Neapco uses Pro-Engineer software to model components and assemblies. These part files are carefully constructed by designers and engineers to ensure perfect fit, excellent form, and outstanding function. Neapco further translates this information into usable manufacturing files which are downloaded and transcribed into CNC programs and processes. Using high-tech software is one way Neapco saves our customers valuable time and money before one single part is delivered.
Original Equipment Capabilities
Neapco’s broad range of capabilities in engineering, testing, manufacturing, quality and logistics helps us provide high quality products, developed and engineered quickly and cost-effectively to meet our customers’ needs. Presented with new challenges and opportunities in the drivetrain industry, Neapco will lead the way in providing innovative drivetrain solutions engineered and tested for superior performance.
Engineering | Testing | Manufacturing | Quality | Logistics
Engineering
Engineering is the heart of the Neapco advantage. Our engineering department quickly responds to our customer demand for innovative products. As a result, Neapco’s engineers have been awarded numerous patents including radial free-motion driveline, quick-disconnect coupling devices, and innovative steering column designs.
Our engineering methodology focuses on interaction with the customer as much as possible. Initial face-to-face meetings cover cost containment, materials selection and initial design issues. Since our products are conceived in cross-functional multi-disciplinary teams composed of product and manufacturing engineers, quality, purchasing and sales, our products are engineered to be reliable, durable and reasonably priced.
Our advanced prototype capabilities also provide Neapco with a competitive advantage. Advanced prototyping provides quick turnaround. The ease of testing allows for quick refinement of designs and the necessary data collection to ensure the product meets customer requirements. Rapid prototyping can also be done when metal prototyping might be too slow or expensive. The rapid prototyping method produces a form, fit, function, sample of the product.
Our
engineers stay on the cutting edge by utilizing the latest in design technology. Pro-Engineer
software is used as the primary design software. Pro-Mechanica Finite
Element Analysis Software, motion and other packages are used to predict problems
instead of waiting to experience them at application. With this insight,
designs can be improved early in the cycle, when changes are easier and less
expensive to make.
For more information, visit this link (305K PDF)
Testing
Neapco has the ability to test components, or complete assemblies, under a variety of real-world conditions. Here a Neapco lab technician prepares the settings of the test configured by Neapco's Engineering Department.
Neapco’s extensive testing laboratory is able to simulate real-life operating conditions in the laboratory to guarantee our products meet or exceed industry standards and customer requirements. Extensive field testing enables us to gather data on products while they are in use to further optimize designs. From these test results, we develop life characteristics to better serve each customer.
Our capabilities include a complete line of testing equipment which is available for performance, durability, and simulation testing. Among our testing capabilities are:
- Static Torsion Ultimate and Yield Strength Testing
- MTS Rotary Fatigue Testing
- Linear Fatigue Testing
- Thermal Chamber Testing
- Bearing Life Dynamometers (4-squares) for determining longevity of bearing components
- Environmental Chambers
- Multi-channel and Wireless Field Data Acquisition
For more information, visit this link (151K PDF)
Manufacturing
Neapco’s products are manufactured with the most advanced machinery available using globally sourced materials, which keeps our pricing competitive. In-house heat-treating and advanced balancing processes guarantee ideal tolerances and durability.
Neapco maintains two modern manufacturing locations equipped with the latest in computer-controlled equipment. The Pottstown, PA facility manufactures all yokes, large cross and bearing kits, and driveline assemblies. The Beatrice, NE location manufactures cross and bearing kits, constant velocity joints and driveline assemblies.
The Lean Enterprise at Neapco (LEAN) incorporates the latest in manufacturing innovations. Neapco utilizes value stream mapping, rapid continuous improvement (RCI), total productive maintenance (TPM) and Visual Factory.
Neapco’s state-of-the-art Vision System is a fully automated system that eliminates 100% visual inspection. A camera eye inspects parts, ensuring safety in applications.
Neapco’s combined manufacturing capabilities include precision CNC 4-axis transfer machining and CNC Turning. Our Goss-Porta is a high-speed CNC transfer machine with a robotic gantry arm that gives Neapco the capability to produce more than two million yokes a year.
Other manufacturing capabilities include:
- Automated hollow milling
- Vertical and horizontal broaching
- Centerless and cylindrical grinding
- Automatic welding and driveline assembly
- Automatic precision tube cut-off
- Automated straightening of driveshaft tubing
- Digitally controlled driveline balancing
- Extrusion forming
- High-volume production using multi-spindle chuckers
- Internal diameter grinding
- Manual and automatic needle loading
- Specialized CV joint manufacturing
- Spline hobbing
- Spline and thread rolling
For more information, visit this link (156K PDF)
Quality
Neapco develops in-process poka-yoke gauging and special testing machines as shown here. This vision-based machine detects that snap rings are present and seated properly.
Our quality processes allow us to maintain a superior competitive position while keeping costs in check. The end result is products and services of a higher overall value—and lower overall cost—than our competition. Neapco emphasizes continuous improvement, defect prevention and the reduction of waste in the supply chain. Supplier selection, product design, and process development all go through an evaluation which examines reliability, costs, timing and throughput for each stage.
Subcontractors are reviewed for their own quality systems, supply chain audits, process controls, and costs. All subcontractors perform full first-piece layout inspections prior to our purchasing production quantities and we require 100% on-time delivery from both domestic and foreign suppliers so supply chain delays do not disrupt the flow of finished product to our customers.
Neapco generates and reviews parts per million (PPM) data as well as yearly quality improvement goals. Internal and external auditing as well as tracking metrics are several of the many steps we take in working towards continuous improvement.
Neapco generates and reviews parts per million (PPM) data as well as yearly
quality improvement goals. Internal and external auditing as well as
tracking metrics are several of the many steps we take in working towards continuous
improvement. To view Neapco's Quality Policy, visit this link (26K PDF)
To view Neapco's Quality System Certificate, visit this link (250K PDF)
Logistics
Through the collection of all United Components, Inc. companies, Neapco maximizes
its distribution advantage by having multiple distribution centers throughout
North America and globally. Multiple distribution centers enable us to
ensure fast delivery of all of our products. Our goal is to limit transit
times to 72 hours or less. We maintain organized warehouses which incorporate
the latest in order fulfillment technology.
All shipments are processed within 24 hours, with a unit fill rate greater than 95%. Same day “Rush” shipments can be processed with no minimum order value. At Neapco, customer service is our number one priority, not order size.
Neapco works with customers to develop specific packaging, whether logo-based or branded.