At Micron, our pursuit of standardization extends beyond our machines to every part of our process. That’s why we’re excited to roll out our newly redesigned standardized gage stations.
This overhaul streamlines and enhances our quality ecosystem and gives our production team the tools needed for repeatability. Additionally, it incorporates 5S principles.
Before
After
The gage station redesign improves on our existing systems, creating aisle space while also increasing work surface.
Once final adjustments are made to the redesign prototype, the new gage stations will be implemented across the shop, ensuring every machine has this setup in common.
Gage Station Key Features
Each new gage station contains:
- A work bench laid out with places for each measurement tool assigned to the machine and ample work room.
- A bottom shelf for cleaning supplies and storage of additional tools or personal items.
- A magnetic board for prints, work instructions, production logs, inspection plans, and part routing information.
- An LED work light.
The smooth finish of the shelves allows for regular cleanup of chips and oil — a routine activity on our tidy shop floor.
Efficient Use of Space
In a clever use of existing footprint, we designed the new gage stations to fit neatly over parts conveyors. While the previous design’s carts allowed gage stations to be moved when needed, the new design frees up aisle space while keeping the machinists’ tools right where they’re needed.
This improvement showcases Micron’s commitment to providing our team with the best tools possible — not just to machine great parts, but to build a better environment for machining.
The Top Benefits of Our Standardized Gage Stations
Some benefits of these gage stations include:
- Inspection Time Savings: Operators don’t waste time searching for the right tool. Everything is laid out, organized, and ready to use. This aids our overall production agility and allows our team to rigorously adhere to our processes. All documentation relevant to the part is available at a glance.
- Consistency: Every team member uses the same calibrated tools in the exact same way, eliminating measurement variation and ensuring true repeatability. Job-specific work instructions and work prints show exactly how to measure each feature. This eliminates reliance of tribal knowledge and ensures every machinist knows exactly what and how to measure each part.
- Real-Time Process Control: Our operators check their own work immediately and frequently. This gives them ownership of quality and the ability to adjust machines before a part is out of tolerance, moving from a “find and fix” to a “prevent” quality culture.
This redesign incorporates space-saving measures and practical quality of life improvements that make regular checks more efficient.
Micron’s Philosophy of Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is a core value that pervades Micron’s team. The suggestion to improve upon our existing gage stations originated on the shop floor thanks to our employees’ dedication to our customers’ success. It is this unique culture at Micron that ultimately allows us to build upon our existing strengths to the benefit of our customer.
If you’re ready to partner with a machining supplier that takes process control and continuous improvement seriously, submit your print to Micron today.
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