A large contract is signed by a manufacturer. While the requirements for monthly production have increased, the factory doesn’t suddenly have more floors or more experienced workers. The addition of a second shift could help temporarily, but it could create new labor as well as training, supervision and quality-control demands.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. It can be used to transform the way that manufacturers utilize their existing production capacity.
Check out the Seconds that Disappear Between Products
Inefficiency in manufacturing isn’t always so noticeable. Suppose an operator spends 15 seconds positioning a component for 10 seconds, then another 10 seconds applying material, and several more seconds transferring it onto the next task. For one part the difference appears to be insignificant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
The same is true for the waste materials. A small amount of additional coatings or dispensing material across a large production run could lead to the cost of a large amount.
Before choosing the equipment they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia can benefit by analyzing the tiny losses. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to identify bottlenecks and quality issues, as also the waste that can be a problem during a project.
A Robot Must Fit the Process Around It
A robot is one of the many engineering choices. It is possible to incorporate tooling, security and controls, sensors conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration and communication with existing production equipment. Engineers must consider the payload, reach and range as well as how the robot will move and interact in its environment.
ASA’s approach for FANUC robot automation includes concept development and system design, CAD Simulation, and offline Programming. Engineers can investigate system configurations and estimate the number of cycles required before the final system is put on the floor of the factory. It’s particularly useful in situations where there is a restricted amount of space or the new robotics has to integrate with the production line.
Paint and Dispensing demonstrates why Replicability is Important
Controlled movement is essential in certain manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of components. It’s not just about completing the components quickly is what you want to achieve. It’s important to control the speed, distance and movement of each piece from the beginning until the at the very end.
ASA has experts who deal in the field of dispensing and painting across industries, including automotive and aeronautics. In these environments industrial robotic automation is able to offer repeatable programming while reducing exposure of employees to physical demands or potentially dangerous processes.
The elimination of waste and the improvement of productivity can be accomplished through better control.
The installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to keep it running.
Automation doesn’t eliminate the requirement for knowledge in manufacturing. Automation alters the knowledge required to manage and control the process.
The employees must know how to safely operate equipment identify abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and take care of maintenance. The processes and procedures can be adjusted later if the production needs shift.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company also provides servicing and support on a regular basis to assess the condition of equipment and to address wear and tear over the course of its operating life.
Capacity is the capacity to work faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t mean purchasing a larger building or continually adding labor to repetitive processes. The more important question to consider is whether the current production process can still be improved.
ASA has been creating and integration of automation solutions since 2002, and has been supporting companies in Australia and also projects around the world. The company’s strategy combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration training, as well as servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. An investment in a system should provide a company with quantifiable results, like more reliable production, higher quality, safer procedures with less waste, or a greater capacity.