A major contract is won by the manufacturer. Even though the production needs for each month have increased, the factory does not have an increase in flooring or experienced workers. While adding another shift may temporarily improve the situation, it may also bring new labor, supervision, training and quality-control needs.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
This scenario reveals the primary purpose for robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. A good application could change the way manufacturers utilize their capacity to produce.
Check out the seconds between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency isn’t always evident. An operator could spend 15 minutes positioning the item before implementing 10 seconds of materials, and then a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. On one piece, the difference seems insignificant. If repeated thousands of times however these seconds can add significant production time.
It is the same with scrap material. In the event of spreading a small amount additional coating or dispensing materials over a long production line can lead to an enormous expense.
Before selecting the equipment they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia could benefit from analyzing the tiny losses. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to pinpoint bottlenecks, as well quality issues, waste and other process limitations that could impact an automation project.
Robots need to be able integrate into the process.
A robot is only one of many engineering options. Tools, guardings, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures may also be required. Engineers need to consider reach and payload while also determining how the robot is going to move through its workspace and interact with everything surrounding it.
The ASA approach to FANUC robot automation is based on concept development and system design along with CAD Simulation and offline programming. The digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations, estimate cycle times and test the system prior to making it functional on the floor of the customer’s facility. This is particularly beneficial in situations where space is not available or when new robotics have to integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why It’s Important to Repeat
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlling movements. Imagine covering a variety of components. It’s not just about completing the components quickly is what you want to achieve. From the moment of starting production through the conclusion moving, speed as well as the distance to be applied must be managed.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing applications across industries including automotive and aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Better control may also reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to a reduction in waste and productivity enhancements.
Installing the system is not enough. You still need people to keep it running.
Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. Automation alters the knowledge required to manage and control the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able to detect abnormal behavior and identify issues, and take the necessary maintenance. The production requirements can also be changed, which means processes and programs may require modifications later.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company also provides maintenance and support to check the condition of equipment and addressing wear throughout the system’s lifetime.
Capacity is more than just working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t require the purchase of a larger building or adding more employees on repetitive processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire about whether the production process could be redesigned.
ASA has been designing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002. It assists manufacturers in Australia as well as international projects. The approach is a combination of needs analysis as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration, training and servicing.
Automating for automation’s sake isn’t the objective. A system that’s worthy of its weight in gold must be able to provide tangible benefits for manufacturers, for example greater reliability, higher quality manufacturing processes, and safer ones. It also means less waste.