Conveyor Manufacturing Deep Hole Drilling Services
The process of deep-hole drilling has definitely been advantageous for engine designers, assembly makers and manufacturers, particularly for products that involve deep channel drilling or long and thin cavity creation in sold part targets. Engine cases are a prime example of this need, oftentimes running fluids through deep channels integrated within their form for easier assembly and function versus using multiple separate parts. It also reduced external channel assemblies that can be at risk of damage via exposure.
Conveyor Deep Hole Drilling
Combining deep-hole drilling with a conveyor assembly process for manufacturing is a natural next step for the tooling process, especially when multiple units need to be fabricated for greater output and product markets. Instead of one unit made at a time, as would be the case with a manual tooling approach, conveyor manufacturing is operating the assembly and production of multiple units in a factory approach, increasing usable and saleable inventory quickly.
The primary driver for deep hole drilling output has been a combination of availability, more complex part designs that open up new markets, and intricate assemblies engineered for new capabilities. All have increased the demand for deep hole drilled parts on an exponential basis, driving up the need for faster production output of the same. In many large production facilities, deep hole drilling on an automated basis is necessary, especially to keep up with inventory deadlines. Some of the biggest customer industries include automotive, aerospace, military, and technology. Robotics has also been an up-and-coming field for similar parts as well.
Delicate Accuracy is a Necessity
Part of the reason that deep-hole drilling was handled at the artisan level for so long prior to automation had to do with ensuring accuracy as well as the sensitivity of the tooling. By function alone, deep-hole drilling involves moving and supporting a long shaft and drilling bit into the target material, keeping it lubricated properly and making sure the work stayed consistent from beginning to end. However, the move to automation took a bit of work for this type of tooling application to reach a point of quality performance. Once in place though, and the ability to customize the conveyor-based tooling to do the job repeatedly was achieved, then the benefits of related manufacturing came into vogue.
Developing a Working Floorplan Approach
With any new installation, a key factor involves matching the existing floorplan or alternatives of movement with the footprint of the deep-hole drilling equipment to be added. It’s not a simple matter of just adding the equipment to the end of the conveyor line. There needs to be multiple aspects of support provided for, including spacing for reservoir tanks for lubricant, sufficient power connections, safety features, physical space for the equipment operation, and sufficient separation from other systems already existing in the factory space and conveyor chain. Finally, the system also needs to be consistent with the input and output track of the materials in such a way that their speed and placement efficiency is maximized.
Many companies find that their first run at floorplan configuration ends with frustration. Some key components of the existing situation don’t work. It may very well be that some greater flexibility is needed for an optimized approach versus just trying to find an empty spot where to place the new equipment. This could result in some reconfiguring of existing conveyor systems as well. However, overall, the advantage could result in a major upscaling of the system’s output, including the addition of the new deep-hole drilling feature.
Bring in the Expert Cavalry
Acromatic Deep Hole Drilling provides industry experience with the planning, configuration, and installation of conveyor deep-hole drilling enhancements, particularly when dealing with existing assembly lines and manufacturing plants. With a serious focus on optimized footprint implementation as well as setting up a deep hole drilling system correctly the first time, Acrodrill can make the transition to a new conveyor production paradigm doable, practical, and functional.
Contact us to discuss our aerospace and automotive drilling services. Acromatic Deep Hole Drilling looks forward to working with you!