A manufacturer gets a large contract. Monthly production requirements are increased, but the manufacturing facility isn’t gaining floor space, experienced employees or even hours per daytime. The addition of a second shift could help temporarily, but it can also create new work, training, supervision, and quality-control requirements.
These kinds of situations reveal an important function of robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing humans with machines. The right software can change the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the seconds between the products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be evident. An operator could spend 15 minutes positioning the item after which 10 seconds are spent applying substances, and then a few seconds more to move it onto the next stage. On one piece the difference isn’t that significant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
The same applies to wasted material. The addition of a tiny amount of additional coatings or dispensing material throughout a massive production line can lead to the cost of a large amount.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia could benefit from analyzing these small repeated losses prior to decide what equipment to purchase. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to find bottlenecks, issues with quality, waste and other processes that could influence an automation project.
The robot must fit the system around it.
The choice of a robotics system represents only one decision in engineering. The system may also need guarding, tooling devices, controls conveyors, fixtures electronic integration, and connectivity with the existing production equipment. Engineers should consider the reach, payload and how the robot will move and interact with the environment.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate cycles before the system is operational at the customer’s factory floor. This is especially helpful in cases of space limitations or when new robotics have to be integrated with existing production lines.
Paint and Dispensing Shows Why Replicability is Essential
Controlled movement is especially important in certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each component in a short time. From the time of beginning production to the end the speed, movement, distance and application must be managed.
ASA has experts who deal in the field of dispensing and painting across industries, including aeronautics and automobile. Industrial robotic automation in these environments can allow for repeatable movements while limiting exposure of workers to physically demanding processes or procedures that could be hazardous.
Better control may also reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to less waste, as well as productivity improvement.
Even after the installation the system requires people
Automation does not eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. It requires new skills to manage and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able to detect abnormal behavior and identify problems, as well as perform the appropriate maintenance. Production requirements can also alter, which means that programs and processes may need modifications later.
ASA provides training on site that covers programming, safety troubleshooting, mechanical and electrical maintenance. They also provide servicing and assistance for assessing the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity is about more than just getting faster work done
A rise in capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more labor to routine processes. The more important question to consider is whether the existing manufacturing process can be improved.
ASA is designing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002. It provides support to the manufacturing industry in Australia as well as international projects. Its methodology combines analysis of needs as well as engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration, training, as well as servicing.
Automation is not the goal. A system that is effective should provide an industry a tangible the form of more reliable production and quality, as well as safer processes, less waste, or a larger capacity for the existing factory.
