The Problem: An automotive manufacturing facility experienced lengthy installation periods whenever technicians had to change test stands (for temperature and pressure testing of OEM components) to accommodate different parts. Each changeover required 12 hours to remove and replace existing lines. The old parts and tubing had to be discarded after each test. On average, each of the six test benches needed to be changed over every six weeks.

The Swagelok Solution: The local authorized Swagelok sales and service representative proposed converting tubing to hoses and using quick-connects and miscellaneous fittings to make connections. By eliminating the tubing, technicians would no longer have to change or bend tube lines, saving a substantial amount of time.

The Benefit: The customer purchased enough hoses and quick connects to reconfigure all test benches. Technicians now quickly change stands for testing new parts, saving labor and downtime costs. In addition, they no longer have to discard tubing, as they can reuse the hoses. The manufacturer was so pleased with the results that it amended its specifications to use Swagelok® products for all incoming test equipment.