A major contract is won by a manufacturer. The monthly production demands are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t suddenly gained more area for floor, skilled employees or hours of work per daytime. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however the addition of a shift could introduce new labor requirements, training, supervision and quality control.
These situations reveal a very important motive for the use of robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing human beings with the aid of a machine. If it is used correctly it could alter the way manufacturers use the production capacity they have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
You can check out the time difference between products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 seconds arranging a part, another 10 seconds applying the material, and a few seconds transferring it to the next process. On one aspect, the difference seems insignificant. If repeated a thousand times, these seconds can result in significant production delays.
It’s the same with scrap material. This is also true of waste materials.
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, inefficiencies, quality issues, as well as other limitations to process which could affect the automation project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Around It
Robots are just one of many engineering options. It could be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls, sensors conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration and communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers should consider the payload and reach while determining how the robot is going to move through its work area and interact with the environment surrounding it.
The FANUC approach of ASA’s approach to robot automation is to use concept development and system design, CAD Simulation, and offline programming. Digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations and estimate cycle times before the completed system is put into operation in the factory of the customer’s. It is particularly helpful when there is a limited amount of space, or when the new robotics needs to integrate with a production line.
The importance of repeatability in painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled movement. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. The end goal isn’t simply the process of completing every component in a short time. From the time of beginning production all the way to the finish moving, speed of the machine, the distance and the application have to be controlled.
ASA has experts who deal with paint and dispensing application across various industries, including aeronautics, automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these settings allows for repeatable motions and reduce the risk of workers to physical demands or procedures that could cause harm.
A better management of materials that are discarded can help improve productivity by cutting down on the amount of waste materials used.
Installation of the system isn’t enough. It is still necessary to have people to manage it.
Automation does not completely eliminate the need for skilled manufacturing. It requires new skills for operating and maintaining the process.
Employees need to be trained to use equipment safely, identify abnormal behavior and troubleshoot malfunctioning components and carry out necessary maintenance. The production requirements can also be changed, which means procedures and programs might require adjustments later on.
ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. It also offers servicing as well as ongoing support to evaluate equipment condition and address wear and tear over the course of its operating life.
Capacity is the capacity to work more quickly
In Australia, increasing capacity for production is not always about hiring more workers for repetitive tasks or purchasing bigger buildings. It’s often better to ask if the production process can be modified.
ASA has been creating and the integration of automation systems since 2002, and has been supporting companies in Australia and projects internationally. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration training, and service.
Automation is not for its own sake. An investment in a system must provide the manufacturer with measurable outcomes, such as more reliable production, higher quality, more secure procedures as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.