【Case Study Title】
Improving Fixture Traceability in Automotive Carburizing Processes
【Application / Installation】
Metal fixtures used in carburizing processes
【Product】
US-E (Heat resistance up to 1,100℃)
【Challenges】
For rotating components such as gears, carburizing treatment is used to increase surface hardness.
In this process, lot management at the fixture level is essential.
Previously, fixture numbers and lot numbers were recorded manually using tablet input.
However, this operation presented several challenges:
・Human errors such as input mistakes or missing entries
・Increased workload for operators due to manual data entry
・Inconsistent traceability depending on the situation
As a result, reliable lot-to-fixture association was difficult to maintain.
・Human errors such as input mistakes or missing entries
・Increased workload for operators due to manual data entry
・Inconsistent traceability depending on the situation
As a result, reliable lot-to-fixture association was difficult to maintain.
【Solution / Benefits】
US-E labels, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,100℃ as well as cleaning processes and mechanical impact during loading and transport, were bolt-mounted to the side of the trays.
▼Results after implementation
・Identification data remains readable even after carburizing processes involving high temperature, washing, and mechanical impact, ensuring stable identification accuracy
・Transition from manual input to 2D code scanning, eliminating manual data entry
→ reduced operator workload and significantly minimized human errors
・Labels are permanently fixed to fixtures and can be reused repeatedly
・Usage counts can be tracked for each individual fixture, enabling easier monitoring of fixture lifespan
As a result, the reliability of lot management in the carburizing process was significantly improved. Traceability accuracy, operational efficiency, and fixture management were enhanced simultaneously.
▼Results after implementation
・Identification data remains readable even after carburizing processes involving high temperature, washing, and mechanical impact, ensuring stable identification accuracy
・Transition from manual input to 2D code scanning, eliminating manual data entry
→ reduced operator workload and significantly minimized human errors
・Labels are permanently fixed to fixtures and can be reused repeatedly
・Usage counts can be tracked for each individual fixture, enabling easier monitoring of fixture lifespan
As a result, the reliability of lot management in the carburizing process was significantly improved. Traceability accuracy, operational efficiency, and fixture management were enhanced simultaneously.
