A manufacturer is awarded the contract for a significant amount. The production requirements for the month increase, but the factory isn’t equipped with more space, employees with experience, or extra hours during the daytime. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however adding another shift can introduce new requirements for labor education, supervision, training and quality control.
This scenario reveals the primary need for robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just replace humans with machines. It could be utilized to modify the methods that manufacturers employ to use their existing production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the time intervals between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be dramatic. An operator could spend 15 seconds positioning the component and then 10 seconds putting on materials, and then a few seconds more to move it onto the next stage. On one piece, the difference seems insignificant. If repeated thousands of times however these seconds can create significant production time.
The waste material that is discarded is not different. A small amount of extra coating or dispensing materials over a long production line can lead to an enormous expense.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia will gain by analyzing these tiny routine losses before they decide on the best equipment to buy. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to uncover problems with quality and bottlenecks, as also additional constraints and waste within a project.
A Robot Must Fit the Process Around It
Selecting a robot is only one of the engineering decisions. Tools, guardings, controls as well as conveyors, sensors and fixtures may also be necessary. Engineers need to consider the robot’s reach and payload as well as how it will interact with its surroundings and move around.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is put into operation at the factory floor of the customer’s. That becomes particularly useful when space is limited or when new robotics need to be integrated with an established production line.
It is crucial to have repeatability in painting and dispensing
Some manufacturing processes demonstrate the value of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of components. It’s not enough to finish every component quickly. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance and movement of each piece from the beginning until the close of the process.
ASA has specialists who work in the field of dispensing and painting across industries, including automotive and aeronautics. Industrial robotic automation in these industries allows for reproducible movements while reducing the exposure of employees to physical demands or procedures that could be hazardous.
Better control may also reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to a decrease in waste as well as productivity improvements.
Even after the installation it still needs individuals
Automation doesn’t remove the need for manufacturing knowledge. Automation changes the skills needed to manage and control the process.
Employees should be able detect abnormal behavior and identify issues, and perform the appropriate maintenance. Programs and processes are able to be changed later if production requirements are changed.
ASA provides training on site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting as well as maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. The company also provides regular maintenance and service to ensure that equipment is in top order and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity goes beyond just making work faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t mean purchasing larger buildings or increasing the amount of labor required to perform repetitive tasks. Sometimes, the best question is whether the current production process can be engineered differently.
ASA has created and integrated automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also support projects abroad. The method is based on analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration and training as well as servicing.
Automation is not for its own sake. A system that is effective should provide an industry a tangible yield, more stable production and quality, as well as safer processes, lower waste or a larger capacity for the facility it operates.