A manufacturer wins a major contract. The monthly production demands increase, yet the factory hasn’t suddenly gained more floor space, experienced employees or working hours during the day. A temporary increase in production might be possible, but an additional shift may bring new demands for labor training, supervision, and quality control.
These circumstances reveal an important motive for the use of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just replace humans with machines. The right software can change the way that manufacturers use their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the amount of time that is lost between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be a major issue. A worker may take 15 minutes positioning the item and then 10 seconds putting on materials, then a couple of seconds moving it to the next step. It may appear to be a small difference even for a single piece of equipment. Repeated thousands of times these seconds can turn into an enormous amount of production time.
It’s the same with the waste materials. A small amount of additional coating or dispensing materials across a large production run could lead to substantial costs.
Companies that are considering robot automation Australia projects can benefit from looking at these small regular losses prior to making a decision on the equipment they require. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well waste, quality issues and other process constraints which might affect an automation plan.
Robots have to be integrated into the process.
Making a choice on a robot is only one engineering decision. Tools, guardings, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures could also be needed. Engineers need to consider the payload and reach while determining how the robot can move around its workspace and interact with the environment around it.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and calculate cycles prior to when the finalized system is placed in the factory floor. This is especially useful in situations where space is not available or new robotics must integrate with an established production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Some manufacturing processes demonstrate the importance of controlled movement especially well. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of components. The desired result isn’t merely complete each component at a rapid pace. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from the beginning to the close of the process.
Our specialists have experience painting and dispensing across different industries such as aerospace and automotive. In these environments industrial robotic automation could provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Controlled better can reduce the unnecessary use of materials, leading to less waste, as well as productivity improvements.
Even after installation, the system still requires individuals
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. The abilities required to operate, maintain, and operate the process shift.
Employees need to be able spot abnormal behavior and solve problems, as well as take the necessary maintenance. The processes and procedures can be changed later in the event that production requirements shift.
ASA offers on-site training in programming, safety troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company also provides regular maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity means more than just working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more labor on repetitive processes. Sometimes, the more important question is whether the existing production process can be engineered differently.
ASA has been creating and integrating automation systems since 2002, and has been supporting companies in Australia and projects around the world. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs Engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the main goal. A system worthy of the gold it’s worth ought to bring tangible benefits to the manufacturer, like better production reliability, better quality, safer processes and less waste.