A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. The production requirements for the month increase, but the factory doesn’t have more space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the day. While adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could also create new jobs in the form of supervision, training, or requirements for quality control.
These kinds of situations reveal the purpose behind robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing people with machines. A suitable application can alter the way manufacturers utilize their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Look at the Seconds That Aren’t able to be found between the products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always obvious. Suppose an operator spends 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place after which another 10 seconds are spent applying the material, and a few minutes transferring it to the next step. On one piece the difference isn’t that significant. If repeated thousands of times however, these seconds can result in significant production delays.
It’s the same for the waste materials. In the event of spreading a small amount extra coating or dispensing substances in a huge production line can lead to an enormous expense.
Before deciding on the equipment that they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia can gain from analysing the small loss. The analysis provided by ASA is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues as also any other limitations within a project.
The robot needs to be able to accommodate the procedure around it.
The choice of a robotics system represents only one decision in engineering. Controls, guardings and tooling, sensor, conveyors and fixtures could also be required. Engineers must take into consideration the reach and payload of the robot while determining how the robot will move about its area of work and interact with the environment surrounding it.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers analyze configurations, estimate cycles times and test the system prior to it becoming in operation on the floor of the customer’s. This is particularly useful when there are space constraints or when new robotics have to be integrated with existing production lines.
The importance of repeatability in painting and dispensing
Some manufacturing processes illustrate the benefits of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. The ability to finish components in a short time is the goal. It’s important to control the speed, distance and movement of each component from the beginning until the at the very end.
Our specialists have experience painting and dispensing across industries like aerospace and automotive. In these areas, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable, programmed movements and decreases the risk of exposure for employees to physically challenging or potentially dangerous processes.
Better control may also reduce unnecessary material consumption, contributing to a reduction in waste and productivity enhancements.
The System Needs People After Installation
Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. Automation can alter the capabilities needed for maintaining and operating the manufacturing process.
Employees must be able to operate equipment safely identify abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and perform appropriate maintenance. Processes and programs can be changed later in the event that the production needs are changed.
ASA offers training on-site that covers programming, safety, troubleshooting and mechanical and electric maintenance. The company also provides maintenance and support for checking the condition of equipment and addressing wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity is greater than working faster
In Australia, expanding production capacity does not always mean adding more employees to repetitive jobs or buying bigger buildings. Sometimes, it is better to ask if the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has been developing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It supports the manufacturing industry in Australia and international projects. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration training, servicing, and maintenance.
Automation isn’t the objective. A system worthy of the gold it’s worth will be able to provide tangible benefits for manufacturers, for example better production reliability, better quality process, more secure processes and less waste.
