A big contract is won by the manufacturer. While the demands for production have increased, the factory does not suddenly have more area for floor or skilled workers. While adding another shift may temporarily improve the situation, it may also bring new labor, supervision, training and demands for quality-control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just replace humans with machines. The right software can change the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Have a look at the time that passes between the products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t need to be a major issue. Imagine an operator spending 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment for 10 seconds, then applying the material, then several seconds to transfer it. For a single component, the difference is minimal. The seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same for the waste materials. A small amount of extra coating or dispensing material multiplied across a high-volume production run could be a substantial expense.
Companies considering robot automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding on the equipment they will require. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to pinpoint problems with quality and bottlenecks as along with the waste that can be a problem within a project.
The robot has to fit the system around it.
The selection of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. The system could also require guarding, tools, controls, sensors conveyors, fixtures electrical integration, as well as communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider reach and payload when making decisions about how the robot can move around its work area and interact with the environment surrounding it.
ASA provides the ability to develop concepts, system design and offline programming as part of its method of robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate cycles before the system is finally installed on the factory floor. This is particularly helpful when space is limited or if new robotics require to be integrated with the existing lines of production.
It is crucial to have repeatability in painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled movements. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. The ability to finish components in a short time is the ideal outcome. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from the beginning to the very end.
ASA has specialists who work in the field of dispensing and painting across various industries, including aeronautics and automobile. Industrial robotic automation in these industries allows for reproducible movements while limiting exposure of employees to physical demanding processes or processes that could be dangerous.
A better management of the waste material can also help improve productivity by decreasing the amount of unneeded material that is consumed.
The System Will Still Need people after the installation.
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. It transforms the knowledge needed for operating and maintaining the process.
Employees must be able to safely operate equipment and recognize any abnormalities to identify faults, fix them, and conduct the necessary maintenance. The demands for production can shift over time, which means that procedures and protocols will require adjusting.
ASA provides on-site training covering safe operation, programming troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and services to ensure that equipment is in good working order and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is greater than working more quickly
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more employees to routine processes. The best question to ask is whether your current manufacturing process is able to be improved.
ASA has developed and integrated automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects in other countries. Its methodology combines the analysis of requirements and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration, training, and even servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the goal. An investment-worthy system will provide a manufacturer with tangible results, like more reliable production, higher quality, safer methods with less waste, or a greater capacity.