Relying On People For The Best Grip On CNC Workholding

Throughout all major segments of industry, today’s manufacturing marketplace poses challenges that business owners and managers wrestle with on the daily. Common issues include material advancements, workforce development, software, and the rapidly evolving Industrial Internet of things. Out on the shop floor are added considerations for many things including machinery, accessories, and of course workholding. The right balance in each of these categories helps companies succeed in a global economy where market demand for speed, quality and cost competitiveness is ever-increasing.

So, with so much to consider, what can you do to keep up or get ahead?

Seeking Added Value from Key Suppliers

Even though we live in an era of e-commerce websites and online shopping with so much that can be reviewed, compared, and otherwise vetted without human interaction, there is still much to be gained from building a relationship with, and depending on, providers of engineered solutions. Even off-the-shelf, stock standard items, such as the many quick-change workholding solutions from Jergens, can warrant technical support to maximize what a user gets out of it. With that, we see four sides to understanding our customers’ challenges that result in better productivity.

1. Selection and Implementation

Specifying and buying stock standard products from today’s growing number of line items and product SKU’s can be a challenge, especially to newer employees and purchasing personnel. Supporting those cases saves time and avoids the headaches of choosing the wrong ‘130mm 5-axis self-centering vise’ for example. Making the best choice from a broad range of products can be made easier through a conversation with a rep or inside sales consultant. That becomes even more true when that person has product knowledge as well as years of experience in how it has been applied successfully.

2. Application Support

Continuing along the spectrum of application support, many times customers are in need and perhaps actively seeking advice for a best practices and highly productive solution. That could be for a new production run on existing machinery, or an existing job being moved to a new machine, or any combination in between. All the while, decision makers are feeling pressure, oftentimes to do more with less (resources) like increasing both capacity and margins at the same time. To ease that burden, Jergens application experts regularly review and propose manufacturing solutions. Those can be things like maximizing the machining envelope, positioning workpieces optimally for fewer part change overs, and applying quick change solutions per part or ganged parts on a large fixtures like tooling columns on horizontal machines. Once a workholding method and product has been identified, it’s time to get it delivered and on the machine to start producing parts. On-site support is frequently arranged for and can dramatically shorten testing and prototyping time so full production can begin.

3. Engineering Expertise

Another way to support production begins with understanding the customer’s setup which most often begins with a general question like ‘What are you trying to accomplish?”. That comes from a Jergens engineer with experience in (workholding) product application, as well as in machine tool configuration, and machining processes. When combined, this knowledge base essentially isolates the customer’s part configuration and production run needs to determine if a custom solution would make sense. If so, Jergens designs, builds, and delivers an optimal solution following a six-step process for shortest time to market. Standard products are also part of the company’s Custom Design and Build initiatives, and further contribute to confidence (using proven products) and time to market.

 4. Supply Chain Improvements

Following a product lifecycle, from raw material beginning to finished product delivery, continues to receive more attention in modern manufacturing. Fact is, total performance can slow and even stop along the way when items critical to production are missing, out for maintenance, or otherwise unavailable. Reducing the likelihood of these often-avoidable problems helps managers and business owners sleep better at night. Mitigating supply chain risks, especially in light of such dependence on a global network, can be accomplished through a diversified supplier base, but it can also be addressed by building strong relationships with proven partners. Jergens approaches supply chain support in two ways. First, through its many years of product R&D and innovation, the company offers a broad range of workholding products, from toggle clamps to tooling columns. As a single manufacturer offering these many solutions, customers can simplify procurement choices, getting more from fewer suppliers. Second, supporting an American customer base is made easier as an American company. Deliveries are quicker and simpler, time zones are fewer, and communication is easier.

Achieving Next Level Performance

Establishing a competitive edge is a crucial step to ensuring long term growth and success. To get there requires strong business practices including leveraging high-performing machines, efficient processes, and talented people – some of whom you’ll find with your preferred suppliers and manufacturing partners. Future business also places demand on scalability – solutions that can adapt and change in size to remain viable with other evolving factors. Here, manufacturing technology that is modular often wins the day. Implemented for right now productivity, adaptable and configurable to keep pace with tomorrow’s increases. Jergens is a family owned and operated manufacturer of quick-change, modular workholding solutions serving numerous segments of the metalworking industry including automotive, aerospace and defense, medical equipment, mold and die, and general industry.