A manufacturing company gets the contract for a significant amount. Even though the production needs for each month have increased, the factory isn’t suddenly equipped with more floor space or experienced employees. Adding another shift might help in the short term, but it could be a source of new labor and training, supervision, and quality control requirements.
These circumstances reveal an significant reason to use robotics automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. A suitable application can alter how manufacturers use their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the seconds between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t need to be a major issue. An operator may spend 15 minutes putting the part in place after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, and then a few seconds to move it onto the next stage. For a single component, the difference in time is not significant. When repeated thousands of times however, these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.
Wasted material is no different. The addition of a tiny amount of extra coating or dispensing substances in a huge production run could lead to an enormous expense.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects can gain from examining these minor loss events repeatedly before deciding what equipment they need. ASA’s needs analysis is designed to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality issues, and other process constraints that can affect an automation project.
Robots have to work with the system.
A robot is just one of the many engineering choices. The system will also require tooling, guarding, controls, sensors fixtures, conveyors, 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 surrounding.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate cycle times before the completed system is operational at the customer’s factory floor. It is particularly helpful when there is a small area or new robotics has to integrate with a production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrates why It’s Important to Repeat
Certain manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlled movement. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each part in a short time. The distance, movement rate, and even the application needs be managed from the beginning of the production process to the final.
ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing systems across industries including automotive and aerospace. In these environments industrial robotic automation offers the ability to repeat, programmed, and controlled movements. It also decreases the risk of exposure for employees to physically challenging or potentially dangerous processes.
The reduction in waste and improvement in productivity could be achieved through better control.
The System Will Still Need Personnel After Installation
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. Automation changes the skills needed to manage and control the process.
Employees must be able to operate equipment safely, recognize abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and conduct the necessary maintenance. Production requirements can change, meaning programs and processes may need modification later.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company also provides servicing and ongoing support to monitor the condition of equipment and address issues that may arise during the equipment’s operational lifespan.
Capacity is more than Working Faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing larger buildings or adding workers to repetitive processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to ask if the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has been developing and integration of automation systems since 2002. It has assisted companies in Australia as well as projects in other countries. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration training, and service.
Automation is not the aim. A system worth investing in should provide a company with quantifiable results, including increased reliability of production, improved quality, safer processes as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.
