Torque Validation Surveys

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Torque Controller

Proper fastening is a major issue concerning the quality of vehicles leaving the plant. Torque testing prior to launch and as an ongoing quality validation tool, could significantly reduce downtime and warranty costs.

Torque testing is used to measure multiple criteria determining the quality of a connection:

  • Dynamic Torque -measured by an Electronic Torque Transducer during the tightening process.
  • Dynamic Angle- – revolutions required to secure a fastener
  • Residual Torque- – Torque required to restart a tightened fastener

Purpose of Torque Validation:

  • Ensure process repeatability
  • Validate that engineering specifications are met
  • Track repeatability of each tool during production
  • Reduce repair/warranty issues.
  • Provide supporting data for torque related issues

Torque Validation Surveys are performed:

  • Design Systems provides all tools and services necessary to gather, report and file valid data.
  • Database driven analysis allows for results reporting in a consistent format.
  • Statistics revalidated on a frequent basis for comparison analysis.
  • Data can be used to show negative or positive trends necessary for prompt resolution.

“BOTTOM-LINE” RESULTS:

  • “First time” quality assurance at launch
  • Customer satisfaction assurance
  • Mitigate warranty claims costs
  • Improve product reliability results
  • Second audit verifies and documents that specifications have been met
  • Dedicated personnel allows “Lower Task Cost” and a higher degree of accuracy
  • “Real time” statistics will be documented
  • Daily reporting for immediate notification of out of spec processes

Infrared Technology for Predictive Maintenance

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Infrared Technology for Predictive Maintenance

Heat is a common indicator of abnormal equipment operations and is often indicative of premature failure. Inspecting equipment using infrared technology before there is a major problem will significantly reduce the premature failure and the costs associated with downtime.

Infrared Thermography provides a detailed photograph of each piece of operating equipment, indicating its “Heat Signature”. The amount of temperature rise over the normal operating temperature as well as an understanding of the equipment’s criticality to the operation, provides a good indicator of the severity of a problem. Typical applications include:

Electrical

equipment / systems to detect abnormal overheating from loose connections, corrosion, load imbalances, etc… in high and low voltage equipment.

Mechanical

systems to identify heat build-up associated with friction, misalignment or mechanical stress in equipment, including gear sets, pumps, motors and compressors

Energy Management

to locate areas of energy loss or gain to optimize insulation or design efficiencies (building envelopes, roof moisture surveys, boilers, chillers).

Process

applications to image and diagnose thermal patterns in industrial process equipment (presses, forming machines, welders, furnaces.)

Surveys are Performed:

  • While equipment is operating and under full load.
  • Using non-destructive testing that does not interrupt operations.
  • Without contacting the target object.
  • A safe distance from energized electrical equipment, rotating equipment, or equipment in hazardous locations.

DSI Solutions:

  • 25 years of facility and equipment experience
  • Design Systems hands-on engineering staff has the experience to define a solution after diagnosing the problem
  • The Infrared survey can be performed in conjunction with the Conveyor and Equipment Health Assessments.

“BOTTOM-LINE” RESULTS:

  • Reduce unplanned downtime
  • Improve useful life of equipment
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Reduce property damage and losses
  • Establish repair priorities improving maintenance efficiency

Continuous Improvement – Material Flow

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Material Flow Analysis

Continuous Improvement initiatives can have several interpretations, but the results make the difference. Design Systems is recognized for quality performance on engineering, design and program management projects. Continuous improvement are an integral part of all of our assignments, but it is becoming more and more often a specific task assignment to identify continuous improvement opportunities in existing facilities.

Food and Beverage

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Beverage Bottling Facility

Increase Profitability with Lean Techniques

Design Systems, Inc. provides comprehensive engineering, facility design and re-engineering services that enable you to maximize the productivity of your people, equipment, control systems and your facility. Using lean principles we will help you identify needs, create processes and implement strategies that increase bottom line profitability.

Lean is the philosophy that shortens the time between customer service and customer satisfaction by eliminating the sources of waste. Typically, 90-95% of total “in process” time is non-value added.

The “seven wastes” are commonly defined as:

  • Errors
  • Waiting
  • Inventory
  • Over-processing
  • Over-capacity
  • Transportation
  • Motion

An “eighth waste” can be identified as under-utilized personnel.

To embrace the lean philosophy and reduce the high cost of waste in the food and beverage industries we:

  • Analyze work methods
  • Increase value-added activities
  • Reduce labor
  • Eliminate errors
  • Reduce capital equipment costs
  • Reduce worker’s compensation claims
  • Standardize protocols and processes

“BOTTOM-LINE” RESULTS:

  • Reduce Capital Investment
  • Reduce Annual Operating Expense
  • Reduce Direct / Indirect Labo

Baggage Handling Equipment & Systems Engineering Services

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Baggage Handling

Baggage Handling Equipment & Systems Engineering Services

Design Systems, a full service material handling, conveyor engineering system integrator and project management company, can and will provide the best solution for your specific requirements. Our staff of over 300 engineers can address every aspect of your conveyor project from concept development and appropriation requests, to system control design and real time baggage tracking through field start-up and commissioning. If your organization is looking to improve current operations, implement a new “Brownfield” strategy or considering a new “Greenfield” installation, Design Systems will provide the engineered solution to meet your needs.

Specialty Areas
  • Conveyor Systems Design
  • Structural Design
  • Hanger Steel Design
  • Load Calculations
  • Conveyor Equipment Integration
  • Tracking Systems
  • Computer Simulations
  • 3-D Layout development
  • Installation Field Support & Debug
  • Drawing Reviews
  • Submittal Drawings
  • Shop Drawings
  • Equipment Survey
  • Equipment trouble shooting
  • Supplier Evaluations
  • Start up Assistance
Services
  • Baggage Handling Analysis
  • In- Line Screening Systems Analysis
  • Simulation
  • Volume Increase Impact
  • Controls Emulation
  • Throughput Analysis
  • Increased Productivity
  • Congestion Analysis
  • Mechanical Design
  • Conveyor Systems Design
  • Electrical / Controls Systems
  • Cost Estimating
  • Bid Package Development
  • Program Management
  • Project Scheduling
  • Conveyor / Equipment Health Assessments
  • Infrared Technology for Predictive Maintenance

“BOTTOM-LINE” RESULTS:

  • Optimize Equipment Utilization
  • Increase Throughput
  • Cost Savings Through “Right Sizing”
  • On Schedule Systems & Commissioning

Pharmaceutical and Health Care

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Healthcare and medical process

Increase your profitability with lean techniques

Design Systems, Inc. provides comprehensive engineering, facility design and re-engineering services that enable you to maximize the productivity of your people, equipment, control systems and your facility.

Using lean principles we will help you identify needs, create processes and implement strategies that increase bottom line profitability.
Lean is the philosophy that shortens the time between customer service and customer satisfaction by eliminating the sources of waste.

Typically, 90-95% of total “in process” time is non-value added.

Powertrain Services

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3D Rendered Manufacturing Plant at Design Systems

Established in 1983 with headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Design Systems, Inc. is a multi-discipline manufacturing engineering and consulting firm with strategic office locations to serve the global marketplace.

For over thirty years, Design Systems, Inc. has provided engineering services, construction professional services, and full-service staffing for automotive, heavy truck, aerospace and defense, package handling, steel manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, health care, and many other industries.

Since 2007, Design Systems, Inc. has provided over 400,000 hours of engineering services, construction professional services, and full-service staffing to our Powertrain Customers.

Powertrain Engineering Services and Construction Professional Services

Design Systems, Inc. provides engineering services and construction professional services for the removal, scrap, storage, relocation, retool, and installation of Powertrain process equipment.

  • Machining / grinding, coolant filtration, ATF, wash, and chip processing
  • Sub-assembly, mainline assembly, test, and button-up
  • Kitting areas, team areas, material areas, maintenance and support areas
Typical design packages include:
  • Identification of process equipment
  • Collection of OEM installation drawings, data sheets, and scope of work documents
  • Design of mechanical, electrical, and network utility connections
  • Routing of coolant supply and return piping
  • Design of mist collection, dust collection, and process exhaust systems.
  • Design of structural supports for utilities, coolant piping and tanks, mist / dust / exhaust systems, bridge cranes, service rails, tool rails, fall protection beams, and Andon boards
  • Compilation of master utility data matrix
  • Electric load study, balance, and arch flash hazard analysis
  • Drawings and documents required to solicit competitive bids
Construction professional services include:
  • On-site support: program managers, project managers, engineers, construction safety professionals, contract managers, document controllers, planners / schedulers, field coordinators, and clerks / administrative assistants
  • Project management
  • Bid and award management
  • Change control
  • Construction safety
  • Document control
  • Contract closeout
Additional services include:
  • Process equipment layout development
  • Industrial and material flow engineering
  • Laser scanning and 3D modeling
  • Simulation
  • Plant trades engineering (detailed engineering)
  • Electric power measurements
  • Integration of plant floor information systems
  • Launch support
  • Full-service staffing
“BOTTOM-LINE” RESULTS
  • Early involvement of key players
  • Early identification of facility / utility requirements
  • Early identification of facility / utility deficiencies (overload)
  • Competitive bids
  • Safety – “Safety Is Priority One”
  • Quality
  • Cost control
  • On-time deliver