A major contract is won by a manufacturer. Its monthly production needs are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t seen a sudden increase in flooring space, skilled workers or working hours during the daytime. While adding a second shift could temporarily improve the situation, it may be the cause of additional labor or supervision, as well as additional training and the need for quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing a person with an automated machine. If it is used correctly, it can change how producers use the capacity they already have.
You can check out the time difference between the products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. Imagine a worker spending 15 minutes searching for a part for 10 seconds, then applying the material and then moving it. On a single part, the difference in time is not significant. When repeated thousands of times these seconds can turn into important production times.
Same goes for waste material. Same goes to waste materials.
Before choosing the equipment they need, businesses considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying the small loss. ASA’s needs analysis is intended to find bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other constraints to the process which could affect the automation project.
A Robot has to fit the Process Itself
The choice of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. It is possible to incorporate tooling, security and controls sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electronic integration, and communications with existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider the robot’s reach and payload, as well as how it interacts with its environment and how it will move.
ASA provides the ability to develop concepts, system design and offline programming in its approach to robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate cycle times before the finalized system is placed in the factory floor. This is particularly helpful in situations where space is not available or when new robotics have to integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and dispensing show why Repetability is Important
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the value of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each component in a short time. The distance, movement speed, and application need to remain controlled from the beginning of the production line until the end.
ASA has specialists working with paint and dispensing processes across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. In these settings, industrial robotic automation allows for repeatable, programmed movements and reduces employee exposure to physically challenging or potentially hazardous processes.
Improved control can also cut down on the amount of material used, which can lead to a reduction in waste and productivity improvements.
Even after the installation, the system still requires individuals
Automation does not eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. Automation alters the knowledge required for maintaining and operating the process.
Employees need to be trained to safely use equipment in order to identify any abnormalities, troubleshoot faulty components, and take care of any maintenance that is required. Processes and programs can be adjusted later if production requirements are changed.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operation, programming and troubleshooting as well as maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. They also provide servicing and assistance for assessing the condition of equipment, and dealing with wear throughout the lifetime of the system.
Capacity means more than simply working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t always need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding additional labor on repetitive processes. It is sometimes better to ask if the production process can be improved.
ASA has been designing and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It assists companies in Australia, as well as international projects. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automation for the sake of automation isn’t the goal. A system worthy of its weight in gold ought to be able to provide tangible benefits for manufacturers, for example higher reliability in production, improved quality methods, less risky processes, and less waste.
