CAP Fixtures improves product quality, employee safety, and environmental sustainability, by embracing manufacturing innovation.
In a time when many are questioning the competitive strength and long-term vitality of U.S. manufacturing, there exists a growing wave of optimism— bolstered by American ingenuity and driven by technology.
Despite what you may have heard, U.S. manufacturing is alive and well, and THRIVING!
The bedrock of the country’s economy, manufacturing in the US remains a global hub for innovative thinking and productive growth. Statistics show that this vital sector is responsible for nearly 70 percent of all the business Research and Development (R&D) in the country— the impetus behind a technological revolution that is changing operational strategy by the day and creating the greatest challenges for CEOs. Those thought leaders who can pinpoint emerging technologies that can benefit their unique production needs, implement line changes quickly and seamlessly, and apply a well-trained work force to it, will be well positioned in the coming months and years. Not surprisingly, CAP Fixtures is forging a progressive path— implementing fresh ideas, and streamlining production line techniques with up-to-the-minute equipment upgrades.
CAP revamps its laminating operation for greater speed and quality control.
In recent months CAP has dramatically upgraded its manufacturing processes with the installation of a new “polyurethane reactive” (PUR) Lamination Line. This new equipment, developed by Union Tool Corporation, combines the use of a hot-melt roller coater, which applies a specialized, hot-melt adhesive, and a roll laminator capable of laminating adhesive-backed veneers, films and vinyl materials… in one streamlined operation! The unit’s capacity is large, and long enough to accommodate 5 ft. x 12ft. sheets, and will literally lam together just about any two flat surfaces. VP of Operations, Ken Louis, touts the remarkable boost in productivity and product quality. “Since start-up, we’ve seen our lamination capacity increase four-fold,” he notes. “Unlike traditional systems which glue and then press laminate in separate processes, this line accomplishes both in one single pass.”
As Ken explains “Bonding materials can be tricky, and the hot-melt adhesive applied with this system creates an exceptional bond with a very thin glue-line.” This new process also offers CAP the ability to laminate Kydex thermoplastic, which typically doesn’t react well with standard adhesives. “Without question, the PUR Lamination Line has improved the speed of our internal processes, and bolstered our quality control efforts.” Notes Jason Prosnik – CEO of CAP. “And, by combining two different laminating processes in one piece of equipment, production floor space is greatly reduced, and we’re saving labor, equipment, and operational costs.” Notes Jason
Both Ken and Jason echoed each other’s comment “This investment has truly paid dividends from the get-go.”
Always thinking about safety and environmental responsibility, CAP Fixtures addresses these concerns with additional operational upgrades.
Ongoing advances in equipment design, technology, and stricter standards continue to improve the workspace environment at CAP Fixtures. That said, enhancing safety measures remains a primary goal, particularly in lamination areas. In keeping with OSHA recommendations, CAP has recently added state-of-the-art lamination booths designed to eliminate operational hazards and improve ventilation and overall air quality.
In addition, CAP’s sophisticated dust collection system is now providing yet another level of protection for production line technicians and environmental conditions. The system was recently upgraded with explosion-proofing technology. Upgrades were also made that keep all the dust in the building, and away from the outside environment. With this upgrade, the dust collected and moved to a briquette machine which compacts sawdust into a usable energy source that can convert waste into revenue. Ken is thrilled with these environmental improvements saying “These structural upgrades have noticeably enhanced the air quality… both inside and outside the facility. The dust-collection technology is remarkably efficient, and our employees are thankful to be working in an increasingly pollutant-free environment.”
Pollutant reduction procedures, and energy conservation measures, have always been essential components of CAP’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. In addition to the advanced dust-collection technologies and wood-recycling efforts, CAP employs nested-based CNC equipment; electric lift trucks; and smart cargo-loading software to improve efficiency and reduce energy use. In 2017, CAP changed their factory lighting to high efficiency LED fixtures. These environmentally compliant materials and processes are not only smart production alternatives but also responsible ways to reduce pollution, material waste, and fuel consumption — helping to shrink CAP’s carbon footprint.
These measures are just a few of the innovative ways CAP Fixtures is bringing a modern, sensible approach to manufacturing— to better serve the retail industry and the other occupants of our planet.
Read more CAP’s progressive approach to display-and-fixture manufacturing here.