I've heard that you've automated the toner-cartridge production process. Could you tell me approximately what types of parts are used to make the toner cartridges that are used in laser beam printers or all-in-one machines?
- Machino
- Molded plastic parts, gears, metal axles, the drum, rubber parts, tape, seals, sponges, sheets, springs, screws, and the toner itself.
All that!? If I'm not mistaken, a cartridge used in an A4-model printer measures only about 25 cm long, right?
- Machino
- It's precision equipment. We use Canon's technological strength to squeeze it all in there. (Laughs.)
What are the most common assembly procedures?
- Machino
- Some relatively common procedures include passing an axle through a hole or fitting two components together.
- Kitamura
- Applying a seal or tape is also a common procedure. So is tightening screws and fitting cogs together.
- Mizuno
- Apart from that, there is also an adhesion process, where we melt plastic components and stick them together, and the application of grease. And, of course, filling up the toner!
Out of all those, which procedure requires the most precision?
- Kitamura
- Saying which is "the most" is a little tough ... (Laughs nervously.) In every procedure, precision is something that cannot be taken lightly. If precision isn't properly addressed, the image won't print out cleanly, or the toner may leak.
- Machino
- With parts that fit together, if both parts are fitted, precision will be maintained. When applying tape or sheets, however, that's not the case. They have to go exactly where they belong.
That means that the positioning requires a great deal of precision as well. So, what you've had to do, I take it, is to quantify the so-called "instinct" and "knack" used in manual procedures, and incorporate them into the machines.
- Machino
- That's right. It's essential that our product-design division design products that are easy for automated machines to assemble, and that the factory floor points out whatever is difficult to make. Those of us in the production technology development can't realize the automation process by ourselves. The efforts of the three sections-product design, production technology development, and the factory floor-working together over many years has resulted in the current fully automated assembly line.
