One of our lesser known specialties at Regal Plastics - Texas is creating custom lean solutions for companies. We practice lean manufacturing ourselves, and we understand how imperative it is to reduce wasted motion. Here are some examples of tool carts we've produced in-house for ourselves and other companies. Maybe, they will offer some inspiration of how you can improve lean practices in your own operation.
Custom Mobile Work Tables: We build and utilize these carts in our own warehouses and fabrication departments. They are made from Bausch aluminum and HDPE which makes them light weight enough to move wherever we need the extra work space. Everything in our branches has wheels on it so we can easily rearrange as needed.
[caption id="attachment_1039" align="alignnone" width="640"] HDPE and Bausch aluminum work carts. Just roll it where you need it![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_920" align="alignnone" width="584"] Flame polishing acrylic on one of our many mobile workstations.[/caption]
Why we love it: It is so easy to create extra work space wherever and whenever we need it. One person can easily push these carts around. We work on custom projects, so it is important to us to have a work space that can easily be adjusted to fit our needs. Custom Tool Racks: This rack that really shows how you can use HDPE Sign material to create professional looking storage solutions. This material actually has a different colored core. When it is CNC machined, the outline is a highly visible contrasting color that won't rub off. When you add wheels, you can take the entire rack to the work station. That means all of your tools are where you need them in one trip.
[caption id="attachment_1038" align="alignnone" width="584"] Custom tool rack with red/white/red HDPE - Sign material and CNC machined outlines.[/caption]
Why we love it: It is quick and easy for employees to see where tools go or which tools are missing. It looks much more professional than outlines created by sharpies or tape. Best of all, it is a long term solution. HDPE is extremely durable, and it will stand up to daily abuse. Custom Mobile Work Stations: Here's another example of a custom mobile work station that we built with HDPE and Bausch aluminum. It shows that customers can create a design that will really fit their specific needs.
[caption id="attachment_240" align="alignnone" width="584"] Final production, waiting to be delivered to TAKATA[/caption]
Why we love it: Companies can create the most efficient work environment for their employees which can improve a variety of things from stress to mistakes. Custom Mobile Tool Cart: Our CNC machines are usually the busiest pieces of equipment in our fabrication department. It's not uncommon for them to run all day everyday. It is critical that we have the drill bits and accessories we need on hand to insure a quick transition time between projects. We designed a custom tool cart that we can load up with every part we will need for that day. Here's a short video about the cart.
[caption id="attachment_1052" align="alignnone" width="584"] Labeled CNC cart with routed HDPE to safely hold bits.[/caption]
Why we love it: We were having to replace bits more often than we would like due to damaging them in transport or misplacing them. Not to mention, the multiple trips back and forth every day were wasting time and energy. This tool cart allows us to make one trip without damaging anything. All the parts we need are right by the CNC, shortening the time between projects.
Do you have a custom tool cart in mind or need help bringing a design to life? We are here to help. Lean has been such a game changer for us that we are passionate about helping other companies improve their operations. We also love seeing other companies lean improvements, so please feel free to share!
How Can We Help?
We'd love to answer your plastic questions or quote your next project.
