Lean manufacturing – equipment for lean workstations, material flow and 5S
Lean manufacturing is a way of running production that eliminates waste – unnecessary handling, waiting for material and searching for tools. Enprag supplies modular systems made of steel tubes and aluminium profiles, ready-made structures and visual management for it: workbenches with a load capacity of 100–350 kg, crate rack trolleys, roller and gravity conveyors for KLT containers. The category is intended for production and assembly plants that want to introduce lean gradually, one workstation at a time.
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Workshop table with container 24040534 (3 models)
Code: 24040534
Pipe system workshop table 24040535 (3 models)
Code: 24040535
Workshop table from tube system 22042004
Code: 22042004
Assembly table 22042207
Code: 22042207
Table with folding mechanism 24091230
Code: 24091230
In stock
Table container HDK-D03
Code: HDK-D03
In stock
Table container HDK-D03 width 500 mm
Code: HDK-D03_500
In stock
Table container HDK-D02
Code: HDK-D02
In stock
Lean production in practice: workstations, material flow and 5S
Lean manufacturing eliminates waste in production – unnecessary carrying, waiting and searching. Enprag builds workstations, racks and conveyors for it from modular systems: tables from the range carry 100–350 kg, custom tables are typically designed for up to 500 kg and trolleys for up to 1 t. Height-adjustable frames offer an adjustment range of up to 650 mm. A structure can be dismantled and rebuilt at any time, so you can introduce lean step by step without rebuilding the entire plant.
Lean methods: how to support 5S and Kanban?
The 5S method needs a fixed place for every tool: Enprag workstations are fitted with panels for organising tools and material, swivel arms, monitor holders or lighting, and can be delivered including electrical installation. For Kanban and process visualisation, Enprag designs suitable boards – you will find them in the visual management category. An example of a complete workstation is the electric height-adjustable workstation 24111933 with an extension, a working height of 700–1350 mm and a load capacity of 250 kg.
How to ensure continuous material flow between workstations?
Continuous material flow is most often achieved with gravity or powered conveyors. Flow racks with roller tracks ensure FIFO picking at a standard slope of 3°; return lanes for empty containers are placed above or below the picking level. KLT containers are moved between stations by the crate rack trolley SP10040 with 5 inclined shelves of 60 kg each; trolleys can be coupled into a tugger train of up to 5 trolleys.
Production layout optimisation: tubes or aluminium profiles?
The pipe modular system suits applications that need versatility and easy reconfiguration; aluminium profiles from 30×30 to 45×90 mm carry higher loads and handle more demanding operation. Both systems can be combined in one assembly. Structures are designed for a maximum deflection of 5 mm, and for tall racks and trolleys the width-to-height ratio is at most 1 : 3.
| Equipment type | Load capacity | Key parameters | Example model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop and packing tables | 100–350 kg | width 1200–2000 mm | Packing table 24020580 |
| Height-adjustable tables | 150–300 kg | height 650–950 mm | Enprag SPEX127, 22112841 |
| Electric height-adjustable and ESD tables | 250–300 kg | height 680–1350 mm, 3-position memory | 24111933, 25080742 |
| Crate rack trolleys and shelf racks | 300 kg | 5 shelves of 60–75 kg, Ø100 mm castors | SP10040, 22110350 |
| Roller and gravity conveyors | per assembly | roller lanes for KLT containers | built to your layout |
Do you want to introduce lean manufacturing at your workplace? A photo or sketch with dimensions and load capacity is enough for the first design; the structural design and 3D visualisation are free of charge and are sent for your approval before the quotation. Contact Enprag.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you start with implementing lean manufacturing?
With one workstation or one section of the material flow. Enprag sales engineers visit your plant, measure the structure on site and deliver a new layout design including 3D models of the applications free of charge – a photo or sketch with dimensions is enough for the first design.
Does lean manufacturing also help small companies or one-off and small-batch production?
Yes. Enprag modular systems are also suitable for prototypes – once tested, a series can be produced, and when production changes, the structure can be rebuilt using the original components. Material is in stock for delivery within a few days, complete assemblies usually within 2–4 weeks.
Can lean manufacturing be introduced gradually, starting with one workstation?
Yes, Enprag recommends starting with a pilot project at 1 workstation and gradually extending the solution. Thanks to archived 3D models, the structure can later be rebuilt at minimal cost, replacing only damaged parts rather than the whole assembly.
How do modular systems help with 5S and Kanban?
Enprag workstations are fitted with panels for organising tools and material, flow racks with roller tracks at a 3° slope ensure FIFO picking, and Enprag designs suitable boards for Kanban. When the process changes, the assembly is rebuilt without a new investment in the entire workstation.