When a truck manufacturer was looking to introduce a new electric powered model to their existing combustion engine production line for the first time, the challenge was to achieve this without extensive new investments. After turning to Atlas Copco, not only was this accomplished, but the solution also enabled easy production line rebalancing and reduced energy consumption.
A leading manufacturer of heavy trucks was facing a series of operational challenges when looking to integrate an electric truck model into their existing production line. First, they wanted to avoid an expansion of factory space which would drive major additional investments. Secondly, they wanted to implement a solution that would improve their ability to easily rebalance the production whenever customer demands required so.
Several alternative and viable assembly tool solutions were identified and evaluated. An onsite team from Atlas Copco was engaged and the decision was taken to pursue a solution with battery tools with integrated controllers, as opposed to traditional battery tools with physical controllers. The Atlas Copco Tensor IxB family of handheld, cordless, battery tools with an integrated controller was selected to achieve the stipulated objectives. But they proved to accomplish much more.
By integrating tool and controller, the Tensor IxB eliminates the need for multiple devices and their associated hardware, wiring and mounting requirements. This saves valuable factory floor space but also simplifies and speeds up installation and configuration. Advantages that in turn drive the flexibility that makes production line rebalancing easier.
And there is more. The Tensor IxB product line of tools are manufactured using recycled materials and are easy to dismantle and recycle. And while in use, they consume less energy in comparison to traditional solutions and previous models. The integrated controller also provides sustainable benefits by reducing the need in the supply chain for production and transportation of physical controllers. All in all, a series of advantages that reduce the environmental impact throughout the production line but also cuts operational costs.
For the truck manufacturer, the selection of the Tensor IxB portfolio of tools enabled the expansion of their production line without the expansion of factory space. Instead, it actually saved space and it also reinforced their ability to rebalance the production line. And finally, in comparison to battery tools with a physical controller, the solution reduced their annual energy consumption by over 40% thereby contributing to a more sustainable production.
Discover what a difference the introduction of battery driven tools can make on a multitude of operational levels!
