Automation and Interaction, Working Hand-In-Hand

Delta Sigma Company (DSC) understands the goals of manufacturing in the aerospace industry. And we know that in many instances, a combination of automation and human workforce is the optimal solution for meeting those goals. In particular, two approaches — in-process verification (IPV) and Augmented Reality (AR) — offer means to increase productivity, lower costs, and improve quality for aero manufacturers.

Humans and machines

Every manufacturer’s goal is to reduce errors and costs while increasing productivity. The closer you get to this ideal, the happier your customers will be and your business will enjoy greater success.

Although aero manufacturing demands the expertise, critical decision-making, and precision of skilled human workers, those very demands can also be the weakest links in your efforts to improve workflow. Small errors in precision, memory, or judgment can result in flawed products and even injure workers — something no manufacturer wants. Incorporating automated solutions at the right points in your workflow can protect workers as well as boost their productivity.

[sidebar]Want to learn more about how automation can enhance workers’ performance? Join Roger Richardson, Delta Sigma Company CEO, on April 21 and 22 at the AeroDef conference in Dallas.
Roger will be presenting in the “Manufacturing Methods & Applications II” and “Quality, Measurement & Inspection” sessions.[/sidebar]

Identifying errors early

The cost of correcting an error increases the longer the error goes undiscovered. For example, if a line technician realizes an error immediately after making it, the costs — in time, effort, and replacement parts — are much less than if the error is discovered just before delivery.

The goal of IPV, therefore, is to make sure that any errors are discovered before QA inspection. If line technicians can find and correct their own mistakes, your company can enjoy exponential savings.

For aero manufacturers that want to implement IPV, DSC can provide elegant solutions such as 3D laser or optical projectors. These automated tools project instructions and schematics where and when they are needed, removing the possibilities of faulty memory or misinterpretation. These tools help line technicians to verify that each hole is placed and formed correctly, and that each part is inserted where and when it should be.

A better workflow

The goal of AR is not to change your workflow, but rather to improve how that workflow functions. By replacing reams of paper instruction manuals with an AR system that projects instructions and visual representations of next steps onto the actual work surface, AR solutions offer vast improvements in efficiency and productivity.

To provide the best AR solutions available today, DSC merges 3D laser projection and optical projection. Each method has advantages; for example, laser projection offers high precision and visibility, while optical projection provides a full color spectrum and eliminates image flicker. In combination, they offer an unparalleled AR experience that only DSC provides.

High performance for a high-pressure industry

Aero manufacturers are under high pressure to deliver on time and with zero errors. The right automation tools and methods can dramatically improve progress toward these ideals.

[cta]To find out how DSC can help you find the perfect way to incorporate automation into your workflow, call us at (770) 575-5100 or email info@deltasigmacompany.com.[/cta]