3/22/2012 12:27:00 AM
NEWS BRIEFS
The Fastener and the Kenworth
When Kenworth began designing its new aerodynamic T680, Kenworth further enhances its already strong focus on producing quality trucks supported by the innovative use of technology to increase efficiency and achieve even more precise manufacturing.
“Our manufacturing process for the Kenworth T680 represents a leap forward in building world class, quality trucks,” said Scott Blue, plant manager at the Chillicothe, Ohio-based Kenworth assembly plant, which is a production facility for the aerodynamic T680.
“Involving manufacturing personnel in the T680 design process enabled Kenworth to deliver a new truck that takes into consideration, within the assembly process, all of the little things that make the T680 so unique. And by leveraging advanced technology, we’ve been able to greatly enhance the T680’s quality while further enhancing the efficiency of our manufacturing process.”
The interaction between design and manufacturing allowed the engineers from both disciplines to learn from each other. The process produced manufacturing efficiencies. For example, engineers quickly discovered that the T680 could be made stronger and the assembly process more efficient by using the Henrob self-penetrating fastener as the standard for all joint and installation needs.
“Using this fastener enabled us to standardize our tools and assembly processes, and had some benefits for product enhancement for the T680 and all our vehicles,” Culwell said.
“Since the Henrob fastener is self-penetrating, it doesn’t require holes. This allows us to install the stamped aluminum panels on the T680 cab, eliminating the step of pre-punching holes. We have provided customers with a cab structure that is stiff and much more resistant to water, noise, and vibration.”
With the T680, Kenworth also standardized the placement of many different components, making the trucks easier to assemble.
Kenworth insisted that the T680’s success depended on the integration of product design and manufacturing design.
“The days of designing a new product and then handing it to manufacturing are over. It really must be done simultaneously because of the complex nature of building an aerodynamic truck as well-designed and engineered as the Kenworth T680.” ©2012 GlobalFastenerNews.com
When Kenworth began designing its new aerodynamic T680, Kenworth further enhances its already strong focus on producing quality trucks supported by the innovative use of technology to increase efficiency and achieve even more precise manufacturing.
“Our manufacturing process for the Kenworth T680 represents a leap forward in building world class, quality trucks,” said Scott Blue, plant manager at the Chillicothe, Ohio-based Kenworth assembly plant, which is a production facility for the aerodynamic T680.
“Involving manufacturing personnel in the T680 design process enabled Kenworth to deliver a new truck that takes into consideration, within the assembly process, all of the little things that make the T680 so unique. And by leveraging advanced technology, we’ve been able to greatly enhance the T680’s quality while further enhancing the efficiency of our manufacturing process.”
The interaction between design and manufacturing allowed the engineers from both disciplines to learn from each other. The process produced manufacturing efficiencies.
For example, engineers quickly discovered that the T680 could be made stronger and the assembly process more efficient by using the Henrob self-penetrating fastener as the standard for all joint and installation needs.
“Using this fastener enabled us to standardize our tools and assembly processes, and had some benefits for product enhancement for the T680 and all our vehicles,” Culwell said.
“Since the Henrob fastener is self-penetrating, it doesn’t require holes. This allows us to install the stamped aluminum panels on the T680 cab, eliminating the step of pre-punching holes. We have provided customers with a cab structure that is stiff and much more resistant to water, noise, and vibration.”
With the T680, Kenworth also standardized the placement of many different components, making the trucks easier to assemble.
Kenworth insisted that the T680’s success depended on the integration of product design and manufacturing design.
“The days of designing a new product and then handing it to manufacturing are over. It really must be done simultaneously because of the complex nature of building an aerodynamic truck as well-designed and engineered as the Kenworth T680.” ©2012 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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