A manufacturer wins a major contract. Monthly production requirements increase, but the factory isn’t gaining flooring space, skilled workers, or hours in the daytime. Adding another shift might help in the short term, but it could be a source of new labor and training, supervision, and quality-control demands.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing humans with a machine. In the right application it can alter how manufacturers make use of the resources they have.
Examine the Seconds That Aren’t able to be found between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be dramatic. An operator could spend 15 minutes putting the part in place after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, then a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. In the case of a single piece, the difference is insignificant. When repeated thousands of times however, these seconds can create significant production time.
This is also true of wasted material. A small amount of extra coating or dispensing material that is multiplied in a production run with a high volume could result in a significant expense.
The companies that are considering robotic automation Australia will gain from looking at these small repeated losses prior to decide on the best equipment to buy. ASA’s needs analysis is intended to find bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other processes which could affect the automation project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Around It
The choice of a robot is only one of the decisions in engineering. Tools, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures are also necessary. Engineers should think about the range, payload, and how the robot is going to operate and interact with the environment.
The FANUC approach of ASA’s approach to robot automation encompasses conceptual development and design including CAD Simulation, offline Programming. Digital simulation allows engineers to test configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is put into operation on the customer’s factory floor. That becomes particularly useful when space is constrained or if new robotics are required to integrate into an existing production line.
Paint and Dispensing demonstrates why Replicability is Critical.
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of components. The ability to finish components in a short time is the desired outcome. The movement, distance, speed, and application have to be monitored starting from the beginning of the production run to the final.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing solutions across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these areas industrial robotic automation is able to allow for repeatable, programmed movements while reducing exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially dangerous processes.
Reduced waste and the increase in productivity is possible through better management.
Even after installation the system will still require people
Automatism doesn’t replace manufacturing knowledge. The abilities required to operate, maintain and run the process change.
Employees need to be able spot abnormal behavior and solve problems, as well as take the necessary maintenance. Production requirements can alter, which means that programs and processes may need adjustments later on.
ASA offers training on-site covering safety, programming as well as troubleshooting techniques and mechanical and electric maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is more than Being able to work faster
In Australia, expanding production capacity doesn’t always mean the addition of workers to repetitive tasks or buying bigger buildings. Sometimes, it is better 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 method is based on analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, and even servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t a goal. A worthwhile system should give an industry a tangible the form of more reliable production and quality, as well as safer methods, less waste or more capacity from the facility it operates.