Degree of utilization & availability

Determining the degree of utilization and technical availability is a recognized working basis for discussions between users and manufacturers (contract negotiations) and for efforts to optimize within the company.83 The data determined can be used for:

• Vulnerability detection
• Proof of warranty claims
• Comparative consideration of different manufacturing systems and their components
• Economic efficiency calculations
• Support with investment decisions

Utilization time T _N

During the period of use, the machine produces at full capacity

occupancy timeTB _{_}

The occupancy time is the proportion of time within the observation period for which use of the machine is planned

Organizational downtime T ₀

• lack of energy
• absence of workpieces
• lack of tools
• lack of training
• lack of handling
• lack of maintenance
• programming error
• operator error
• delayed reporting of errors and irregularities
• Waiting for previously agreed wearing parts

Technical Downtime T _T

• material defect
• Defects in design or execution
• deficiencies in the documentation

The following availabilities are known for single-ram machines for the production of small and medium-sized body parts:10

• Progressive presses 80 - 90 %
• Transfer presses 75 - 90%
• Transfer presses 75 - 90%

In the case of press lines for the production of large parts, the availability depends on the transport concept between the presses:

• Press line with manual transport 60%
• Press line with crossbar robot mechanization 75%
• Press line with crossbar feeder mechanization 75%
• Multi-slide heat press with rail transfer 72%