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  • Automation Options at nexAir

    There are many benefits when it comes to automation. Automation can streamline tedious processes and result in a higher output and increased productivity. Over time, automation can help operating costs and employee workload decrease dramatically. With a nationwide shortage of labor, automation makes sense for most manufacturers to pursue. Plus, the automation tools we offer at nexAir require little to no installation, take up minimal space, and are very easy for anyone to learn and operate!

    When it comes to welding automation, we suggest the versatile Vectis Cobot Welding Tool. This is an automation tool that runs on collaborative robot, or cobot, technology. There are many pre-made templates available and high-quality graphics within the program, so it’s easy to understand and get the welding process going! No previous programming experience is required to operate this machine. The Vectis has a quick installation and can be put into production in a matter of hours, plus at only 3 feet by 6 feet, it takes up very little space on the floor. Owning the Vectis comes with little risk — we offer a 30-day return program and a rent-to-own option!

    Another automation tool we offer is the LightWeld. This laser welder uses preset parameters to ensure a strong, clean weld with ease. Even novice welders can achieve a high-quality weld with the LightWeld. The base connects to a computer via ethernet, so a constant connection to the vast library of advanced parameters is never broken. Plus, the LightWeld is over four times faster than TIG welding, resulting in a much higher output with consistent results, by both new and seasoned welders! The LightWeld also works on a wider range of materials and thicknesses with minimal distortion, undercut or burn-through.

    When it comes to plasma cutting, we offer a high-quality cutting machine from Hornet Cutting Systems: The Mini Hornet, an industry-leading CNC cutting solution. This system is available in two sizes, 4 feet by 4 feet and 4 feet by 8 feet. While the Mini Hornet takes up little space, it has a very high output. This machine is very low maintenance and can get running on day one right out of the box! Heavy-duty construction provides a fully supported base for precise cuts and movement. The software includes complete CAD/CAM/CNC capabilities as well. If you’re looking for consistent results, look no further than the Mini Hornet.

    Automation just makes sense as we Forge Forward into the future. We have the KnowHow to ensure that you benefit from automation in your work, and the equipment for your specific needs. Plus, join one of our many Demo Days and let us show you exactly how you can make the most out of automation. We are more than a gas and product supplier – we have the knowledge, technology, and techniques to assist you with the latest and greatest in automated welding, cutting, and beyond. Give us a call today for more information on how your manufacturing can be streamlined with automation!

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    Manufacturing downtime costs American companies billions annually. When production lines halt due to gas supply issues, every minute translates to lost revenue, missed deadlines, and frustrated customers. At nexAir, we've spent decades developing solutions that keep manufacturing operations running smoothly.

    The Hidden Costs of Gas-Related Downtime

    When manufacturers calculate downtime costs, they typically focus on labor and lost production. However, gas supply disruptions create cascading effects that multiply these losses:

    • Production rescheduling that disrupts carefully optimized sequences
    • Rush shipping fees to meet customer deadlines despite delays
    • Quality inconsistencies when processes restart after interruptions
    • Overtime costs to catch up after unplanned stoppages
    • Reputation damage when delivery commitments are missed

    For a typical mid-sized manufacturer, each hour of downtime represents $5,000-$10,000 in direct and indirect costs. Our analysis shows that gas-related issues cause 7-12% of total manufacturing downtime - a substantial opportunity for improvement.

    From Reactive to Proactive: The Supply Continuum

    Most facilities follow a predictable pattern in their gas management evolution:

    Stage 1: Reactive Management At this stage, facilities order gas when they notice supplies running low or, worse, after running out. Emergencies are common, and disruptions are accepted as "part of doing business." One automotive parts supplier operating this way experienced 14 production interruptions in a single quarter.

    Stage 2: Calendar-Based Management Facilities advance to scheduled deliveries based on estimated usage. While better than the reactive approach, this method still results in either excess inventory (tying up capital and space) or shortages when usage spikes occur. A plastics manufacturer following this model maintained 40% more cylinder inventory than necessary while still experiencing occasional stockouts.

    Stage 3: Consumption-Based Management Our telemetry systems monitor actual gas consumption, automatically triggering orders based on usage patterns rather than calendar dates. This approach virtually eliminates both stockouts and excess inventory. 

    Stage 4: Integrated Supply Management The most advanced approach connects gas management directly to production planning systems. Upcoming production requirements automatically adjust supply parameters, ensuring resources are precisely aligned with needs. A medical device manufacturer using this approach reports zero gas-related downtime for 27 consecutive months while operating with minimal inventory buffers.

    Our expert KnowHow™ in industrial gas applications allows us to guide customers through this evolution at a pace that makes sense for their operations.

    Customizing Solutions for Maximum Uptime

    Manufacturing environments vary dramatically in their gas requirements and operational constraints. We've developed flexible approaches that address these differences:

    • For high-volume, consistent usage operations, our bulk systems eliminate the cylinder handling that frequently causes supply disruptions. Bulk installations include telemetry monitoring and automated ordering to prevent outages.
    • For variable-demand environments, our microbulk delivery systems provide the benefits of bulk supply with lower volume commitments. These systems reduce handling requirements while maintaining the flexibility needed for changing production schedules.
    • For specialized applications requiring multiple gas types, our gas management programs combine cylinder tracking, usage monitoring, and automated replenishment. This comprehensive approach ensures that specialty gases are always available when needed, regardless of how infrequently they might be used.
    • For multi-site operations, our enterprise supply programs coordinate deliveries and optimize inventory across locations. By treating the organization's gas requirements holistically, we minimize both stockouts and excess inventory across the network.

    This consultative approach ensures that manufacturers receive solutions aligned with their specific operational patterns rather than generic "one-size-fits-all" systems.

    Beyond Traditional Supply: Integrated Services for Total Reliability

    Maximum uptime requires more than just reliable gas delivery. Our integrated services address the full spectrum of gas-related reliability factors:

    Equipment maintenance programs that prevent system failures before they impact production Technical gas specialists who resolve application issues that could otherwise cause production problems Safety training that prevents accidents leading to downtime events Emergency response capabilities that minimize impacts when unexpected events occur Supply chain redundancy that ensures continuity despite regional disruptions

    These services complement our supply solutions to form a comprehensive reliability strategy. By addressing both everyday operations and exceptional circumstances, we help manufacturers Forge Forward with confidence that gas-related disruptions won't derail their production targets.

    Measuring Success: The Results That Matter

    The ultimate measure of any downtime reduction strategy is its impact on production metrics. Our manufacturing customers consistently report significant improvements after implementing our comprehensive gas management solutions:

    Downtime reductions of 85-95% for gas-related issues Inventory cost decreases of 20-30% through optimized supply management Administrative time savings of 5-10 hours weekly through automated ordering and tracking Production schedule adherence improvements of 3-7% due to improved supply reliability

    These performance gains translate directly to bottom-line benefits that typically deliver ROI within months rather than years. More importantly, they allow manufacturers to confidently make delivery commitments, knowing that gas supply issues won't compromise their ability to perform.

    Don't let gas supply issues impact your productivity. Contact us today to explore our tailored solutions.

    Looking out for your future

    Get your career going on the right track with nexAir

    Industry Knowledge and Expertise

    Find out how nexAir KnowHow has impacted businesses all over the Southeast

    nexAir in the news

    Our expertise makes us more than a valuable partner, it makes us headlines

    nexAir is always open!