Case Study

JIS Helps Medical Manufacturer Increase Machine Time and Reduce Fixture Changeover Time

A major medical supply manufacturer in Cleveland, Ohio, had a problem: Short production runs and frequent changeover of parts were causing this manufacturer to experience low utilization rates for its machining centers due to the frequent fixture changeovers.

The plant was operating three machining centers, three shifts a day, with each machine making an average of six fixture changes a day at 20 minutes per change. Average downtime per machine was 120 minutes a day or 8.3% of available machine time.

Jergens Industrial Supply (JIS), Ohio's largest stocking distributor in metalworking products, recommended the Quick Change Ball Lock System. Jergens Tooling and Components Division, an independent operating division of Jergens Inc., of which JIS is also a division, manufactures the Ball Lock System.

After the change, average fixture changeover time has been reduced to 5 minutes per change saving 90 minutes per machine per day. Using an average of $75 per machine hour, this company has increased its production by over $84,000 annually.