A manufacturer is awarded an important contract. The monthly production needs increase but the company isn’t equipped with more space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the day. While adding a second shift could temporarily improve the situation, it may be a source of new work, supervision, training and requirements for quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing human workers with machines. A suitable application can alter the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Examine the Seconds That Disappear Between Products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be dramatic. An operator may spend 15 seconds assembling the component before implementing 10 seconds of substances, and then a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. The time difference could seem minor for a single component. When repeated thousands of times however these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.
The same is true for the waste materials. Similar is the case to waste materials.
Before choosing the equipment they need, businesses considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying these tiny losses. ASA’s analysis of needs is designed to identify bottlenecks and quality issues as in addition to the waste that can be a problem within a project.
A Robot has to fit the Process Itself
A robot is only one of many engineering choices. The system may also need guarding, tools, controls, sensors conveyors, fixtures electrical integration, and communications with existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider the robot’s reach and payload, in addition to how it will interact with its surroundings and how it will move.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its plan to FANUC’s robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers explore configurations and estimate durations of the cycle before the system can be put in operation at the factory floor of the customer’s. That becomes particularly useful when space is constrained or new robotics must integrate with an established production line.
Painting and dispensing show why It’s Important to Repeat
Controlled movement is essential in some manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of parts. Making components faster is the ideal outcome. From the moment of starting production through the conclusion moving, speed and distance must be managed.
The ASA specialists are skilled in painting and dispensing across different industries such as aerospace and automotive. In these environments industrial robotic automation is able to allow for repeatable, programmed movements and reduce exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
A better control of waste materials can also contribute to productivity improvements by reducing the amount of unnecessary material consumed.
The installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to maintain it.
Automation does not eliminate the need for manufacturing knowledge. The skills needed to operate, maintain, and control the process evolve.
Employees should be aware of how to operate equipment in a safe manner identify abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and take care of maintenance. The needs for production may change in time, meaning that processes and programs will require adjusting.
ASA provides training on site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting as well as maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. The company also provides maintenance and support for checking the condition of equipment and addressing wear throughout the system’s lifetime.
Capacity is greater than working faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t mean purchasing a larger building or continually adding more workers to repetitive processes. Sometimes the better question is whether or not the existing manufacturing process could be designed differently.
ASA has been creating and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It supports companies in Australia and international projects. Its method combines analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration, training, as well as maintenance.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A system that’s worthy of the gold it’s worth should provide measurable benefits to a manufacturer, such as higher reliability in production, improved quality methods, less risky processes, and less waste.