A significant contract is won by the manufacturer. Its monthly production needs increase, yet the factory isn’t gaining floor space, experienced employees, or hours in the day. A temporary increase in production may be possible, but an additional shift may bring new demands for labor, training, supervision and quality control.
This scenario reveals the primary motive behind robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. A suitable application can alter how manufacturers use their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the seconds that disappear between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be noticeable. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place after which another 10 seconds are spent applying the material, and a few seconds to transfer it to the next operation. The difference may seem insignificant for one component. If repeated a thousand times these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.
The waste material that is discarded is not different. This is also true of waste materials.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects may gain from examining these minor regular losses prior to making a decision on the equipment they require. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, inefficiencies, quality issues, and other constraints to the process that could influence an automation project.
Robots need to be able fit into the process.
A robot’s selection is only one option in the engineering process. It might be necessary to install tooling, protection and controls, sensors conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration, and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers should consider the payload, reach and range as well as how the robot is going to be able to move and interact within the surrounding.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can look at system configurations and estimate cycles before the finalized system is placed in the factory floor. It’s especially useful when there’s a finite amount of space or the new robotics is required to be integrated with the production line.
The importance of repeatability in painting and dispensing
Some manufacturing processes illustrate the benefits of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each part quickly. It is important to control the speed, distance and movement of each component from beginning to close of the process.
ASA is a specialist in painting and dispensing applications across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these industries allows for reproducible movements and reduce the risk of workers to physically demanding processes or processes that could risk injury.
A better control system can also help reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to lower waste alongside productivity improvements.
The System Still Needs People After Installation
Automation does not eliminate the requirement for expert manufacturing. The capabilities needed to manage, maintain, and manage the process are changing.
Employees should be able recognize unusual behavior and resolve problems, as well as take the necessary maintenance. The demands for production can shift with time, which means that the processes and programs require adjusting.
ASA provides on-site training covering safe operation, programming troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. They also provide servicing and ongoing support to monitor the condition of equipment and to address problems that arise over the system’s operational life.
Capacity is greater than working faster
In Australia, increasing capacity for production does not necessarily mean adding workers to repetitive tasks or buying larger structures. Sometimes, the more important question is whether or not the existing production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has developed and integrated automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects across the world. Its approach combines analysis of needs as well as engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration, training, and even servicing.
The goal isn’t to automate to achieve its own goals. A worthwhile system should give an industry a tangible yield, more stable production, consistent quality, safer procedures, less waste or a greater capacity in the facility it operates.