Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG relies on TRI-MATIC for component assembly and saves time and money

Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG has a great deal of expertise and choice in the field of milling machines. For the option of switching between blowing off and rinsing during operation of the milling machine, the manufacturing solutions provider needed a customised assembly and was looking for a competent partner for the time-consuming assembly of the components.

Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG started out as a small business in 1937 and has since become a leading player in the Swiss manufacturing industry, offering complex manufacturing solutions that fit like a glove in the production environment of mechanical engineering, the watchmaking industry and medical technology.

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Initial situation/Challenges for the customer

Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG has a great deal of expertise and choice in the field of milling machines. For the option of switching between blowing off and rinsing during operation of the milling machine, the manufacturing solutions provider needed a customised assembly. Previously, this assembly consisted of twelve components from five different suppliers. Assembly took a very long 1 ½ hours, as the fittings had to be cut manually and the threads had to be recut. The company was therefore looking for a competent partner for the time-consuming assembly of the module.

We not only benefit from time savings, but also from cost savings of around 15%.

Paolo Garrapa
Purchasing Manager, Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG

Solution

After consulting with the customer on site, TRI-MATIC Engineering was able to develop a simpler assembly with fewer components for the blow-off/flushing option.

Thanks to the assembly, the workpiece can be rinsed with cooling water after machining in the milling machine, the chips removed and then the cooling water blown off with compressed air at max. 4 bar. The conical 3/4" fitting of the assembly is mounted directly on the pump outlet.

A 3D model was drawn and a sample produced for internal testing. After customer approval, the desired number of valve blocks could be manufactured quickly and flexibly, tested integrally for function and delivered.

Results

For Purchasing Manager Paolo Garrapa, one thing is certain: "With just 1 supplier instead of 5, the effort involved in procuring and assembling this module is much easier. The assembly time for us is now 10 minutes and no longer 1 ½ hours. We not only benefit from time savings, but also from cost savings of around 15%."

The valve block only needs to be connected to the designated points in the milling machine. This option can easily be retrofitted to milling machines that have already been delivered. Walter Meier (Manufacturing solutions) AG is now using the free resources to focus on its core expertise.