A company is awarded a significant contract. Even though the production needs for each month have increased, the factory does not suddenly have more floors or more experienced workers. Adding another shift might help in the short term, but it could also create new work as well as training, supervision and quality-control regulations.
These situations reveal a very important motive for the use of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing human workers with machines. In the right application, it can change how manufacturers make use of the resources they have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the minutes that vanish between products
Inefficient manufacturing is not always evident. If an operator takes 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place after which another 10 seconds are spent applying materials, and then several seconds to transfer it to the next operation. It may appear to be a small difference even for a single piece of equipment. When repeated thousands of times however the second can add significant production time.
It is the same with scrap material. A tiny amount of leftover coating or dispensing material that is multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume can become a meaningful expense.
Companies looking into robotic automation Australia projects will benefit from studying these tiny frequent losses prior to choosing the right equipment. ASA’s analysis of needs is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks and quality issues as well as any other limitations during a project.
The robot has to fit the procedure around it.
The choice of a robotics system represents only one decision in engineering. It could be necessary to install tooling, protection and controls sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electrical integration and communication with existing production equipment. Engineers should consider the robot’s reach and payload, in addition to how it interact with its surroundings and move around.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers are able to explore configurations for the system and calculate cycles prior to when the system is finally installed in the factory floor. This is especially useful when space is scarce or when new robotics need to be integrated into an existing production line.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Crucial
Some manufacturing processes demonstrate the importance of controlled movement especially well. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of parts. The final result doesn’t come from completing each component quickly. The distance, movement, speed, and the application must to remain controlled from the beginning of the production line until the point of completion.
ASA has experts who deal in the field of dispensing and painting across various industries, including automotive and aeronautics. In these areas industrial robotic automation may offer repeatable programming while reducing exposure of employees to physically demanding and potentially dangerous processes.
An improved control over waste materials can also increase productivity by reducing the amount of unnecessary material used.
The System Needs Personnel After Installation
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. Automation alters the knowledge required to maintain and operate the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able to spot abnormal behavior and solve problems, as well as carry out the correct maintenance. Production requirements may also alter, which means that procedures and programs might require adjustment later.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. They also provide servicing as well as support for evaluating equipment condition, and addressing wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Capacity is more than Being able to work faster
In Australia, increasing capacity for production does not always mean adding more employees to repetitive jobs or purchasing larger buildings. One of the best questions to ask is whether your current manufacturing process is able to be improved.
ASA has been creating and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It works with manufacturers in Australia and also international projects. Its approach combines analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, and even servicing.
Automation isn’t the goal. Any system that is worth investing in will provide a manufacturer with tangible outcomes, such as increased reliability of production, improved quality, more secure procedures with less waste, or a greater capacity.