A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. Its monthly production needs are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t suddenly gained more floor space, experienced employees or hours of work per day. While adding a second shift could temporarily improve the situation, it may also create new jobs in the form of supervision, training, or requirements for quality control.
This kind of situation reveals the importance of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing people with machines. It can be used to modify the methods that manufacturers employ to use their current production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the amount of time that is lost between products
Manufacturing inefficiency isn’t always noticeable. For instance, suppose an operator is spending 15 seconds arranging a part, another 10 seconds applying the material, and a few seconds to transfer it to the next step. With a single component the difference in time is not significant. When repeated thousands of times however the seconds could create significant production time.
Wasted material is no different. A small amount of additional coatings or dispensing material in a huge production line can lead to the cost of a large amount.
Before selecting the equipment they need, businesses considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying the tiny losses. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other processes that can affect an automation project.
Robots should be able to integrate into the process.
The choice of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. Controls, guardings and tooling sensors, conveyors and fixtures could also be needed. Engineers must take into consideration the robot’s reach and payload as well as how it interact with its surroundings and how it will move.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation allows engineers to test configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is operating on the customer’s factory floor. This is particularly helpful when space is limited or when new robotics have to integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlled motion particularly well. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of components. The desired result isn’t merely complete each component at a rapid pace. From the moment of starting production through the conclusion the speed, movement of the machine, the distance and the application have to be controlled.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing applications across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these settings can allow for repeatable movements while limiting exposure of workers to physically demanding processes or those that could cause harm.
Improved control can also cut down on unnecessary material consumption, contributing to less waste, as well as productivity improvement.
Installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to keep it running.
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. It alters the knowledge required for operating and maintaining the manufacturing process.
The employees must know how to operate equipment in a safe manner identify abnormal behavior to identify faults, fix them, and carry out the correct maintenance. The production requirements can also alter, which means that programs and processes may need adjustments later on.
ASA provides training on site in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting as well as maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. They also provide servicing and support to check the condition of equipment, and dealing with wear throughout the lifetime of the system.
Capacity refers to more than working faster
Increased capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more workers on repetitive processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to ask if the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has developed and integrated automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also support projects abroad. Its approach combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration, training, and even servicing.
Automation is not the goal. A system worth investing in should offer a manufacturer measurable results, including better production reliability, higher quality, safer procedures, reduced waste or increased capacity.