A significant contract is won by a manufacturer. Monthly production requirements increase, but the factory isn’t gaining floor space, experienced employees, or hours in the day. Adding another shift might help temporarily, but it can also introduce new labor, training, supervision, and quality-control demands.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
This situation highlights a major reason for robots. Robotics isn’t only about replacing human workers with machines. A suitable application can alter how manufacturers use their production capacity.
Watch the second-to-second time between the products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. Suppose an operator spends 15 seconds arranging a part, another 10 seconds applying materials, and then several seconds to transfer it to the next operation. On one aspect the difference isn’t that significant. When repeated a thousand times, these seconds can create significant production time.
The same applies to wasted material. A tiny amount of leftover coating or dispensing material that is multiplied over a large-scale production run can result in an expense that is significant.
Companies that are considering robotic automation Australia projects will benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before making a decision on the equipment they require. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to identify bottlenecks and quality issues as also any other limitations in a plan.
Robots have to integrate into the process.
The choice of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. Guardings, tools, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures may also be required. Engineers must take into consideration the robot’s reach and payload, as well as how it will interact with its environment and how it will move.
ASA provides conceptual development, system design, CAD simulation and offline programming as part of its plan to FANUC’s robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate cycle times before the system is finally installed in the factory floor. It’s especially useful when there is a small amount of space or the new robotics needs to integrate with an existing production line.
Paint and Dispensing demonstrates why Replicability is Crucial
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled movements. Imagine covering a variety of components. The final result doesn’t come from completing each component quickly. From the moment of starting production until the final stage the speed, movement as well as the distance to be applied must be managed.
ASA has specialists working with paint and dispensing processes across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The reduction in waste and improvement in productivity can be achieved through better control.
The System Needs people after the installation.
Automation doesn’t eliminate the need for expertise in manufacturing. The abilities needed to operate, maintain and control the process evolve.
Employees need to be able spot abnormal behavior and solve issues, and do the proper maintenance. Programs and processes can be modified later on if production requirements are changed.
ASA offers training on site in programming, safety, troubleshooting and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and services to ensure that the equipment is in top working order and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity is about more than simply working faster
A rise in capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t mean buying a bigger building or adding additional labor on repetitive processes. Sometimes, the best question is whether the existing manufacturing process can be designed differently.
ASA has been developing and integration of automation systems since 2002, assisting manufacturers in Australia and projects around the world. Its method of analysis combines needs and engineering simulation with FANUC integration, training and servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A worthwhile system should give manufacturers something tangible in return more dependable production that is consistent in quality, more secure processes, less waste, or a greater capacity in the facility it operates.