A Day in the Life (Part 1)

Transforming raw materials into a final product begins with a solid manufacturing process. At DeWys Manufacturing each step in the process adds more value and features to a product, transforming a sheet of metal into a final part. Ready to see how one part maneuvers through our company? Join in on one of our part’s lean journey through DeWys Manufacturing!

The light on the outside of the loading dock turns green signaling to the driver to move forward. In the early mornings at DeWys Manufacturing large freights of steel or aluminum pull into the unloading dock where a large overhead crane is strategically positioned over the back of the trailer. Utilizing the crane, these large sheets of metal weighing thousands of pounds, are lifted into our facility. These sheets of metal are then placed on large racks, organized by width and gauge dynamics. Now here is where it gets interesting.

For this part, a large sheet of aluminum is placed into one of our programmed lasers. Each sheet can produce multiple parts depending on the engineered dimensions. This automated operation in the cutting process adds value while saving time.

Today, DeWys Mfg. Team member Ted, has removed the aluminum sheet from the laser onto his work station. We collectively call the value stream he is in “shakeout” because the excess metal must be removed from the cut part. It is common for parts to be ground using a high grit sander, necessary for removing and smoothing the raw edges.

 

To correctly fabricate a piece, each part that is produced at DeWys Manufacturing requires different operations. Once Ted completed his operation in cutting, each piece is stacked and transferred to the next necessary value stream.

Another awesome DeWys Mfg. Team member Gabe utilizes the Haeger machine to work diligently in the next value stream.  Pems are loaded into the machine to fasten directly onto the part. This step is not required for every part that goes through DeWys Mfg. Specifications determine what part requires each value stream. Continuing deeper into the manufacturing process, the part is bent to the specifications of the drawing.

Ready to find out what the part does next on its lean journey? Get ready for part two, coming soon!