IMP Case Studies - Sign Techniques

Case Study: Sign Techniques, Rock Hill, SC
August 2003

Original Condition: Mr. Larry Moyle of Sign Techniques contacted the Institute for Manufacturing Productivity (IMP) on June 3, 2002 to see if the college could use its CNC laser cutter machine to cut 100 sign blanks from Corian ™ laminate. Sign Techniques had received a rush order for motel room number signs and could not meet the order using their existing cutting equipment.

IMP Assistance:

Sign Techniques sent IMP’s Dr. Marc Tarplee several pieces of scrap laminate for testing. Dr. Tarplee determined the CNC laser would cut 1/8 inch laminate and Sign Techniques sent over a hand sketch of the sign blank. A CAD drawing and part program were produced. 104 sign blanks were produced from material sent by Sign Techniques. The blanks were delivered on June 5, 2002.

Process	Time (minutes)	Comments
Feasibility Study	90:00	customer supplied scrap mat’l for test
Create/process drawing	30:00	customer supplied hand sketch with dimensions
Produce prototype blank	15:00	customer approved prototype with minor change
Laser Set-up	10:00
Part Alignment	1:00
Program Entry	1:00
Final Production	70:00	104 sign blanks produced and delivered

TOTAL	217:00

Sign Techniques was pleased with the sign blanks and has requested the IMP to cut additional material. To reduce the turnaround time on orders, Sign Techniques has begun using CAD and submitting part drawings to the IMP electronically.

Summary:

Sign Techniques has found the quality of the laser-cut pieces is higher than that of similar pieces made in house and that the pieces were competitive in price. The process the IMP has demonstrated has become Sign Techniques’ preferred process for cutting special blanks. The IMP has conducted further research and developed processes using the laser to cut laminate, polystyrene and rubberized sheet magnets.

Sign Techniques is now aware of how higher technology manufacturing increases their bottom line profits and allows them to offer their customers additional and better products.

Economic Impact:

In academic year 2002 – 2003, Sign Techniques saved approximately 20 man-hours, corresponding to monetary savings of approximately $250.

In academic year 2003-2004 Sign Techniques has already saved 20 man-hours of labor, or approximately $250. Additionally, their revenues have increased by approximately $5,000 during the first quarter of the current academic year, because they have been able to bid on business that requires shorter lead time or higher quality than they could traditionally deliver.