Bridging the Engineering Gap

The customer had already taken the first step by recognizing modular workholding solutions as a key element in the manufacturing process. They knew getting it right would have a major impact.

But was modular the right approach? Once CAD models were created, the answer was clear. The team determined a modular solution that could hold all six parts would cost LESS than reworking the dedicated fixture to hold one additional part. Plus, it would be available faster than the dedicated fixture could be modified, could adapt to future design changes, and would cut changeover down to 4 quick pin pulls.

Next it was time to test the solution in our Validation Center. The team’s old process was to use alignment templates to position parts for welding. But the templates were cumbersome and not always readily available. So Bluco used in-house laser technology to project positioning outlines directly onto parts. That not only solved the immediate challenge, but also introduced the customer to a new way to build and verify parts going forward. Once ready to go, ALM positioners and tamper-proof bolts made it easy to rotate parts into position for safer, more comfortable welding.