Increasing the Efficiency of Riveting Work
Reducing Operator Burden and Achieving Stable Quality with the Introduction of the Compact Arm
Lobtex Co., Ltd.
Improving work efficiency and reducing operator burden in manufacturing are important themes for many companies. In fastening operations using air riveters (pneumatic tools for riveting), issues such as fatigue from the tool's weight and recoil, quality variations, and reduced work efficiency are common. This time, we introduce a case study on the improvement of riveting operations at Lobtex Co., Ltd. We will introduce a case where they achieved both "reduction of operator burden" and "a balance of quality and efficiency" by utilizing the "Compact Arm" assist device.
Issues
Repetitive riveting work posed challenges for operator burden and quality stability.
The main challenges in riveting work were as follows:
・High burden on the operator
Performing the task hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of times a day, fatigue accumulated in the operator's arms and wrists due to the tool's weight and recoil. As a result, the burden on the operator was significant, leading to a decrease in efficiency during long work hours.
・Issues with quality stability
When using a rivet feeder or during the riveting process, the tool was prone to tilting, and the fastening angle and alignment depended on the operator's skill level. This sometimes resulted in variations in the finished quality.
・Decreased work efficiency
The need to return the tool to its original position after each operation resulted in a loss of time.
The Start of the Collaboration
With the Compact Arm, anyone can perform riveting work "accurately" and "without fatigue."
To solve these issues, Lobtex first considered proposing automation by introducing robots. However, many customers felt that "robot implementation is a high hurdle in terms of cost," and Lobtex was searching for a more accessible labor-saving solution. At an exhibition, they saw CKD's "Compact Arm" assist device and highly praised its ability to allow "anyone to perform riveting work accurately and without fatigue."
The fact that the Compact Arm is relatively easy to install and can be operated without major changes to existing equipment was also appreciated, and the collaboration began as a tool to broaden their range of proposals.
Results after introduction
The introduction of the Compact Arm is the first step toward "reducing work burden," "stabilizing quality," and "improving efficiency."
The following effects were confirmed after introducing the Compact Arm:
・Reduced work burden
The arm supports the weight of the tool, significantly reducing the burden on the operator's arms and wrists. Operators became less tired even during long hours of repetitive work, leading to reduced fatigue.
・Stabilized quality
The Compact Arm always approaches the workpiece vertically, preventing tilting when using a rivet feeder or during riveting, which enables stable operation. Variations in finished quality were suppressed, without depending on the operator's skill level.
・Improved work efficiency
Since the Compact Arm can be held in any position, there is no need to return the tool to its original place each time. As a result, an efficient work cycle was achieved, contributing to improved productivity.It is attracting attention from many customers as a first step toward "reducing work burden," "stabilizing quality," and "improving efficiency."