A manufacturing company gets an enormous contract. Production requirements for the month are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t seen a sudden increase in area for floor, skilled employees or even hours per daytime. While adding another shift might temporarily improve the situation, it may be the cause of additional labor or supervision, as well as additional training and requirements for quality control.
These examples show an crucial reason for robot automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing a person with a machine. The right application can transform the way manufacturers utilize their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the seconds that Disappear Between Products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be significant. An operator could spend 15 seconds positioning the component, then 10 seconds applying materials, then a few seconds to move it to the next step. With a single component the difference is insignificant. If repeated a thousand times, these seconds can create significant production time.
The same applies to wasted material. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume could be a substantial expense.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The analysis provided by ASA is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues as along with any other limitations within a project.
Robots should be able to fit into the process.
A robot is only one of many engineering options. The system could also require tooling, guarding, controls, sensors fixtures, conveyors electrical integration, as well as communication with existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration the reach of the robot and its payload, as well as how it will interact with its environment and move around.
ASA’s approach to FANUC robot automation is based on the development of concepts and systems along with CAD Simulation and offline Programming. The digital simulation lets engineers examine configurations, estimate cycle times, and to test the system before it is operational on the customer’s floor. It’s particularly useful when there is a small area or new robotics needs to integrate with an existing production line.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Important
Controlled movement is essential for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. Making components faster is the goal. The distance, movement speed, and application have be controlled from the start of the production process to the point of completion.
Our specialists have experience painting and dispensing across different industries such as automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these environments allows for repeatable motions while reducing the exposure of workers to physical demanding processes or those that could cause harm.
Reduced waste and the improvement of productivity can be accomplished through better management.
Even after the installation the system requires people
Automatism doesn’t replace manufacturing knowledge. It transforms the knowledge needed to manage and maintain the process.
Employees must be instructed to use equipment safely, identify abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faulty components, and take care of any maintenance that is required. Processes and programs can be adjusted later if the production needs are changed.
ASA offers on-site training including programming, safety as well as troubleshooting techniques and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is greater than working faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing a larger building or continually increasing the amount of labor required to perform repetitive tasks. The more important question to consider is whether the present production process can still be improved.
ASA has been designing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It supports the manufacturing industry in Australia, as well as international projects. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration, training and servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A system worth its weight in gold will bring tangible benefits to a manufacturer, such as more reliable production, better quality, safer processes and less waste.