EDITOR ’ S CHOICE FAST FASTENING
TFC
Improving speed without increasing costs
To ensure they can meet deadlines and deliver products in line with customers ’ high expectations , UK manufacturers are looking for ways to increase assembly speed . There are many ways to speed up industrial assembly , such as investing in automation and robotics , but few options can increase manufacturing speed without capital investment . In these cases , perhaps it is the components and not the equipment that needs changing . Here Justin Lawrence , applications engineer at fastening and supply chain expert TFC , explains how to reliably speed up fluid transfer , a common assembly process in UK manufacturing .
Specialist connectors are found in all types of automotive and heavy vehicle connection systems such as fuel lines , cooling circuits , selective catalytic reduction urea lines , battery cooling , air conditioning , power steering and brake fluid circuits . The most important factor when choosing a connector is that they are matched to the operating conditions , including temperature , pressure , fluid and the environment , but they must also be lightweight and corrosion resistant .
But these factors alone will not determine whether the connection is high quality . It must , of course , be correctly assembled , which means the operator needs to be certain it is secure . With most connectors , like jubilee clips or worm clamps , there is no obvious indicator that the connection is secure . This means there is a risk of quality problems arising later on , such
as fluid lines leaking . In addition , attaching the two parts together requires tooling , and importantly , time .
Thankfully , there is a simple solution . Opting for a Quick Connector , a component that the operator simply pushes into place and it locks itself , can speed the process up significantly . It also offers a visual or audio confirmation of the connection , which removes the risk of the fluid line not being correctly assembled .
The Quick Connector has been a huge success in the automotive and power generation markets — you ’ ll probably find them if you look under your car bonnet . However , industrial manufacturers in household appliances , heating and ventilation and air conditioning are yet to reap the rewards .
AVOIDING STOCK OUTS
As well as looking at the components themselves , there may be supply chain issues slowing down an assembly process . Sticking with our earlier example , a Quick Connector could be a great way to speed things up — but only if the part is in stock .
For manufacturers looking for ways to ensure a steady supply of the fastening components they need , vendor managed inventory ( VMI ) means parts delivered on time and direct to line . With VMI , all ordering is done through one partner , which can reduce costs when procuring components , as well as remove the risk of running out of stock and facing long lead times . It is important to note that whilst speed is important , it should not come at the sacrifice of the quality or safety of the application . Checking your supplier ’ s quality credentials , experience and processes can help ensure that you get the best of both worlds .
TFC stocks ARaymond Quick Connectors in a wide range of configurations . Whatever geometry , O-ring material , locking mechanism , assembly check options , end piece types , diameters or functions you need , we can assist . All components can be supplied as part of a bespoke VMI solution , so you always have the parts you need at your fingertips .
For more information visit https :// www . tfc . eu . com /.
22 PECM Issue 48