As a well-known manufacturing powerhouse, Germany’s forging industry has always been a pillar industry of the country’s manufacturing industry. How to improve the production efficiency of forging factories has been a long-standing topic of concern. This article will elaborate on how to improve the production efficiency of German forging factories from two aspects: data analysis and case analysis.
I. Data Analysis
- Use smart manufacturing technology
Using smart manufacturing technology can make the production site more automated and digitized, thus managing costs, improving quality, and efficiency. In 2015, the German Ministry of Economy launched the initiative of Industry 4.0 and established 16 research centers which provided technical support for enterprises. By using smart manufacturing technology, a German forging factory successfully increased its production efficiency by 30% while achieving zero inventory management.
- Strengthen employee training
Employees are the most important assets in the production workshop. Strengthening employee training can improve employees’ production skills and professional knowledge, thereby improving the efficiency and product quality of the entire workshop. A German forging factory provides continuous training for employees, including production operations, equipment usage, and safety knowledge, to enhance employees’ technical skills and work efficiency.
- Use advanced equipment
Production equipment is one of the important factors in ensuring production efficiency. Most German forging factories use advanced equipment, such as CNC machine tools, robots, etc. These devices have the characteristics of high efficiency, precision, and stability, which can effectively improve production efficiency and product quality.
II. Case Analysis
- Thyssenkrupp Steel Company’s smart manufacturing project
Thyssenkrupp is a well-known steel company in Germany and one of the leading enterprises in the global forging industry production. The company uses smart manufacturing technology in its forging production workshop to achieve automated production. The project includes robot handling, command system, production monitoring system, etc., which interconnect all production links, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.
- Hirschvogel Auto Parts automation production project
Hirschvogel Auto Parts is one of Germany’s largest automotive parts manufacturers, and its forging products have a large market share worldwide. The company uses advanced automated production lines in its production workshop to automate hot treatment, cleaning, drying, quality inspection, and other production processes. The production line can operate 24 hours a day continuously, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.
To improve the production efficiency of German forging factories, it is necessary to use smart manufacturing technology, enhance employee training, and use advanced equipment. These measures can improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality, helping Germany’s forging industry become more competitive in the global market.
