New Product:  Flex Fixture with Reusable Base
Click here for Presentation

Highlights

PATENT PENDING

- Reduced Fixture Cost
Saves $4k from a custom base price, or saves $8-10k as a reusable base.

- Reusable Fixture
The base fixture can be reused again simply by refitting the top tooling.

- Reduces Lead Time
The base design is simple and will be stocked at our facility.

- Reduced Engineering
90% of all designed fixtures can be accommodated on this type of fixture.

  

Click Here for a 3D model demonstration of this fixture...

Problem
Recently LAS has been asked this question, “Why has fixture and tooling cost risen so rapidly in the past two years?” The answer is always the same. It's because of increased costs for components and to Poka-Yoke each operation. Other factors responsible relate to all the options each company or plant requires. The fixed costs applicable to each fixture can add 25% - 50% to the base price for these options. LAS or any other supplier cannot control these fixed costs because it is dependent upon what those manufacturers and distributors charge. What LAS can do is help control costs in other ways. For example, LAS can design fixtures that can be reused and help cut the overall price.


Solution
Labor Aiding Systems is proud to announce a new line of fixtures. To help control tooling cost of new programs, we have developed a line of reusable fixtures. The concept is quite simple. The best part is it works.


Concept
We have developed standard bases complete with their own Allen Bradley 5/04 controller, operator station which can be mounted on either side, 5 SMC valves, Magnetic 11” Electric lift and SMC air regulator. The top plate is hot rolled steel and designed to accept a tooling plate. Standard plates are 36” wide and come in 46”, 60”, 72” and 84” long. Included in the standard base is a tool rail and 4 foot light. Once you have purchased a standard base, you only have to buy top tooling made for your operation. When the program ends, discard the top tooling and with little or no cost the standard base is ready for your next program. You will only have to purchase top tooling.


Lead Time
The base is simple and will be stocked on our floor. With our erector set concept, plate size can be changed in less than 30 minutes. Engineering time will be cut to a minimum, thus cost of projects will decrease. LAS has designed 90% of its standard fixtures to fit on this base. We are also confident that it will accommodate 90% of all new projects. This includes arm and headrest stuffers, Mec to frame, assembly and test units.


$$$ Savings $$$
Once the new base is in effect, refit fixtures should be $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 less expensive. The math is easy when the average program has 15 to 20 fixtures. This leaves room for the expensive options that drives cost up. Estimated cost to rebuild a used unit is $2,000.00 plus material.


Advantages
Lead Time. You will not have to wait for finalized components to start a project. Release just the base until components are tweaked.
 ∆ Cost Reduction. Base unit is under $12,100.00. Same unit using the old style would run $16,000.00.
∆ Easy to separate fixture and tooling cost.
∆ Eliminates repeated engineering cost.
∆ Plants will be consistent in fixtures and cosmetic appearance.
∆ Swing out plate holds and protects control box, lift and valves.
∆ Swing out plate gives easy access for maintenance and troubleshooting.
∆ Cuts cost of new fixtures.
∆ Change size of top plate from $800.00 to $1,200.00.
∆ Process or operation changes. Lose only the top tooling, not whole fixture.
∆ Running changes can be tooled, than shipped to plant for mounting. Program and run off approved on identical fixture @ LAS before shipping.


Conclusion
The new (Patent Pending) concept will be on our web site in the next few weeks. Please take time to look, we know you will be pleased. If you have questions or would like to view our models at LAS, please call John Hockaday or Cheryl Trapp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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