Product category:
Materials testing equipment
News Release from: Zwick Testing Machines | Subject: TestXpert
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 24 April 2007
Global testing system cuts confusion
The LSIMS connects and integrates Zwick's testing products used in Woodbridge production plants around the world to a central computer system in Canada.
Woodbridge P3T Lab Senior Quality Specialist Robert Bailey, together with Dana Cotant and Aaron VanHaecke have set up what they believe is one of the world's most advanced quality data and testing management system The LSIMS (Laboratory Standardisation and Information Management System) connects and integrates Zwick's testing products used in Woodbridge production plants around the world to a central computer system in Canada
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Oct 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Hardness is a key element of the vehicle driver's comfort so consistency is very important.
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VanHaecke said "Each of our factories tests around 200-400 different types of seat cushion, to their local market and this means that the testing machine has to be carefully configured for each test".
"This takes time and resources and, depending on the local language, is sometimes open to interpretation".
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"With our new system we only have one configuration on the testing machine and all other control parameters and product specifications are centrally stored on the P3T Lab Information system in Toronto, Canada".
"The parameters are automatically synchronised with the local facilities and made available to the laboratory PC when the operator chooses a particular seat cushion to test".
"Whenever a specification needs to be updated, it is done on the central P3T system".
"When it is finally released, all individual laboratories have immediate access and are prompted to work to the new specification immediately".
"This dramatically improves communication and, as our test sequences are by nature relatively complex, we have removed virtually all potential sources of testing error in setting up and maintaining our testing systems".
"We are also operating much more safely than before because each new configuration can be thoroughly tested in our own laboratory before being released".
Hardness tests on seat cushions involve a number of test parameters.
These parameters are stored on the central computer system and 'inserted' into the plant lab's Zwick testing programme as soon as the operator enters a cushion identity.
Local parameters, such as machine-specific settings and tools and fixture dimensions, are incorporated into the system.
Once the test is completed the test results are transmitted back to the central P3T system, which ensures that all data is traceable, correctly archived and allows decisions to be made regarding production and moulding parameters much faster than was previously possible.
Since setting up this system Woodbridge Foam has experienced a number of benefits.
Tests are now being carried out to the same standards regardless of geographical location and the multi-language possibilities of the testXpert software simplifies deployment, and removes ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Setting up the system in new production plants is now much easier and can be accomplished in one to three days compared to approximately two weeks previously.
Feedback to the production moulding process can be determined from the test results and relayed much faster.
When the system is fully rolled out the Woodbridge Group will be able to know exactly what is happening in its test laboratories on a global basis in real time and, as Cotant explains, "We differentiate ourselves through advanced technology and, as a result of this project, we think that we are in strong shape to compete in the future".
"TestXpert is such a flexible and powerful software package".
"We are impressed by its capability, something not seen in many off the shelf commercial packages".
"Even though it was a standard version we have been able to configure it to our preferred Woodbridge style which has reduced training and enabled a level of control which was not previously possible".
"TestXpert became the foundation for our project and, without it, our goal would have been much more difficult to achieve".
Bailey also thinks that the close co-operation between the Woodbridge and Zwick teams in Canada and Germany proved to be very effective in finding the ideal solution.
"Where other suppliers may only have been interested in selling us their professional services to develop a solution, Zwick had more flexibility".
"Zwick certainly could have designed and implemented a system for us but they realised that, with Dana Cotant and Aaron Van Haecke of Woodbridge's Computer Integrated Manufacturing division, Woodbridge has sufficient in-house expertise to develop a 'Made in Woodbridge' solution with Zwick's co-operation and mentorship". Request a free brochure from Zwick Testing Machines ...
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