Trimming a fiberglass challenge to save money, production time and improve quality

Purpose – To relate how even a smaller manufacturing operation can benefit from the application of robotic methods to manual operations. Design/methodology/approach – A maker of fibreglass automobile body kits called in a robotic systems integrator with 20 years of experience to automate his manual panel trimming operation. In about three months, the system integrator delivered a complete system to meet all application requirements. Findings – The auto body kit maker achieved a 95 percent reduction in trimming time and improved his quality as well. Research limitations/implications – While this manufacturer achieved dramatic benefits, not all trimming operations might achieve such results. Practical implications – Key to a successful robot application can depend heavily on the skills and prior experience of the system integrator selected to address the application. Originality/value – May provide incentive to other smaller fiberglass panel manufacturers to examine potential applications where robotic trimming systems could provide excellent pay back on the investment.