The aim of this report is to analyse the use of the capacity at the CNC (computer numerical control) cutters and show how the level of set up time for these cutters at Stålöv AB. This assignment is concrete whereas there are no subjective questions to this matter and there are only cold figures presented.

Production economy is getting more important as the competition hardens and there are several different ways to increase productivity and efficiency in a company. In order to increase productivity and efficiency work studies are used to, through an analysis, find developments in methods that result in improved work methods and to establish the time that are used. Increased production of different parts and customer driven production in combination with increased demands on rationalisation of capital have led to an enlarged interest for shorter set up times in the production.

To point out the use of capacity and the set up time of the cutters at Stålöv AB we used frequency studies. Frequency studies are work measure methods based on random observations on predetermined events to calculate the relative occurrence of these events. The purpose is to present the objective cold figures that show the use of capacity for all machines and totally.

The compilation of the seven CNC cutters shows that the use of capacity reaches 33 %. The lack of machine operators is the single largest reason, 45 % of the total use of capacity. The set up time reaches 6 % totally of the 36 hours of observation of the machines.

The study of the separate CNC cutters shows that the result follows the result of the compilation of all machines; the main reason why the use of capacity is low depends on the lack of machine operators. This means that if the demand increases there will not be enough operators to meet this demand.

If using SMED, the set up time percentage share of the total use of capacity are too large, but the production of prototypes that supplies great value to the company may justify the set up times.

By using Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), based on the elimination of breakdowns and defective products, the stability in production and the use of capacity may increase.