A manufacturer is awarded an enormous contract. The monthly production requirement increases however, the plant isn’t equipped with more space and employees with experience or additional hours in the daytime. A temporary increase in production is possible, but adding another shift can introduce new demands for labor education, supervision, training and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
These situations reveal a very important reason for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing human beings with machines. The right software can change the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Check out the seconds between the products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. A worker could spend 15 seconds assembling the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, and a few seconds to move it onto the next stage. It may appear to be a small difference for a single component. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same for waste materials. Same goes of waste materials.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects can benefit from looking at these small loss events repeatedly before deciding what equipment they need. The analysis conducted by ASA’s Needs Analysis is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other process constraints that could influence an automation project.
The robot needs to be able to accommodate the system around it.
A robot’s selection is only one decision in engineering. Tooling, guardings, controls as well as conveyors, sensors and fixtures are also required. Engineers must consider the payload and reach while determining how the robot is going to move through its area of work and interact with the environment around it.
ASA offers conceptual 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 durations of the cycle before the system is put into operation at the factory floor of the customer’s. This is particularly helpful in situations where space is not available or when new robotics have to integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and Dispensing Show Why Repeatability Matters
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled motion especially well. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of parts. Not just completing components quickly is the ideal outcome. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance and movement of each part from the beginning until the very end.
ASA has experts who deal on dispensing and paint applications across various industries, such as automotive and aeronautics. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Reduced waste and the improvement in productivity could be achieved through better control.
Even after the installation the system will still require individuals
Automation doesn’t eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. Automation changes the skills needed to manage and control the process.
Employees need to be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as do the proper maintenance. Processes and programs can be changed later in the event that the production needs alter.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming and troubleshooting. It also offers maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. Additionally, the company provides maintenance and ongoing support to monitor equipment condition and address issues that may arise during the equipment’s operational time.
Capacity is more than working more quickly
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t always need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more labor to repeat processes. The best question to ask is whether your current manufacturing process can be improved.
ASA has been developing and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It works with manufacturers in Australia as well as international projects. Its method combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration and training as well as servicing.
Automation for the sake of automation isn’t a goal. A system worth the gold it’s worth ought to bring tangible benefits to an enterprise, including better production reliability, better quality, safer processes and less waste.