Saline Lectronics Installs a Flexible Assembly Flow Line

Saline Lectronics, Inc., a leading electronics contract manufacturer, recently installed a new assembly flow line. The line is setup in a systematic, unique configuration in order to provide a truly flexible lean system.

With this new system, Lectronics is able to assemble an endless number of customer product configurations and volumes. Since the system is programmable, Lectronics’ manufacturing team can customize the line to provide the most effective method to assemble each client’s end-product. The line also is designed to support quick changeover scenarios, allowing Lectronics’ production team to easily switch to another assembly on-the-fly. Additionally, the flow line successfully allows endless operator balancing scenarios with different assembly cycle rates.

The line utilizes an 18" wide belt, ESD protected and non-marring, to accommodate larger customer electro-mechanical box build products. It is ergonomically friendly due to the flexible height adjustments allowing for optimum operator comfort. Touch-screen computers have been installed on the line to display interactive, clear work instructions for operators.

The line also can be programmed to set specific production goals, which are monitored and displayed to the production team members in order to ensure goals are being met. The system collects critical line data and indicates when and where bottleneck operations are present, allowing Lectronics to keep the line balanced and continuously flowing.  

“As part of Saline Lectronics’ vision to be a true lean EMS organization, the launch of this new flow line brings us one step closer to achieving a complete lean manufacturing system on the production floor,” commented Jeff Riedel, Lean Champion.

Saline Lectronics, Inc. is an electronics assembly supplier located in Saline, Michigan. The company specializes in complex, high-mix electronic printed circuit board and electro-mechanical box build assemblies. In addition to its extensive knowledge of PCB assembly manufacturing, other strengths include test development, DFM, DFT and prototyping through production lifecycle. For more information, visit www.lectronics.net.