A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. The production requirements for the month increase however, the plant doesn’t have more space and has employees with previous experience or extra hours during the daytime. Although adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work as well as training, supervision, and the need for quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing people with an automated machine. It could be utilized to alter the method by which manufacturers use their production capacity.
Have a look at the amount of time that is lost between the products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be significant. For instance, suppose an operator is spending 15 seconds positioning a component, another 10 seconds applying materials, and then several seconds to transfer it to the next process. With a single component it’s a small difference. Repeated thousands of times these seconds can turn into important production times.
The same applies to wasted material. In the event of spreading a small amount additional coatings or dispensing material in a huge production run could lead to an enormous expense.
Before choosing the equipment they will require, companies looking at robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying the tiny losses. ASA’s needs analysis is intended to identify bottlenecks, issues with quality, waste and other constraints to the process that could influence an automation project.
Robots have to be integrated into the process.
Selecting a robot is only one engineering decision. Tooling, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures may also be needed. Engineers should consider reach, payload and how the robot is going to operate and interact with its environment.
ASA provides concept development, system design and offline programming in its method of robotic automation. Digital simulation allows engineers to test configurations and estimate durations of the cycle before the system is put into operation at 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.
Painting and Dispensing Show Why Repeatability Matters
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled motion particularly well. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of parts. The goal isn’t just complete each component at a rapid pace. From the beginning of production until the final stage the speed, movement, distance and application must be managed.
ASA is a team of experts working in the field of dispensing and painting across all industries, including aeronautics, automotive and aerospace. In these settings, industrial robotic automation can provide predictable, controlled movements. It also reduces exposure of employees to physically challenging or potentially dangerous processes.
A better management of waste materials can also contribute to productivity improvements by reducing the amount of unnecessary material that is consumed.
Installing the system is not enough. It is still necessary to have people to take care of it.
Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. Automation alters the knowledge required to maintain and operate the manufacturing process.
Employees need to be trained to use equipment safely, identify abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot components that are malfunctioning and carry out necessary maintenance. The production needs can change over time, which means that processes and programs will need to be adjusted.
ASA provides training on site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, in addition to maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. It also offers servicing and ongoing support to check equipment condition and address wear and tear over the course of its operating time.
Capacity is greater than working faster
Increased capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more labor to repeat processes. One of the best questions to ask is whether the present manufacturing process could be improved.
ASA is designing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It works with companies in Australia and international projects. Its method of analysis combines needs along with engineering simulation FANUC integration, training and servicing.
Automating for automation’s sake isn’t the main goal. A system worthy of its weight in gold will be able to provide tangible benefits for a manufacturer, such as more reliable production, better quality methods, less risky processes, and less waste.