Customer
A major HVAC system manufacturer providing residential and light commercial packaged air conditioners.
Application
High volume production refrigeration processing (leak test, evacuation, refrigerant charge, and run test) of packaged air conditioners.
Challenge
The customer’s production line wasn’t keeping pace with demand despite continuously running at near maximum capacity, forcing the customer to choose between improving takt time or investing in another production line. In addition, the Schrader-type valves they had been using to process through were prone to leakage at each processing station during connecting and disconnecting the processing connector to the unit’s access valve and while traveling from station to station.
Project Goals
• Significantly improve takt time of the line
• Reduce or eliminate the problem with leaking Schrader-type valves (zero emissions)
• Reduce the total number (and cost) of processing connectors to outfit the production line
Solution
The customer chose to implement FasTest’s CoreMax access valve and connector tool system for three primary reasons: Improved takt time, better sealing performance, and easy-to-use connectors. They also appreciated the level of technical innovation, support, and customer service provided by FasTest throughout all stages of the project including evaluation, selection, and implementation.
Results
Data collected during implementation demonstrated that the CoreMax system reduced processing time during leak test, evacuation, and charging resulting in a significant improvement in the takt time of the line. The CoreMax valve and tooling system demonstrated superior leak performance vs. the Schrader type valve it replaced and helped the customer achieve an overall reduction in operating cost yielding a positive ROI for the project.
