A big contract is won by an industrial manufacturer. The production requirements for the month increase however, the plant isn’t equipped with more space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the daytime. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however an additional shift may bring new labor requirements training, supervision, and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing a person with an automated machine. If used properly it can transform the way manufacturers use the production capacity they have.
Check out the Seconds that Change Between Products
Inefficiency in manufacturing isn’t always so noticeable. A worker could spend 15 seconds positioning the component and then 10 seconds putting on materials, and a few more seconds moving it to the next step. It may appear to be a small difference for a single component. When repeated thousands of times however the second can add significant production time.
The same is true for the waste materials. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material that is multiplied in a production run with a high volume could result in a significant expense.
Businesses considering robot automation Australia projects can benefit from studying these tiny loss events repeatedly before deciding on the equipment they will require. The analysis conducted by ASA’s Needs Analysis is designed to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality issues, as well as other limitations to process that may affect an automation project.
The robot must fit the system around it.
The choice of a robot is just one engineering decision. Tooling, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors and fixtures could also be required. Engineers need to consider the reach of the robot and its payload, as well as how it will interact with its surroundings and move about.
ASA’s approach for FANUC robot automation encompasses the development of concepts and systems as well as CAD Simulation and offline programming. Digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations and estimate cycles before the system is put into operation on the customer’s factory floor. This is especially useful when space is limited or when new robotics need to be integrated with an established production line.
Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Crucial
Certain manufacturing processes demonstrate the importance of controlled movements. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish every component quickly. The distance, movement, rate, and even the application needs to be monitored at the beginning of the production process until the final.
The experts at ASA are proficient in dispensing and painting across various industries including aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotic automation in these industries will allow for repeatable movement while limiting exposure of employees to physically demanding procedures or those that could risk injury.
Better control may also reduce unnecessary material consumption, contributing to a reduction in waste and productivity enhancements.
The System Needs people after the installation.
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. Automation changes the skills needed to maintain and operate the process.
Employees need to be trained to safely use equipment in order to identify any abnormalities or malfunctioning components, and take care of any maintenance that is required. Production requirements may also alter, indicating that programs and processes may need modification later.
ASA provides training on-site for safe operation, programming troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides ongoing maintenance and service to ensure that equipment is in top repair and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity means more than simply working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily require the purchase of a larger building or adding additional labor to routine processes. It’s often better to inquire about whether the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has been designing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It supports companies in Australia and international projects. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs Engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration, training, and servicing.
It’s not about automation for its own sake. A system that is effective should provide an industry a tangible yield, more stable production and quality, as well as safer processes, lower waste or additional capacity from the facility it operates.
