Case Study

Robotic Polishing System Helps Manufacture Quality Guitar Hardware

Hipshot Products, a leading guitar and bass hardware manufacturer in Interlaken, NY, faced ongoing labor and production challenges in their polishing operation. They collaborated with FANUC’s Authorized System Integrator, Adaptec Solutions, to integrate a robotic solution to polish their patented Bass Xtender key. This automation improved consistency, quality, and eliminated the need for manual operation.

Challenges solved by:

Adaptec Solutions
  • Struggled to find employees to do the dull, dirty, dangerous polishing operation.
  • Lack of capacity to manufacture enough parts.
  • Seeking increased consistency, quality, and production.

Results

  • Automation allows for operational flexibility.

  • Reallocates employees to focus on higher complexity tasks.

  • Enhanced repeatability of the deburring and polishing process.

Story

Hipshot Products, a manufacturer of high-quality guitar and bass hardware, faced ongoing labor and production challenges in their deburring and polishing operation. To improve consistency, quality, and production, Hipshot decided to integrate a robotic solution for polishing their patented Bass Xtender key.

The goal of the robotic solution was not staff reduction but rather automating less desirable tasks, freeing team members to focus on higher-value work. FANUC’s Authorized System Integrator, Adaptec Solutions, collaborated closely with Hipshot, providing robotic programming expertise to teach the robot how to polish the part. Adaptec also collaborated with the customer to design special trays for holding parts, which allows for robot loading and unloading without manual intervention if needed.

The robotic solution significantly enhances process repeatability, ensuring consistent quality in the finished product without the need for a physical operator, contributing to operational flexibility.

Josh Borisoff

The robot allows us to take all of the dangerous, difficult, and mundane work out of production and lets our people focus on doing stuff that people are good at doing, making decisions, etc.

Josh Borisoff

Vice President, Hipshot Products

FANUC Products Used

Meet Adaptec Solutions, FANUC Authorized System Integrator

Adaptec Solutions is an industry-leading North American integration partner, committed to transforming manufacturing and distribution companies with cutting-edge automation and material handling solutions. As a trusted partner, Adaptec works closely with customers to deliver a full-service experience that helps them achieve their vision of operational excellence.

Hipshot Products

About Hipshot Products

Hipshot Products, Inc. is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality hardware for guitars and basses. With 10 US patents and an extensive catalog of over 200 unique products, they have established themselves as industry leaders. Their hardware is considered standard equipment on some of the finest guitars and basses available.

Other Brands We've Helped

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