The lean workcell begins at the Winstore automated material inventory system which, using 2020 Insight manufacturing operations management (MOM) software, “looks ahead” to WB’s manufacturing needs and efficiently selects and transports the correct panel to a pair of two-axis labelers. The labelers feed into a new Rover B CNC router equipped with a 42-spindle drill head and a Weeke BHP CNC router with automatic tool changer.
The Winstore intelligent material handling system used at WB Mfg. is the largest one Biesse makes.
At the Stream edgebander, bar code readers positioned above the machine automatically scan the label, which contains all the part information, including the banding material – size, color, type – and the required machining operations, and relays the information to the edgebander’s controls. The machine determines if edgebanding is needed on one, two or more sides, for example, and will automatically offload the part or return it to the queue for further machining.
Kent Barby shows how the 2020 software also enables production workers to check the real-time status of work. Working in conjunction with 2020 Insight, Eurosoft nesting software optimizes the production at the machines.
WB Mfg. produces cabinets and casegoods for healthcare, educational, office and industrial markets. Photo: ©Greg Gent Studios 2016.
Library carts such as these are some of the many items produced by WB Mfg.
Highly automated, among the CNCs in use at WB Mfg. is this Homag router. Schmalz lifters assist with ergonomics.
The company has 17 CNCs and counting at the 225,000-square-foot plant. Among them is an IMA BIMA 310 CNC machining center.
The educational market is one of the top segments for WB Mfg.
Throughout the facility are lifts and tilts positioned with the Ligmatech case clamps to aid employees in their jobs.
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