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QuadTech News
Spring Edition, March 2006
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The Case for the Operator
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In 2005 issues, the T&M Quarterly discussed 'Lean Manufacturing', 'Automation' and 'Keeping Manufacturing in the US' yet one entity connects them all - The Operator. The cost of operator involvement in the test process equates to time, money and product. Taking the operator out of the test reduces the chance of human error and at the same time can increase profitability by decreasing labor cost. Cross training operators to handle a full product line can also reduce labor cost and employee burnout. Yet removing the operator entirely is not always feasible.
Some testing will always need human skill and interaction. Making that interaction as concise as possible reduces the amount of operator action per device and increases product cycle time. The inclusion of automation can further aid the operator and streamline the testing process. Improving the bottom line however means redefining the operator's function.
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Case Study: Outfit the Operator with the Right Tools
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Outfit the Operator with the Right Tools
"Standardized tasks are the foundation for continuous improvement and employee empowerment" - Jeffrey K. Liker "The Toyota Way", McGraw-Hill Publishers. Getting the most out of the operator means giving the operator the correct training, the correct tools and standards by which his job is measured. The right test tools decrease test time, number of tests and pieces of test equipment.
Tasked with purchasing a hipot tester? Will just one instrument serve your purpose? - Published in Conformity Magazine March 2006. Review AC/DC hipot, IR, leakage current, ground bond and power consumption tests. Examine the features of a hipot tester and use the checklist tool to define your test requirements.
Give the Operator the right tool by replacing your separate AC, DC, IR, GB and LC testers with the Guardian 6000Plus Safety Analyzer. When you need to perform multiple electrical safety tests in an integrated automated process, print the test data and archive the test setup the Guardian 6000Plus powered by CaptivATE software provides a complete safety testing solution. Speed up test time by using the Twin Port Function for simultaneous hipot and ground bond testing. For increased ground bond current capability, add the 40A Ground Bond Transformer.
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Test Systems: Instruments, Software, Sources & More: Putting it All Together
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When one instrument with software is not enough to fulfill your test requirements, consider a QuadTech Test System. QuadTech is developing these turn key solutions with hardware and software based on our Customer's unique applications. Flexible in terms of installation, these systems can be rack mounted, roll-around, supplied with a PC, UPS and custom fit to a Customer's test processes and protocols. Productivity is vastly improved by allowing the user to barcode scan the product, automatically configure the safety tester, print reports, archive test data & setups and so much more
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Have a QuadTech Application Engineer come to your facility and instruct your production personnel in the Basics of Electrical Safety Testing. Get hands on experience in:
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• High Voltage Testing (Hipot, Dielectric Withstand)
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• Leakage Current Testing
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• Insulation Resistance Testing (Dielectric Breakdown)
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• Ground Bond & Continuity Testing
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• Connection to DUT
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• Operator Safety
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• Test Equipment, Leads & Fixtures
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• Standards
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• Verifying a Hipot Tester
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• Compliance Testing and more.
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FAQ: Store & Recall - Reducing Test Time & Operator Confusion
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Q: "We have different products coming down the line with different test criteria. Products shipping in the states require a 1250V test whereas those shipping overseas require a 1500V test" How can we test both at the same time without eating up test time or making operators program different tests each time?"
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A: With the Store & Recall function on your hipot tester. Program your 1250V DC Hipot test as Program #1 including your 3 second, ramp, dwell & test times (total 9 seconds). Store to Memory Location #1. Program your 1500V DC Hipot test as Program #2 with your 3 second ramp, dwell & test times (total 9 seconds). Store to Memory Location #2. Recall either test on demand. You can even name the memory locations "US" and "International" so the operator can quickly identify which test to run.
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Useful Websites: Operator Training Related
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OSHA "29 CFR 1910, Subpart S" - Electrical
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OSHA "Controlling Electrical Hazards" - Article
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Industry Week: "Manufacturing 101" - Series of Articles
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Lab Safety Supply: "Electrical Safety" - Article No. 266
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Talk Back:
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QuadTech values your opinion. Please send
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questions, comments or feedback to:
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Marketing@quadtech.com
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Contact QuadTech
For more information, please contact a member of our sales team at (800) 253-1230. Taking your call is the most important thing we do all day! You can also contact us at sales@quadtech.com or visit www.quadtech.com for more information.
About QuadTech
QuadTech, an ISO 9001:2000 - Registered company, is a leading provider of electrical safety test and passive component measurement solution. These solutions enable Medical Device Manufacturers and other manufacturing industries to test the safety and quality of their electrical products, while ensuring compliance to FDA and other regulatory agencies. QuadTech is dedicated to doing everything in its power to assist the customer in achieving their testing objectives.
QuadTech values your opinion. Please send questions, comments or feedback to: Marketing@quadtech.com.
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