A major contract is won by an industrial manufacturer. The production requirements for the month increase however the facility doesn’t have more space and has employees with previous experience or more hours to work during the daytime. It is possible to add another shift temporarily, but it could create new labor or training, supervision and quality-control regulations.
This situation reveals a key purpose for robotic automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. It is able to transform the way that manufacturers utilize their existing capacity for production.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Look at the Seconds That disappear between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing isn’t always so noticeable. Suppose an operator spends 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place and then 10 seconds putting it in material, and then a few seconds moving it to the next process. On one component, the difference seems insignificant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
Material that has been wasted isn’t different. Similar is the case for waste material.
Companies looking into robotic automation Australia projects will gain from examining these minor, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. ASA’s needs analysis is designed to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality issues, and other process constraints that could influence an automation project.
The robot must fit the process around it
Selecting a robot is only one option in the engineering process. It may be necessary to add tooling, guarding and controls sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electrical integration and communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers should take into consideration reach, payload and how the robot is going to be able to move and interact within the environment.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can look at system configurations and estimate cycles before the system is finally installed in the factory floor. This is particularly beneficial in situations where space is not available or when new robotics need to be integrated with a production line that is already in place.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Critical.
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of components. The end goal isn’t simply finishing each part quickly. From the time of beginning production through the conclusion moving, speed of the machine, the distance and the application have to be controlled.
Our specialists have experience dispensing and painting across various industries such as automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotics automation in these areas can allow for repeatable movements while limiting exposure of employees to physical demands or those that could be dangerous.
Better control may also reduce the unnecessary use of materials, leading to a reduction in waste and productivity improvement.
Even after the installation it still needs users
Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. Automation alters the knowledge required to manage and control the process.
Employees should be able recognize unusual behavior and resolve issues, and take the necessary maintenance. Production requirements can also change, meaning the processes and programs could require modification later.
ASA offers training on site including programming, safety, troubleshooting and mechanical and electric maintenance. It also offers servicing and ongoing support to monitor equipment condition and address problems that arise over the system’s operational duration.
Capacity is more than just working more quickly
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t always require the purchase of a larger building or adding additional labor to repeat processes. The best question to ask is whether the existing manufacturing process could be improved.
ASA has been creating and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It provides support to companies in Australia as well as international projects. Its method of analysis connects needs and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automation for the sake of automation isn’t the main goal. A system that is effective should provide an industry a tangible return more dependable production, consistent quality, safer processes, lower waste or more capacity from the factory it already operates.