (3) do all of the logistical “heavy lifting” to manage three outsourcing operations on each part, we said “Challenge accepted!” This project included:
- Producing a long shaft component made from 316 stainless steel for use in a lab air control valve.
- A family of 17 parts of varying dimensions and material types.
- Shrinking a four-week production time into two days.
- Creating a highly efficient inventory and shipping system for the customer that required stocking many parts in advance, and forecasting needs for on-demand parts at a moment’s notice.
- Managing the flow of parts through multiple outsource operations at separate vendors.
- Maintaining tight tolerances:
- 16 µin Ra fine finish
- +/- 0.0005” overall tolerances
- Shaft diameters within +/- 0.0002”
- Geometric tolerance straightness of +/- 0.002”
- Control of 36” long dimensions to +/- 0.003”
The Solution
Together, our experienced project managers and CNC machinists carefully planned the most efficient and effective way to manufacture and routinely supply precise parts to meet the customer’s exact specifications.
And we literally did the “heavy lifting” too. This project required approximately 1,000 lbs. of 316 stainless steel per week in the production of the customer’s 17 requested versions of the shaft.
Our team programmed the job on our Swiss CNC machines using a method that managed two materials for rapid, efficient operations. We also worked closely with a centerless grinding shop and coating vendor to fulfill the order, keeping our customer in the loop at key points. We made it feel easy and seamless for the customer but it required exceptional communications and logistics management by HTT.
Part quality and tolerances were verified by our internal process controls. HTT’s quality engineers used advanced equipment, including CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), digital profilometer, digital micrometers, and stereo microscopes.
The Results
The customer was completely satisfied with our work (and pricing), and the proof of that is 25+ years later we are still manufacturing these parts.
Met all of the customer’s tolerance specifications for the parts with a 16 µin Ra surface finish.
We have successfully produced more than 50,000 parts annually for this customer every year for over 25 years.
The HTT team accurately forecasted demand with an ongoing production timeline to deliver parts within 48 hours of the customer’s request.
