A significant contract is won by the manufacturer. The monthly production demands are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t seen a sudden increase in floor space, experienced employees or working hours during the day. While adding a second shift could temporarily aid, it might be a source of new work in the form of supervision, training, or requirements for quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing people with machines. A suitable application can alter the way that manufacturers use their production capacity.
Have a look at the time that passes between products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always evident. Imagine a person spending 15 minutes searching for a part for 10 seconds, then applying the material, and then a few seconds transferring it. On one component it’s not much of a difference. If repeated thousands of times however, these seconds can add significant production time.
It is the same with the waste materials. Same goes for waste material.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia could benefit from studying these small loss, repeated ones before they decide on the best equipment to buy. ASA’s analysis of needs is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks and quality issues, as also additional constraints and waste in a project.
A Robot has to fit the Process Around It
A robot’s selection is only one option in the engineering process. It is possible to add tooling, guarding and controls sensors conveyors, fixtures, electronic integration, and communications with the existing production equipment. Engineers should consider the reach and payload of the robot while determining how the robot is going to move through its work area and interact with everything surrounding it.
ASA provides concepts development, design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its strategy to FANUC’s robotic automation. Engineers are able to explore configurations for the system and estimate cycle times before the final system is put in the factory floor. It is particularly helpful when there is a small amount of space or the new robotics is required to be integrated with a production line.
The importance of repeatability when painting and dispensing
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of components. The end goal isn’t simply completing each component quickly. From the start of production until the final stage the speed, movement, distance and application must be managed.
ASA has specialists who work in the field of dispensing and painting across various industries, such as automotive and aeronautics. In these industries industrial robotic automation may offer repeatable programming while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or dangerous processes.
A better control of materials that are discarded can aid in productivity improvement by reducing the amount of unnecessary material consumed.
The System Will Still Need People After Installation
Automation doesn’t remove the need for manufacturing expertise. It requires new skills to manage and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able to spot abnormal behavior and solve issues, and take the necessary maintenance. The production requirements can also be changed, which means the processes and programs could require adjustments later on.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting as well as maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. The company offers servicing and support to check the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear throughout the lifetime of the system.
Capacity is more than just working more quickly
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t mean purchasing more space or adding labor to repetitive processes. The better question to ask is whether the existing production process can still be improved.
ASA has been developing and integrating automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects overseas. Its methodology combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration and training as well as maintenance.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t a goal. An investment-worthy system must provide the manufacturer with measurable outcomes, such as increased reliability of production, improved quality, safer methods with less waste, or a greater capacity.
