A manufacturer wins a major contract. While the demands for production have increased, the factory isn’t suddenly equipped with more floors or more experienced workers. Although adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work in the form of supervision, training, or demands for quality-control.
This is a crucial purpose for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing human beings with machines. It can be used to change the way manufacturers utilize their existing production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the seconds that Change Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be evident. An operator may spend 15 seconds assembling the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, then a couple of seconds moving it to the next step. The difference might seem small even for a single piece of equipment. If repeated thousands of times, the seconds are an enormous amount of production time.
Material that has been wasted isn’t different. In the event of spreading a small amount extra coating or dispensing substances over a long production run could lead to substantial costs.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia will gain from studying these small loss, repeated ones before they choose the equipment they will purchase. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to reveal problems with quality and bottlenecks as also waste and other constraints in a project.
Robots should be able to fit into the process.
Making a choice on a robot is only one engineering decision. Tools, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures may also be necessary. Engineers need to consider the reach of the robot and its payload, in addition to how it interacts with its environment and move around.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate the number of cycles required before the system is finally installed on the factory floor. This is especially helpful when there is a shortage of space or if new robotics need to be integrated with the existing lines of production.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Essential
Controlled movement is essential for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds or even thousands of components. It’s not enough just to finish each part in a short time. It is important to control the speed, distance and movement of each component from the beginning until the very end.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing systems across a variety of industries, including automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these settings will allow for repeatable movement as well as limiting the exposure of workers to physically demanding processes or ones that may cause harm.
The reduction of waste and the improvement in productivity could be achieved through better control.
Even after installation the system will still require users
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. It requires new skills to operate and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees should be able to detect abnormal behavior and identify issues, and do the proper maintenance. Systems and procedures can be changed later in the event that the production needs alter.
ASA provides on-site training covering safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity is more than working more quickly
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily require the purchase of a larger building or adding more labor to routine processes. It’s often better to inquire if the manufacturing process could be redesigned.
ASA has been developing and integration of automation solutions since 2002, supporting companies in Australia and also projects around the world. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the main goal. A successful system must give an industry a tangible return more dependable production, consistent quality, safer processes, lower waste or a larger capacity for the factory that it currently operates.