Page 32 - MetalForming June 2019
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FABRICATION
Robotic Welding Workcell
Sets New Pace at Freedman Seating
Robotic automation, combined with a diverse and experienced workforce, contribute to optimized production efficiency and product quality.
BY SARAH MELLISH
After 125 years of experience as a manufacturer and supplier of mass-transportation seating products, Chicago, IL-based Freedman Seating Co. knows a thing or two about continuous-improvement initiatives and advanced-manufacturing tech- nologies. Founded in 1894 when renowned upholster Hyman Freedman began making seat cushions for horse- drawn buggies, Freedman remains a family-owned and -operated business four generations later, producing seat- ing products for a range of markets: bus, rail, marine and commercial/spe- cialty, such as delivery trucks, caregiver vehicles and school buses. With its 400,000+ sq.-ft. manufacturing facility, a diverse (85-percent minority/women) workforce of 900, and forward-thinking
Sarah Mellish is marketing content spe- cialist at Yaskawa Motoman, Miamisburg, OH; 937/847-6200, www.motoman.com.
Implementation of a robotic welding workcell for the welding of foldaway seat joints enabled Freedman Seating to achieve optimal weld quality via improved cycle time, increasing production efficiency.
30 MetalForming/June 2019
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