Located in the northeast of France, a furniture production plant relies heavily on manipulator arms for efficient transfer processes. These arms require consistent and precise lubrication of their X and Y axis ball slides. The manual lubrication process presented several operational challenges, particularly with accessibility and consistency, which negatively impacted production efficiency and product quality.
Memolub HPS
Extending ball slide longevity in wood furniture production.
Context
Problem
The ball slides were difficult to access, requiring the machine to be stopped for manual lubrication, which caused costly downtime. Additionally, the limited lifespan of the ball slides led to frequent replacements. Excessive manual lubrication resulted in contamination of the finished product, leading to non-conformities and customer complaints.
Solution
To address these issues, a Memolub HPS MEGA automatic lubricator was installed, equipped with a 4-outlet distributor to ensure precise and consistent lubrication of the ball slides. Depending on the specific installation and production cadence, the lubrication frequency was set to either 6 or 12 months, minimizing maintenance needs and eliminating the requirement for machine shutdowns.
Results
The automated lubrication system significantly enhanced operational efficiency by doubling the lifespan of the ball slides, thereby reducing the frequency of replacements. The plant also benefited from improved product quality, eliminating contamination caused by excessive manual lubrication. Due to the success of the installation, the solution was replicated at two additional production sites, further boosting overall productivity and reliability.
