Clamp system increases valve manufacturing flow.

* high-density workholding

* flexible set-up

Carolina Precision Components manufactures valves and flow control mechanisms for hydraulic motion control systems. When the volume of work increased, the company faced the challenge of finding a way to increase their capacity without buying another machine. Working with Advanced Machine & Engineering, they found the solution to meet their customers' growing needs.

CPC runs a variety of parts made of various materials including iron castings, steel forgings and aluminum. Initially, they were running about 500 parts a month in multiple vises on seven vertical machines. Various workholding options were considered, and it was decided that AME's Triag Compact Clamp with integrated trunion system would provide the flexibility and increased capacity required to meet the increased and changing demand.

The Triag system was designed for high-density workholding of multiple parts. Clamps on the unit can be relocated for various size parts. After purchasing and incorporation of the clamp, three-sided machining eliminated additional set-ups and operations. Eliminating handling and set-ups made it easier to maintain tolerances on related part features.

The workholding system enabled CPC to increase productivity and to machine parts that they didn't have the capability of machining previously. Handling time between operations was eliminated, and set-up and cycle times decreased 20 to 40%. The overall production rate has increased from 500 parts per month to between 1500 and 2000 parts per month. This success has prompted CPC to investigate other Triag solutions to incorporate into their manufacturing processes.

Circle 200--Carolina Precision Components, Valdese, NC.

Circle 201--Advanced Machine & Engineering, Rockford, IL. www.rsleads.com/403df-201