A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. While the demands for production have grown, the plant does not have an increase in floor space or experienced employees. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however an additional shift may bring new demands for labor, training, supervision and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Such situations highlight an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing human beings with machines. When used in the right way it can transform the way manufacturers use the production capacity they have.
Check out the amount of time that is lost between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be noticeable. Imagine a worker spending 15 seconds looking for a particular component, 10 seconds applying the material, and then a few seconds to transfer it. With a single component it’s a small difference. If repeated a thousand times these seconds can create significant production time.
Wasted material is no different. A tiny amount of leftover coating or dispensing material that is multiplied across a high-volume production run could be a substantial expense.
Companies that are considering robotic automation Australia projects could benefit from studying these tiny regular losses prior to making a decision on the equipment they require. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to identify bottlenecks, problems with quality, waste as well as other limitations to process which could affect the automation project.
Robots have to fit into the process.
A robot’s selection is only one engineering decision. Tooling, guardings, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures may also be necessary. Engineers must consider the range, payload, and how the robot is going to move and interact in its surroundings.
ASA offers concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC’s robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers examine configurations and estimate the time-to-market before the system is operational at the factory floor of the customer’s. This is particularly helpful when space is limited or if new robotics need to be integrated with existing production lines.
The importance of repeatability when painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlling movements. Imagine covering hundreds of components. The end goal isn’t simply finishing each part quickly. The motion, distance, speed, and application need to remain controlled starting from the beginning of the production run to the final.
Our specialists have experience dispensing and painting across various industries such as automotive and aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The reduction in waste and the increase in productivity could be achieved by better control.
The System Will Still Need People Even After Installation
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. It requires new skills to manage and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees should be trained to operate equipment in a safe manner as well as to spot abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot components that are malfunctioning and carry out necessary maintenance. Production requirements can alter, which means that processes and programs may require adjustment later.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operation, programming and troubleshooting, as well as maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. They also provide servicing as well as ongoing support to evaluate the condition of the equipment and deal with wear over the system’s operating duration.
Capacity is greater than working more quickly
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t necessarily mean buying an additional building or adding workers to repetitive processes. It’s often better to inquire if the manufacturing process can be modified.
ASA has been working on and integrating automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also help with projects overseas. Its strategy combines analysis of needs and engineering simulation with FANUC integration, training and servicing.
It’s not about automation for its own sake. An investment-worthy system should offer a manufacturer measurable results, like better production reliability, higher quality, more secure procedures as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.