A large contract is signed by a manufacturer. While the demands for production have increased, the facility doesn’t suddenly have more floor space or experienced employees. While adding another shift might temporarily improve the situation, it may also bring new labor, supervision, training and requirements for quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing humans with the aid of a machine. When used in the right way it can alter how manufacturers make use of the resources they have.
Take a look at the seconds that disappear between the products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always obvious. A worker may take 15 minutes putting the part in place and then 10 seconds putting on materials, and then a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. For a single component, it’s a small difference. The seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same for the waste materials. A tiny amount of leftover coating or dispensing material that is multiplied across a high-volume production run could result in a significant expense.
Before deciding on the equipment that they require, companies considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying the tiny losses. The analysis of needs by ASA aims to uncover bottlenecks as well quality issues, waste and other limitations to process that can affect the automation project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Itself
A robot is one of the many engineering choices. Tools, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures may also be necessary. Engineers should consider the payload, reach and range as well as how the robot will operate and interact with the surrounding.
ASA provides concept development, system design and offline programming in its approach to robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate cycle times before the completed system can be put in operation on the customer’s factory floor. This is especially useful in situations where space is not available or if new robotics are required to integrate into an existing production line.
Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Crucial
Certain manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlled movements. Imagine coating hundreds of components. It’s not enough to finish each part quickly. From the time of beginning production all the way to the finish moving, speed, distance and application must be managed.
The ASA specialists are skilled in painting and dispensing across industries such as aerospace and automotive. In these industries industrial robotic automation is able to offer repeatable programming while reducing exposure of employees to physically demanding or hazardous processes.
An improved control over waste material can also help improve productivity by cutting down on the amount of waste materials used.
Even after installation, the system still requires users
Automating doesn’t completely eliminate the requirement for knowledge in manufacturing. Automation alters the knowledge required to maintain and operate the process.
Employees must be able to spot abnormal behavior and solve problems, as well as do the proper maintenance. The production needs can change in time, meaning that programs and processes will need to be adjusted.
ASA provides training on site including programming, safety, troubleshooting and mechanical and electrical maintenance. They also provide servicing as well as support for evaluating the condition of equipment and addressing wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity refers to more than working faster
In Australia, increasing production capacity does not always mean adding more employees to repetitive jobs or purchasing larger buildings. Sometimes the better question is whether the present manufacturing process can be designed differently.
ASA has been creating and integrated automation solutions since 2002, supporting companies in Australia and projects around the world. Its method of analysis combines needs along with engineering simulation FANUC integration along with training and servicing.
Automation for the sake of automation isn’t a goal. A good system will give the manufacturer something tangible in the form of more reliable production, consistent quality, safer processes, less waste, or more capacity from the factory it already operates.