Make Cell Manufacturing Even More Flexible with CI Equipment

For many manufacturers, cell manufacturing— also referred to as micro-cells— is one of the best ways to increase the velocity and flexibility of their production lines. “It’s literally a micro assembly line within a company’s particular product that increases their efficiency,” explained Troy Wilson, Product Manager of Table Products at Cincinnati Incorporated.

One of the things that helps micro-cells bring so much flexibility to an operation is their ability to be temporary or permanent based on individual needs. Depending on which kind is in use, cells can do everything from minimizing the time it takes for a product to move through the production line to providing the ability to efficiently pivot to something else based on customer demand.

However, the same benefits received from one type can’t necessarily be replicated by the other. That’s why it’s important to know exactly which one is the better fit for your business before making any decisions.

Cell manufacturing isn’t for everyone

Contract manufacturers and OEMs generally get the most out of manufacturing cells simply because their size allows for more capital expenditures. Since the cells are mostly used for producing specific product lines, it can be hard for job shops to justify the costs associated with them.

“Most contract manufacturers build anything for anybody. Individual cells allow them to flip between products depending on what they’ve got going on, “ Wilson said.

Another trait that OEMs and contract manufacturers find appealing is the ability to lower inventory. Micro-cells allow them to keep lower levels of stock in their warehouses and free up funds for other uses. If demand changes, they can quickly produce more product.

Temporary or permanent?

When it comes to popularity, temporary cells are the definitive winner. The reason why is pretty simple: they provide far more flexibility. These micro-cells can be moved around a facility and are easily adjusted to handle different product types.

On the other hand, permanent cells are generally meant to create one specific product.

Micro-cells need to be placed by the necessary raw materials in order to really make a difference in production times. It doesn’t make sense to utilize a permanent one if the materials themselves might move in the near future.

Cincinnati Inc. makes all the difference

One of the biggest hurdles in utilizing temporary cells over permanent ones is the ability to easily move the equipment that different products require. As Wilson says, “Nobody is shuffling lasers around within their building.”

Unless, that is, you’re talking about the CLi fiber laser. With a footprint of only 10’ X 11’, it has the ability to follow temporary micro-cells wherever they might be headed. Not only does the CLi help provide more versatility, it does so without sacrificing productivity. And It’s not just temporary micro-cells that the CLi is ideal for. Just because a micro-cell is permanent doesn’t mean that its setup provides a lot of floorspace to work with. The smaller the piece of hardware, the better.

“Say you’ve got an OEM producing a product line, it’s running 6-7 hours a day, no problem,” Wilson said.

For the price of a used—and certainly not very movable—CO2 laser, you can have a brand new fiber laser perfect for both temporary and permanent cell manufacturing. The decision basically makes itself.

For customers who are on the hunt for the perfect press brake for their micro-cell, CI’s Goform takes the cake. It sports an easily portable design while maintaining optimal levels of productivity. Not only is it perfect for areas with limited floorspace, but as an added bonus, it can also operate in clean rooms with no hydraulic oil. No matter where you need it, the Goform will thrive.

If your interest has been officially piqued

or you have questions about which machine is the best fit for your micro-cell, it’s easy to contact us through both phone and email. Contact us and let's go over what you have in mind.