MSP has found ‘Stronger Together’ isn’t just a catchphrase

MSP has been adapting its products and services to ensure customers can keep up production in the current climate.

MSP advises global manufacturers on the automation of each stage of their production cycle and guarantees that perfect parts are produced, every time. MSP assesses the CAD design, fixturing, calibration, condition of supply and probing routines, right up to inspection - highlighting and removing errors throughout.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the company has found their ability to offer remote support has been a lifeline to customers who have needed to take advantage of MSP’s programming and machine-checking expertise. With many key personnel unavailable in production facilities, MSP’s engineers have been in high demand.

Investing in more than just a product

Due to recent changes in their process, a UK Tier 1 manufacturer recently contacted MSP for remote programming support. Their programs were being output with a new post and they wanted MSP to audit the code to ensure it was still correct. After analysis of the program, MSP’s engineer found and corrected multiple errors which would have had a detrimental effect within the machining process. He was also able to advise the company how to adapt their use of NC-PartLocator, maximise functionality, and streamline their programs from four programs to one. This saved vital time and programming effort - crucial during a time when their resources were limited.

A Tier 2 manufacturer in the Republic of Ireland had previously invested in NC-PartLocator to allow on-machine inspection as the parts couldn’t be measured on a CMM due to their size. After recently winning a tender within an essential supply chain, but suffering staff shortages, the customer approached MSP for programming support and realised they had invested in more than just a product. By applying their knowledge of alignment strategies to create the necessary probing programs, MSP’s engineers were able to ensure the customer’s operator could set production going - with full confidence the part would be machined correctly.

Making MSP part of your team

Due to the pandemic, MSP has struggled to deliver their services onsite and so has worked hard to adapt their installation processes to deliver them remotely - allowing customers to continue to fulfil their orders. Furthermore, due to staff shortages, MSP has seen several of its customers recruiting external contractors to keep critical projects in production. This creates complications with contractors having to get up to speed with unfamiliar production processes and them not understanding how to get the best out of the company’s investment in MSP’s solutions.

MSP’s engineers have worked with multiple customers over the last few weeks to support their external contractors step by step - delivering the post edits required for the machining programs, creating probing programs, and enabling the operator to press ‘Go’ and keep production going. MSP has also shared training documents and videos so that both contractors and operators know what to do when the production cycle starts. Manufacturers have relied heavily on MSP’s engineering team and have admitted to using them as ‘one of their own’. This has ensured that MSP’s customers have maintained their production throughout the crisis, despite staff shortages, reliance on contract personnel and reduced working hours.

Keeping your machine in production

MSP has also helped customers in the motorsport industry who are suffering dramatically during the pandemic. One customer contacted MSP’s support team for help with interpreting their NC-Checker Machine Benchmark Report results. As part of MSP’s solution, this important tool displays if a machine is capable of producing parts within tolerance. Often when a machine is showing it is out of tolerance, the instinct is to take it out of production to prevent further mechanical damage. In normal circumstances, the customer would have flown in an external engineer from Germany to solve the issue, but instead they requested MSP’s expertise.

The NC-Checker Machine Benchmark Report distinguishes between kinematic and mechanical errors. The customer wanted reassurance that their understanding of the report results were correct - the problem was kinematic and they did not need to request an engineer from Germany. MSP’s engineer confirmed their understanding was correct and that the Report was showing their Rotary Axis tests were displaying large kinematic errors. This indicated the mechanical performance of the axes were in good condition but the machine parameters relating to the kinematic point of rotation and pivot required adjustment.

Amanda Tait, MSP’s engineer who was supporting the customer, explains:

“The adjustments could be made by the customer themselves, meaning the external OEM was not necessary. Following our 20-minute phone call, their machine was back in production and making parts within 40 minutes. Our advice was priceless and saved the company approximately £20,000 in downtime, lost production and lengthy waits for a maintenance visit. The production manager admitted to being in disbelief that a phone call could have such a positive impact on their production, but the proof was in the finished parts”.