Abstract

This article explains how Hypertherm Inc. of Hanover, N.H., a maker of plasma metal cutting equipment, is using customized manufacturing to allow its customers choose product configurations online. Hypertherm Inc. recently started allowing its customers to choose online from 10 CNC Edge Pro product configurations, up from three configurations in the former product line. Hypertherm customers are now able to pick among many more features than in the past, and-in tandem with the company's lean manufacturing process-the product is assembled shortly after the time of request, making for a customized manufacturing approach. The original plasma cutting model featured 12 inputs and outputs, while newer models feature 24 or 48 inputs and outputs. Input numbers are defined by the board circuitry. The company reuses the same product body design. The circuit boards and electrical interfaces inside change depending upon customers' requirements. This helps speed assembly. The Edge Pro product can now be assembled in half the time of the original product using 27% fewer parts: from 315 to 230.

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