A large contract is signed by the manufacturer. Production requirements for the month increase, yet the factory hasn’t suddenly gained more floors, employees with experience or hours of work per day. The addition of a second shift could help temporarily, but it may also introduce new labor and training, supervision, and quality-control requirements.
These circumstances reveal an important motive for the use of robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. A good application could change the way that manufacturers use their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the time that passes between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing isn’t always so significant. An operator may spend 15 minutes positioning the item, then 10 seconds applying materials, and a few seconds more to move it to the next step. On a single part, the difference in time is not significant. If repeated a thousand times the seconds could increase production by a significant amount.
It is the same with waste material. In the event of spreading a small amount extra coating or dispensing substances in a huge production run could lead to the cost of a large amount.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to identify problems with quality and bottlenecks, as well as any other limitations in a plan.
Robots have to be integrated into the process.
Making a choice on a robot is only one decision in engineering. The system may also need tooling, guarding devices, controls fixtures, conveyors electrical integration, and communications with existing production equipment. Engineers should consider reach and payload while also making decisions about how the robot will move about its space and interact with the environment around it.
The FANUC approach of ASA’s approach to robot automation includes concept development, system design as well as CAD Simulation and offline Programming. Digital simulation lets engineers examine configurations and estimate the time-to-market before the system is operating in the factory of the customer’s. It’s particularly useful when there is a limited amount of space, or when the new robotics has to integrate with the production line.
The importance of repeatability in painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlled movements. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of components. It’s not enough just to finish each part quickly. It is important to control the speed, distance, and movement of each component from beginning to final.
The experts at ASA are proficient in dispensing and painting across various industries like aerospace and automotive. In these industries industrial robotic automation could ensure that the same program is repeated and reduce exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Better control may also reduce the unnecessary use of materials, leading to a decrease in waste as well as productivity enhancements.
Even after installation the system will still require users
Automation does not completely eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. It transforms the knowledge needed for operating and maintaining the manufacturing process.
Employees must be able to operate equipment safely, recognize abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and perform appropriate maintenance. Programs and processes can be modified later on if the production needs shift.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting as well as maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. The company provides continuous maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in top working order and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity is more than just working faster
Increased capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily require the purchase of a larger building or adding additional labor to routine processes. Sometimes, the best question is whether the present production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has been working on and the integration of automation systems since 2002. It has assisted manufacturers in Australia and also projects across the globe. Its approach connects needs analysis Engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration training, servicing, and maintenance.
Automation for the sake of automation isn’t the objective. A system worth investing in must provide the manufacturer with measurable results, like better production reliability, higher quality, safer methods and reduced waste, or an increase in capacity.