Ascent Aerospace launches small tool factories in California and Michigan.
Aerospace tooling company Ascent Aerospace, has completed the first item through their new small tool focused factories. The assembly jig shipped three days ahead of the four week lead time that is guaranteed for all tools going through two new, dedicated work cells at Ascent facilities in California and Michigan.
The small tool focused factories were created to minimize cost and lead time for “small” tools, which Ascent defines as up to 144” x 40” x 30” (365cm x 101cm x 76cm). It includes layup tooling, drill jigs, assembly tools and mill fixtures made of Invar, steel or aluminum (weldment or machined billet).
Focused factory
“The small tool focused factory is a dedicated value stream, instead of utilizing the various process-based departments,” explains Mike Fox, Plant Manager at Coast Composites (California). “Tools going through the 8,000ft2, temperature-controlled focused factory are produced more efficiently, with lower overhead. Savings are passed along to the customer and short lead times are assured.” Ascent’s second focused factory is located at Odyssey Industries (Michigan).
Engineering, project management and design resources are shared, while an Machining and toolmaking teams staff each small tool focused factory. Tolerances of +/- .005” on surface contour and hole position are within capability and expected to be typical of the new cell. To learn more about Ascent’s small tool focused factories, including terms of the four-week guarantee, visit http://aipaerospace.com/ascent-aerospace-small-tools.
Ascent Aerospace is a provider of aerospace tooling systems, assembly and factory automation and integration, composite machining centers, and engineering services. Consisting of the Ascent Tooling Group, Ascent Integration & Automation Group and Ascent Engineering, equipment installations, offices and service centers are located in North America, Europe and Asia. www.ascentaerospace.com
