A big contract is won by an industrial manufacturer. Production requirements for the month are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t seen a sudden increase in area for floor, skilled employees or even hours per day. An increase in production for a short period could be possible, however adding another shift can bring new labor requirements education, supervision, training and quality control.
This situation reveals a key motive behind robotic automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. In the right application it can alter how manufacturers use the production capacity they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Examine the Seconds That Disappear Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be a major issue. Imagine an operator spending 15 minutes searching for a part, 10 seconds applying the material, and then a few seconds to transfer it. With a single component the difference in time is not significant. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
Wasted material is no different. The addition of a tiny amount of additional coating or dispensing materials in a huge production run could result in substantial costs.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. ASA’s needs analysis is intended to pinpoint bottlenecks, issues with quality, waste as well as other limitations to process that can affect an automation project.
A Robot must be able to integrate the Process Itself
A robot is only one of many engineering choices. It could be necessary to add tooling, guarding and controls, sensors, conveyers, fixtures, electrical integration and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers must take into consideration the reach of the robot and its payload, and how it will interact with its surroundings and move around.
ASA’s approach to FANUC robot automation encompasses conceptual development and design as well as CAD Simulation and offline Programming. Engineers can look at system configurations and estimate cycles before the finished system is installed in the factory floor. This is especially useful in situations where space is not available or when new robotics need to be integrated into an existing production line.
The importance of consistency in painting and dispensing
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not enough to finish every component in a short time. It’s important to control the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from the beginning to the close of the process.
ASA is a team of experts working with dispensing applications and paint across industries, including aeronautics and automobile. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement and reduce exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Reduced wasted materials and an increase in productivity could be achieved through better control.
The System Needs People Even After Installation
Automation is not a complete solution to the need for expertise in manufacturing. Automation can alter the capabilities needed for maintaining and operating the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as carry out the correct maintenance. Production requirements can be changed, which means processes and programs may require adjustment later.
ASA provides on-site training in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting. It also offers maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. Additionally, the company provides maintenance and ongoing support to monitor the condition of the equipment and deal with wear and tear over the course of its operating life.
Capacity means more than just getting faster work done
A rise in capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily require the purchase of a larger building or adding additional labor to repetitive processes. Sometimes, it is better to inquire about whether the production process can be modified.
ASA has been developing and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It supports manufacturers in Australia and also international projects. Its method of analysis connects needs Engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration training, as well as servicing.
Automation is not the only goal. Any system that is worth investing in must provide the manufacturer with measurable results, including greater reliability in production, better quality, more secure procedures, reduced waste or increased capacity.