A manufacturer wins a major contract. Although the monthly production requirements have increased, the facility doesn’t suddenly have more flooring or experienced workers. It is possible to add another shift temporarily, but it can also create new work, training, supervision, and quality-control demands.
These examples show an significant reason to use robotics automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing humans with the aid of a machine. The right application can transform the way manufacturers utilize their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Watch the second-to-second time between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be dramatic. Imagine a person spending 15 seconds locating a component and then 10 seconds putting it into the material, and then a few seconds moving it. The difference might seem small even for a single piece of equipment. The seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It is the same with scrap material. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material multiplied in a production run with a high volume can result in an expense that is significant.
Before making a decision on the equipment they require, companies considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying these small losses. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues as well as the waste that can be a problem within a project.
The robot should fit the system around it.
The decision to choose a robot is only one of the decisions in engineering. The system could also require guarding, tools devices, controls, conveyors, fixtures, electronic integration, and connectivity with existing production equipment. Engineers must consider reach, payload and how the robot will move and interact with 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 explore configurations, estimate cycle times, and evaluate the system prior to it becoming operating on the floor of a customer’s premises. It’s especially useful when there is a small area or new robotics requires integration with an existing production line.
Paint and Dispensing Shows Why Replicability is Crucial
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlled motion especially well. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of parts. The final result doesn’t come from complete each component at a rapid pace. From the moment of starting production to the end all the movements, speed as well as the distance to be applied must be controlled.
ASA has specialists who work on paint and dispensing processes across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. In these areas, industrial robotic automation allows for repeatable, programmed movements and minimizes exposure of employees to potentially dangerous processes.
The elimination of wasted materials and an increase in productivity can be achieved by better control.
The System Needs Personnel After Installation
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. The skills needed to operate, maintain and control the process evolve.
Employees should be aware of how to safely operate equipment identify abnormal behavior to identify faults, fix them, and perform appropriate maintenance. The needs for production may change in time, meaning that procedures and protocols will have to be modified.
ASA offers training on-site in programming, safety, troubleshooting and electrical and mechanical maintenance. Additionally, the company provides maintenance and support on a regular basis to assess the condition of equipment and address problems that arise over the system’s operational duration.
Capacity refers to more than the ability to work faster
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily mean buying a bigger building or adding more labor to routine processes. Sometimes, the most important thing to consider is whether the present production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has been developing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002. It works with companies in Australia and international projects. The approach is a combination of needs analysis as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration as well as training and maintenance.
Automation is not just for the sake of automation. A system worth investing in should provide a company with quantifiable results, like greater reliability in production, better quality, safer processes as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.