A manufacturing company wins a big contract. The production requirement for each month increases however, the plant doesn’t have more space and has employees with previous experience or more hours to work during the day. It is possible to add another shift temporarily, but it may be a source of new labor and training, supervision, and quality-control demands.
These circumstances reveal an important motive for the use of robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human workers with machines. The right software can change how manufacturers use their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Have a look at the time that passes between the products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be dramatic. A worker may take 15 seconds positioning the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, then a few seconds to move it to the next step. For a single component, the difference is insignificant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
Wasted material is no different. A small amount of extra coating or dispensing substances in a huge production run could result in substantial costs.
Before making a decision on the equipment they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia can benefit by analyzing the small loss. ASA’s needs analysis aims to pinpoint bottlenecks, as well problems with quality, waste and other processes that can affect the automation project.
The robot should fit the system around it.
A robot is just one of many engineering decisions. It is possible to incorporate tooling, security and controls, sensors and conveyers, fixtures, electronic integration, and communications with existing production equipment. Engineers must consider reach and payload when determining how the robot will move about its work area and interact with everything surrounding it.
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 investigate configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is put into operation at the customer’s factory floor. This is especially useful in cases of space limitations or if new robotics require to be integrated into the existing lines of production.
Painting and dispensing show why It’s Important to Repeat
Controlled movement is especially important in certain manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of components. The ability to finish components in a short time is the desired outcome. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance, and movement of each component from beginning to final.
ASA has experts who work with paint and dispensing application across all industries, including automotive and aeronautics. Industrial robotics automation in these areas can allow for repeatable movements while reducing the exposure of employees to physical demanding processes or those that could cause harm.
An improved control over waste materials can also contribute to productivity improvements by increasing the quantity of material consumed.
Installing the system is not enough. You still need people to keep it running.
Automation does not completely eliminate the need for expertise in manufacturing. Automation can alter the capabilities needed for maintaining and operating the process.
Employees must be instructed to use equipment safely as well as to spot abnormal behavior or malfunctioning components, and perform necessary maintenance. Systems and procedures can be adjusted later if production requirements are changed.
ASA offers on-site training that covers programming, safety as well as troubleshooting techniques and mechanical and electric maintenance. The company offers servicing as well as support for evaluating the condition of equipment and addressing wear throughout the system’s lifetime.
Capacity is more than Working Faster
In Australia, expanding production capacity does not necessarily mean hiring more workers for repetitive tasks or buying larger structures. Sometimes, it is better to ask if the production process can be improved.
ASA has been working on and integrated automation systems since 2002, assisting companies in Australia and projects in other countries. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration, training, and servicing.
The objective isn’t automation for the sake of it. An investment-worthy system will provide a manufacturer with tangible results, like increased reliability of production, improved quality, more secure procedures with less waste, or a greater capacity.
