the reason China is beating America on production is largely that their little bs tasks are automated.
Example 1 - Cable Harness Wrapping:
Example 2 - Wire cutter and stripping machine. We use this one for basic wire fab often. Last company I worked at (and many others!) did this by hand. Crazy.
Example 3 - Automatic PTFE wrapper. This is a fantastic example of a highly specific machine for a regular and low skill task.
Many systems need a ton of PTFE tape. This at least 10x's a single worker's output.
Example 4 - Case Erector. Having a human build out the same box over and over is extremely wasteful and slow. Selling a lot of the same thing should not be slow! Only like $3k + shipping.
I have never seen one of these in an American shop (been in a lot of them).
Example 5 - Case Taper. Once the case has been erected and loaded, it needs to be taped. Why should a human be doing this repeatedly?
Again, about 3k + shipping. Great deal for small teams.
Example 6 - Glue Machine. Something we may end up making ourselves here. Glue is a highly underrated method of joinery for consumer products.
Using glue/adhesive a little bit in the new Powercore because it is so low human effot/skill
Example 8 - Fully Automatic Crimping Machine. This one is awesome. We just bought one. Need custom cables in a hurry (instead of the month long lead time with crazy prices from Americans)?
Love the pneumatic actuators. ~$7k for this one. Dies are like $500. Bulk in house!
Example 9 - Tube Cutter. Back to basics here. Something anyone who supplies goods on a spool should consider.
Only like $2k to bring this portion of the process in house. Better QC, rev times, and process control. Definitely worth it IMO
Example 10 - Counting and Bagging Machine. This is one I think most of us would love. Automatically count and sort multiple pieces of hardware into sealed bags.
Huge value for a few vibratory bowls and pneumatic actuators. Again, ~$3k. Seems like the magic number.
I hope this is helpful. I will probably do another thread like this as I continue to find and test machines.
RT if you think it'll be useful to a friend or two. Follow for more 🫡
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