A manufacturing company gets a large contract. While the requirements for monthly production have risen, the manufacturing facility does not suddenly have more floors or more experienced workers. Adding another shift might help temporarily, but it may create new labor, training, supervision, and quality control requirements.
This scenario reveals the primary need for robotic automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. In the right application it could alter the way manufacturers make use of the resources they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
You can check out the time difference between the products
Inefficiency in manufacturing isn’t always so evident. A worker may take 15 minutes putting the part in place and then 10 seconds putting on materials, and a few seconds to move it onto the next stage. On one piece, the difference seems insignificant. If repeated thousands of times, however, those seconds become substantial production time.
Wasted material is no different. The addition of a tiny amount of extra coating or dispensing substances across a large production line can lead to the cost of a large amount.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well quality issues, waste and other processes that could affect an automation project.
The robot should fit the procedure around it.
The selection of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. It could be necessary to install tooling, protection and controls sensors, conveyers, fixtures, electrical integration and communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration the robot’s reach and payload, as well as how it will interact with its surroundings and move about.
ASA provides concepts development, design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its strategy to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can investigate system configurations and estimate cycles before the finalized system is placed on the factory floor. It’s particularly useful when there is a limited amount of space, or when the new robotics needs to integrate with the production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrates why It’s Important to Repeat
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of parts. The desired result isn’t merely complete each component at a rapid pace. From the moment of starting production to the end all the movements, speed as well as the distance to be applied must be managed.
Our specialists have experience dispensing and painting across various industries such as aerospace and automotive. In these industries, industrial robotic automation offers predictable, controlled movements. It also minimizes exposure of employees to physically challenging or potentially hazardous processes.
The elimination of waste and the increase of productivity can be accomplished through better control.
The System Still Needs People After Installation
Automation doesn’t eliminate the requirement for expert manufacturing. Automation alters the knowledge required to operate and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees must be taught to use equipment safely in order to identify any abnormalities, troubleshoot faulty components, and carry out necessary maintenance. Production requirements may also alter, which means that the processes and programs could require modifications later.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and service to ensure that equipment is in top condition and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity is about more than Being able to work faster
In Australia, increasing capacity for production doesn’t always mean adding more employees to repetitive jobs or buying larger structures. Sometimes, the more important question is whether the existing manufacturing process can be designed differently.
ASA has been working on and the integration of automation solutions since 2002, supporting manufacturers in Australia as well as projects in other countries. Its method of analysis connects needs with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration, training, and servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A system worth the gold it’s worth should provide measurable benefits to a manufacturer, such as better production reliability, better quality, safer processes and less waste.