A manufacturing company wins a big contract. Even though the production needs for each month have increased, the facility does not have an increase in floor space or experienced employees. While adding a second shift could temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work as well as training, supervision, and the need for quality control.
These examples show an important reason for robotic automation. Robotics goes beyond replacing people with machines. A good application could change the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the time intervals between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be a major issue. Imagine a worker spending 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment for 10 seconds, then applying the material, and then a few seconds transferring it. In the case of a single piece, the difference in time is not significant. When repeated thousands of times however these seconds can create significant production time.
The same is true for the waste materials. Same goes of waste materials.
Before selecting the equipment they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying these tiny losses. ASA’s needs analysis aims to uncover bottlenecks as well waste, quality issues and other limitations to process that could impact an automation project.
The robot has to fit the processes around it.
A robot is only one of the many engineering choices. Controls, guardings and tooling as well as conveyors, sensors and fixtures may also be necessary. Engineers should consider the range, payload, and how the robot will move and interact in the environment.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers examine configurations and estimate the time-to-market before the system can be put in operation on the customer’s factory floor. This is particularly helpful when space is scarce or when new robotics have to integrate into an existing production line.
It is crucial to have repeatability in painting and dispensing
Controlled movement is crucial in some manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds of components. Not just completing components quickly is the ideal outcome. The distance, movement speed, and application have to be monitored at the beginning of the production process to the point of completion.
ASA’s specialists are experienced in painting and dispensing across different industries such as aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotic automation in these environments allows for reproducible movements while limiting exposure of workers to physical demanding processes or processes that could risk injury.
Better control may also reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to less waste, as well as productivity gains.
The System Needs People Even After Installation
Automating doesn’t completely eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. The abilities required to manage, maintain, and operate the process shift.
Employees need to know how to operate equipment safely and recognize any abnormalities as well as troubleshoot issues and take care of maintenance. Production requirements can also alter, which means that the processes and programs could require modifications later.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming and troubleshooting. It also offers maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. It also offers servicing and ongoing support to monitor equipment condition and address wear over the system’s operating duration.
Capacity is the capacity to work faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t necessarily mean buying more space or adding more workers to repetitive processes. Sometimes, the more important question is whether or not the existing production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has been developing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002, assisting manufacturers in Australia and projects in other countries. Its method of analysis connects needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration, training, and servicing.
Automation is not the only goal. A system worth investing in will provide a manufacturer with tangible results, like better production reliability, higher quality, safer methods, reduced waste or increased capacity.