Tool vending system improves productivity

WNT's Toolomat is a tool vending system that can manage the tooling requirement of any manufacturing company.

Whenever a tool is vended the system instantly creates an order for its replacement.

All orders are then consolidated into a single delivery.

These deliveries are then further consolidated into a single invoice.

The result is a system that operates without unnecessary manual intervention, ensuring the correct tools are in stock at all times.

Manufacturing costs are also reduced as only those tools vended are invoiced.

The vending units combine hardware and software technology to provide precise control over tool usage and tool monitoring.

For instance, use of the vending machines is restricted on an individual basis, with each operator having a unique key that allows access to the vending system.

When this key is inserted into the vending unit the operator is recognised; he/she can then scan the part drawing or job card and request the required tool.

Each transaction is logged in the vending units SAM memory, which in turn is downloaded to create detailed reports.

With the Toolomat system the user can keep tighter controls over tool budgets and tool usage without having to physically monitor tools, operators or machines.

In one application, reports highlighted an unusually high usage of tooling and prompted an investigation that identified a machine alignment issue.

Toolomat's remote monitoring of tool usage ensures that tools are replenished before they are needed.

The stock held in the Toolomat system is, in effect, consignment stock and is not invoiced unless it is vended from the machine.

Only one invoice is raised per month, keeping accounting paperwork to a minimum.

One of the most recent installations of Toolomat was at Amtek Precision Engineering.

The installation of WNT's Toolomat vending system is delivering numerous benefits to Amtek, including a greater control over tool usage, a reduction in administration and time savings on the shop floor.

'The freedom that Toolomat brings is a major benefit to us,' said Mike Lawes, Amtek's production manager.

'We can monitor who is using what and we no longer need supervision over the issuing of cutting tools.

'This frees up a considerable amount of time on the part of the management.' The system itself acts as a hub for all of Amtek's rotating tool requirements and stores a wide selection of cutting tools from which all base machining strategies are evolved.

In doing this, Amtek knows that any part can be machined at any time as the correct tools will be in place.

Any tool used is replaced during the weekly visit by WNT's technical sales engineer, and Amtek receives a consolidated invoice at the end of each month.

'As our tool usage changes on a weekly basis these regular visits enable us to monitor what is being used and highlights any potential issues,' added Lawes.

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