Flexible Assembly Systems Announces Launch of The First Torque Tester with Touch Screen Technology

Flexible Assembly Systems announces the release of the first torque tester on the market to use touch screen technology--the TSTT series. This unique torque tester will enable users to test torque tools, such a torque screw driver, to a ±0.5% bidirectional accuracy using touch screen technology. The TSTT also allows for fast data recording and transfer via USB 2.0 and SD Card media ports—another first in the industry.

More at http://www.flexibleassembly.com/Press-Release-December-23-2009

Worker fatigue: Your most ignored productivity problem.

San Diego, CA, October 13th, 2009 – In the midst of manufacturing sector layoffs, firms in the light assembly and manufacturing spaces are being forced to do more with less. These firms are facing a struggle to maintain product quality, while looking at shrinking budgets for capital equipment and personnel. In Flexible Assembly’s continuing series of articles on manufacturing quality, Eddie Silverberg, CEO of Flexible Assembly Systems, a leading integrator of torque tools and equipment, gave one of his customers a teachable moment on worker fatigue.

#1- The problem: Misperception
Flexible Assembly provided a manufacturing demo of a screw presenter to the customer for use in a manufacturing process. “The technicians loved the screw presenter, but management wouldn’t buy it, because when they did a time and cost study, they couldn’t justify spending the money.” Eddie noticed that management was doing its productivity experiment at the beginning of the shift, so he asked the customer to design a more in-depth productivity experiment.

#2 – The productivity experiment
After looking at the issue, Eddie and management at the manufacturing plant decided on a time and cost study that measured worker productivity at the beginning, and the end of the shift. By doing so, the hope was to more accurately measure the consistency or change in worker productivity.

#3- The result: Hidden worker fatigue
The results of productivity experiment were staggering. “We were shocked at the difference in productivity. There was a huge gap between technician productivity at the beginning of the shift versus the end of the shift.” Management at the firm was now clearly behind keeping productivity high throughout the shift, and keeping the screw presenter in place. The experiment helped to clarify worker fatigue as a widespread issue in today’s manufacturing world. “Often times, a small expenditure like a screw presenter, torque screwdriver, or an electric screwdriver can make a huge difference in productivity,” Eddie advises. Taking a holistic approach to productivity can preserve the company’s budget, and significantly improve manufacturing quality.

Flexible Assembly Systems has been working together with firms requiring light-assembly ergonomic solutions since 2003. The company has specialized in offering an extensive ergonomic product list which includes Torque Screwdrivers, Electric Screwdrivers, Pneumatic Screwdrivers, Robotic Assembly, Torque Testers, Torque Wrenches, Screwdriver Bits, Torque Arms & Workplace Systems, and Material Handling Systems.

For additional information, contact:
Eddie Silverberg, President Flexible Assembly Systems
800.696.7614, x250
www.FlexibleAssembly.com

Three ways to significantly improve manufacturing quality without breaking the bank

San Diego, CA, September 28th, 2009 – Firms in the light assembly and manufacturing spaces are facing a struggle to maintain product quality, while looking at shrinking budgets for capital equipment and personnel. Engineers and technicians are finding themselves having to do much more with much less. Eddie Silverberg, CEO of Flexible Assembly Systems, a leading integrator of torque tools and equipment, provides advice on three simple ways his customers have succeeded in improving manufacturing quality on small budgets:

#1- Create an in-house calibration and repair management program.

Equipment failure can cost many thousands of dollars in product recall, product replacement, and lost worker productivity. Manufacturing firms can face significant issues around throughput and product quality if equipment isn’t properly maintained. “Setting up an in-house calibration program is a lot easier than most people think. Being a little disciplined about tool use saves lots of money on the back end,” says Eddie. Calibration programs include finding an in-house advocate to lead the program, setting up regular calibration and maintenance intervals for tools, and investing in on-site calibration systems like torque testers.

#2 – Develop a more ergonomic workspace for the technician.

Ergonomics have a role in improving technician fatigue, throughput, and product quality. The sheer number of industrial ergonomic products available has grown tremendously over the past two decades. These options give manufacturers inexpensive options to implement. “Sometimes, improving the ergonomic workspace is as simple as buying a new tool balancer. Other times, an ergonomic torque screwdriver is worth its weight in gold,” states Eddie. Creating a thoughtful ergonomic improvement plan is simple, and doesn’t have to eat into your budget.

#3- Automate your manufacturing bottlenecks with measurable systems.

Automated workplace systems are becoming more and more inexpensive. These products can be measurable, reliable, and accurate. “Customers come to us after purchasing automated screwfeeders, and wondered how they got the job done before they found us. We’re always hearing positive feedback about the simple systems we’ve put in place that help the worker.” There are many standardized solutions in the marketplace. These systems can pay for themselves within a few weeks or months, help preserve the budget, and keep quality high.

Flexible Assembly Systems has been working together with firms requiring light-assembly solutions since 2003. The company's product list is extensive, and includes Assembly Tools, Robotic Assembly, Automotive Tools, Torque Products, Bits and Fastener Systems, Workplace and ESD Systems, and Material Handling Systems.

For additional information, contact:
Eddie Silverberg, President
Flexible Assembly Systems
800.696.7614, x250
www.FlexibleAssembly.com