A significant contract is won by the manufacturer. Monthly production requirements increase, but the factory isn’t gaining flooring space, skilled workers, or hours in the day. While adding a second shift could temporarily improve the situation, it may be the cause of additional labor or supervision, as well as additional training and the need 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. If it is used correctly it could alter the way producers use the capacity they already have.
Take a look at the time intervals between products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always apparent. Imagine an operator spending 15 seconds looking for a particular component after which they spend 10 seconds putting the material and several seconds transferring it. On one piece the difference isn’t that significant. The seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
Same goes for waste material. Similar is the case to waste materials.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia will gain by analyzing these tiny routine losses before they choose the equipment they will purchase. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well quality issues, waste and other processes that can affect the automation project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Itself
The selection of a robot is a single decision in engineering. Guardings, tools, controls sensors, conveyors and fixtures might also be required. Engineers need to consider the robot’s reach and payload, as well as how it interacts with its environment and how it will move.
The ASA approach to FANUC robot automation is based on the development of concepts and systems as well as CAD Simulation and offline Programming. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate durations of the cycle before the system is operational in the factory of the customer’s. It’s particularly useful when there is a limited amount of space, or when the new robotics needs to integrate with an existing production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why Repetability is Important
Some manufacturing processes demonstrate the benefits of controlled movement especially well. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of components. Making components faster is the ideal outcome. From the time of beginning production until the final stage the speed, movement of the machine, the distance and the application have to be controlled.
The experts at ASA are proficient in painting and dispensing across industries like aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotics automation in these areas will allow for repeatable movement and reduce the risk of employees to physically demanding procedures or processes that could be hazardous.
Better control may also reduce unnecessary material consumption, contributing to a decrease in waste as well as productivity improvements.
Installation of the system isn’t enough. Still, you need someone to take care of it.
Automation doesn’t eliminate the need for skilled manufacturing. Automation can alter the capabilities needed to manage and control the process.
Employees must be taught to operate equipment with care and to recognize abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faulty components, and take care of any maintenance that is required. Programs and processes can be changed later in the event that the production needs are changed.
ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safety troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company offers servicing and support to check the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity is about more than just making work faster
In Australia, boosting production capacity does not necessarily mean the addition of workers to repetitive tasks or buying larger buildings. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire if the manufacturing process can be improved.
ASA has been designing and integrated automation solutions since 2002. It works with companies in Australia as well as international projects. Its methodology combines analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, as well as servicing.
The objective isn’t automation for the sake of it. Any system that is worth investing in will provide a manufacturer with tangible results, including more reliable production, higher quality, more secure procedures and reduced waste, or an increase in capacity.