In-cycle roll-forming: Automotive steering-shaft production is transformed, as is control over quality

摘要

Such has been the quest to find productivity improvements through investment that Pailton Engineering - the UK-based vehicle steering-systems specialist - has managed to combine five operations into one, including the rolling of serrations on steering shafts. As a result, the company has made savings of more than ￡90,000 and achieved greater control relating to safety-critical components. Pailton Engineering's senior production engineer, Jim Rawbone, is committed to continuous improvement. He sees the economic advantages gained through automating manufacturing processes, where practical, as "the saving grace against offshore competition". This has led to the company investing some ￡600,000 in the first half of 2007 alone, to ensure that it maintains its competitive edge.