Innovation » Minova Welshpool automating to improve both safety and productivity
 

Minova Welshpool automating to improve both safety and productivity

The team at Minova’s Welshpool site in Western Australia has recently re-engineered their R27 manufacturing process machine resulting in improved safety and productivity performance.

Traditionally the machine operator had to lift a bolt repeatedly as part of the manufacturing process.  With a 2.4 metre long bar weighing 8.4kg the chances of repetitive strain injury were high and the production process time consuming.

A review of the existing process, safety, health and environmental (SH&E) risks and manning levels inspired the design and implementation of a feed table.

The feed table has a slope of approximately six degrees so instead of lifting the bars they are now rolled to the operator who pushes it into an 180t press.  Once pressed, the operator rolls the bar onto the out-feed roller that rolls the bar to the end stop which activates a lifter that then tips the bar into a cradle ready for bundling.

The feed table has completely removed the need for the operator to lift the bar thus eliminating thus diminishing the chance of repetitive strain injury.  It has also reduced the chance of bolts being dropped causing foot and leg injuries.

The implementation of this new process has also seen a fifty percent improvement in productivity thus freeing up the machine operator to assist with other jobs in the factory. 

Neville Oborne, Team Leader Production at Minova’s Welshpool plant said of the improvements “The improvements to the Paddle Press have worked so well that we have made similar changes to the Slotting process.  Steve Hair, Maintenance Supervisor is currently working a design for an in-feed/out-feed system for our bar threading process that would further reduce the requirement for manual handling and improve productivity.”

Mark Lumley, Manufacturing Manager Steel for Minova Australia said of the improvements.  “It is great to see what can be achieved when a team of people embrace the four principles of Deliver the Promise.  This project covers SH&E, Working Together, Creative Customer Solutions and Commercial Ownership beautifully.”


For more information please contact:

Mark Lumley
Manufacturing Manager Steel
Email: mark.lumley@minovaint.com

Neville Oborne
Team Leader Production
Email: neville.oborne@minovaint.com