Automated ´robotic´ production sets new benchmark

17th March 2016

Source: Scott Safety UK

Scott Safety have injected significant investment into the latest robotic technology to deliver impeccable quality control and eliminate ´human error´ from respirator filter production. This is especially critical to particulate filters where errors could mean a matter of life or death to asbestos removers. Every single filter is meticulously checked for the minutest defect using an advanced vision system which measures part type and position. The pen is tested using an inline ATI tester penetration level, carbon height and even whether the right lid is placed on the right filter.The system takes photographs of the filters at multiple points during production and digitally compares them to a flawless filter, instantly rejecting those that show signs of defects. As a result of implementing this versatile form of automation and setting tight criteria for rejection, Scott Safety consistently produces filters that exceed the industry standard for quality.

As part of the four year project to bring filter production in-house at Skelmersdale, Scott Safety has recently employed a dedicated team of specialists to oversee filter operations on the factory floor. What has historically been a manual assembly process, is now a superior combination of team members and machine. Team members still play a vital role in production, with operators packing the products and carrying out one last quality check before the filters leave the factory.

Following a fifty percent increase in customer demand for filters in 2015, Scott Safety´s investment in three automated filter lines has now more than doubled its capacity to fulfil orders. Previously housed in its VAASA facility in Finland, filters are now solely produced in Britain which has further increased the company´s ability to deliver to demand.

This significant technological investment supports one of Scott Safety´s corporate pillars of ´Zero Defects´ and ensures that rigorous quality and reproducibility is meticulously achieved. As the robots work optimally 24/7 without the need for a break, Scott Safety also delivers unrivalled turnaround in production and delivery of its filters to customers.

So what is next for Scott Safety? As part of its ethos of continuous improvement, the company is looking to recruit a team of process technicians to monitor the robots and ensure optimal output. This will drastically reduce any downtime as technicians will spot any mechanical or software issues before they cause production to stop.

Scott Safety is also due to install its own paper pleating technology which will enable the business to manufacturer the pleated paper housed inside certain filters.

With a long proven tradition of understanding the needs of the asbestos market, Scott Safety has developed a range of solutions that allow users to concentrate on their work, not their equipment. The Scott Safety range of powered air respirators offers ease of use, comfort and simple decontamination.

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