IMS challenges and solution
The first step in the project was to examine the earlier production line, which consisted of two turntables. These turntables complicated a capacity increase or the production of another type of automotive sensor on the same machine.
We decided to use a modular production line with added, interchangeable process modules. This makes it relatively easy for Sensata to add or remove production processes, as you can shuffle around with the production steps. And even better, it will facilitate a higher production volume or a change of product to be manufactured.
For example, should a new product type require an additional process step, the new production line caters for this. Thanks to its independent control system, a process module can be tested and adjusted offline. Whereas linking and integrating a process module can be done in just half a day.
Changing to a different product type should be as easy as possible. Thus, we looked at possibilities to improve the product carrier and designed the tooling of this carrier in such a way, that during a production run, the operator can easily change the product type. This takes place according to the SMED methodology. To make it even easier, Sensata Technologies can keep using the tooling that is used in the present machinery.