Manufacturing Lines Process Optimization: Tissue Cutter

Abstract

A medical devices company manufactures small tissue cutters. In this process, two pieces must be welded, grinded and straightened. The tissue cutter must be grinded because of imperfections formed in the metal welded. The heat applied in the welding process causes distortion in the tissue cutter, and that is why it must be straightened. To regulate the gas mixture and heat applied, a step in the manufacturing process is removed. On long term, the productivity increases 33 % by eliminating one machine of the process. In terms of cost, it eliminates two operators and lowers cost per unit. Key Terms ⎯ Productivity, waste, cost, gas mixture, heat.