A major contract is won by a manufacturer. Its monthly production needs are increased, but the manufacturing facility does not suddenly gain flooring space, skilled workers or hours of work per day. A temporary increase in production may be possible, but adding another shift can introduce new labor requirements education, supervision, training and quality control.
These situations reveal a very important motive for the use of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing a person with a machine. When used in the right way it could alter the way companies use the capacity they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the seconds between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t need to be a major issue. A worker could spend 15 minutes putting the part in place before implementing 10 seconds of materials, then a few more seconds moving it onto the next stage. The difference may seem insignificant for a single part. Repeated thousands of times but those seconds turn into substantial production time.
The same is true for waste material. Multiplying a small amount of additional coatings or dispensing material in a huge production run could result in a significant expense.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality issues, as well as other limitations to process that can affect an automation project.
A Robot has to fit the Process Itself
The choice of a robot is a single decision in engineering. Controls, guardings and tooling, sensor, conveyors and fixtures are also required. Engineers should consider the reach and payload of the robot while making decisions about how the robot will move through its workspace and interact with the environment around it.
ASA offers conceptual development, design of systems and offline programming as part of its method of robotic automation. Digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations and estimate durations of the cycle before the system can be put in operation in the factory of the customer’s. This is especially useful when space is scarce or when new robotics need to be integrated with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Controlled movement is crucial for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of components. It’s not enough just to finish each part in a short time. From the start of production all the way to the finish the speed, movement, distance and application must be managed.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing applications across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these industries industrial robotic automation may offer repeatable programming and reduce exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
A better control system can also help reduce the unnecessary use of materials, leading to a decrease in waste as well as productivity improvement.
Even after the installation the system will still require individuals
Automating doesn’t completely eliminate the requirement for knowledge in manufacturing. The knowledge required to manage, maintain, and manage the process are changing.
Employees need to be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as carry out the correct maintenance. Systems and procedures can be changed later in the event that production requirements change.
ASA provides on-site training covering safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers servicing and support to check the condition of equipment, and dealing with wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity is the capacity to work faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t always mean purchasing larger buildings or adding labor to repetitive processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire about whether the production process can be modified.
ASA is designing and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It works with the manufacturing industry in Australia and international projects. Its strategy combines analysis of needs and engineering simulation with FANUC integration training, and service.
The objective isn’t automation for the sake of it. An investment in a system will provide a manufacturer with tangible results, including better production reliability, higher quality, safer processes, reduced waste or increased capacity.