A large contract is signed by an industrial manufacturer. Monthly production requirements are increased, but the manufacturing facility does not suddenly gain flooring space, skilled workers or working hours during the daytime. Although adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could also bring new labor as well as training, supervision, and demands for quality-control.
These kinds of situations reveal the importance of robotic automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. In the right application it can transform the way producers use the capacity they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Look at the minutes that vanish between products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be obvious. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 seconds arranging the component, another 10 seconds applying material, and several more minutes transferring it to the next step. The difference may seem insignificant for a single component. When repeated thousands of times these seconds can turn into significant production time.
It’s the same with waste material. A tiny amount of surplus coating or dispensing material that is multiplied across a high-volume production run can result in an expense that is significant.
Businesses considering robot automation Australia projects can gain from examining these minor, repeated losses before deciding on the equipment they will require. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues, as also any other limitations during a project.
Robots need to be able fit into the process.
Selecting a robot is only one decision in engineering. The system might also require tools, guarding devices, controls fixtures, conveyors, electronic integration, and connectivity with existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration the reach of the robot and its payload, as well as how it interact with its surroundings and move about.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations and estimate durations of the cycle before the system is operational on the customer’s factory floor. This is particularly helpful when there are space constraints or if new robotics need to be integrated with the existing lines of production.
The importance of repeatability when painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlling movements. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of components. The ability to finish components in a short time is the goal. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance and movement of each part from beginning to final.
ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing solutions across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. In these industries industrial robotic automation could offer repeatable programming as well as limiting exposure for employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Better control of the waste material can also increase productivity by decreasing the amount of unneeded materials used.
Even after installation the system will still require people
Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. The abilities needed to operate, maintain and operate the process shift.
Employees should be able detect abnormal behavior and identify problems, as well as carry out the correct maintenance. The production needs can change as time passes, which means that procedures and protocols will require adjusting.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting, in addition to electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company offers servicing and support for checking the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear throughout the lifetime of the system.
Capacity is about more than Working Faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily mean buying a bigger building or adding more employees to routine processes. Sometimes, the most important thing to consider is whether the present manufacturing process could be designed differently.
ASA has developed and integrated automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects across the world. Its method of analysis connects needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration, training, and servicing.
The objective isn’t automation for its own sake. An investment-worthy system should offer a manufacturer measurable outcomes, such as more reliable production, higher quality, more secure procedures as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.