Profit through predictability: The MRF difference at optimax

Brandon Light

doi:10.1117/12.724479

14 May 2007 Profit through predictability: The MRF difference at optimax

Brandon Light

Proceedings Volume 10316, Optifab 2007: Technical Digest; 103161W (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.724479
Event: Optifab 2007, 2007, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

In the manufacturing business, there is one product that matters, money. Whether making shoelaces or aircraft carriers a business that doesn't also make a profit doesn't stay around long. Being able to predict operational expenses is critical to determining a product's sale price. Priced too high a product won't sell, too low profit goes away. In the business of precision optics manufacturing, predictability has been often impossible or had large error bars. Manufacturing unpredictability made setting price a challenge. What if predictability could improve by changing the polishing process? Would a predictable, deterministic process lead to profit? Optimax Systems has experienced exactly that. Incorporating Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) into its finishing process, Optimax saw parts categorized financially as "high risk" become a routine product of higher quality, delivered on time and within budget. Using actual production figures, this presentation will show how much incorporating MRF reduced costs, improved output and increased quality all at the same time.

Citation Download Citation

Brandon Light "Profit through predictability: The MRF difference at optimax", Proc. SPIE 10316, Optifab 2007: Technical Digest, 103161W (14 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.724479

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