Introduction of automated part inspection system reduces defects to near zero PPM, saving customers inspection and downtime costs.
SYLVANIA, Ohio – March 9, 2009 – Ice Industries, in keeping with its continuous improvement philosophy, has introduced a prototype in-line part inspection system at its Deerfield Manufacturing subsidiary in Mason, Ohio.
Ice Industries is an international manufacturer of large format, deep draw, high tonnage metal stampings and welded assemblies. As such, it is critical to ensure that their customers receive complete and accurately assembled parts. Doing so relieves unnecessary inspection and downtime costs, helping ensure maximum efficiency throughout the manufacturing process. "The customer will not have to worry about adding inspection to their process to assure that 100% of the product will conform to spec," stated Dave Randall, Deerfield's Manufacturing Engineering Manager. "Their customer will benefit as well."
The prototype system visually inspects assembled and welded parts against a digitized model as the parts move between processes. Any out-of-tolerance part will immediately be flagged for corrective action, while remaining part processing is not delayed. Additionally, data is collected on all inspected parts, which can later be utilized to improve the assembly and welding process. During the testing process, the system consistently delivered a PPM of near zero.
Both Deerfield Manufacturing, and Ice Industries overall, heavily stress being a proactive supplier to the customer. This has led to the implementation of numerous process improvements, including press chutes fitted with photoelectric counters/measurement devices, and thermal sensors for parts exiting the welding stations.
"Ice's philosophy is to address 100% root cause corrective actions on issues," added Randall. "This vision inspection system meets that goal – it is the next step in process control."
About Ice Industries
Ice Industries is an international metal stamping, welding and assembly company headquartered in Sylvania, Ohio; and an ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, and ISO 14001 Certified company. Ice operates four facilities: Deerfield Manufacturing in Mason, Ohio near Cincinnati; Grenada Stamping and Assembly in Grenada, Mississippi; Ronfeldt Manufacturing in Toledo, Ohio; and Ice Mexico in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The company works with leaders in the automotive, appliance, heat transfer / HVAC / refrigeration, and fire & safety industries, among others. For more information, please visit the Ice Industries Website at http://www.iceindustries.com.