A manufacturer is awarded an enormous contract. Although the monthly production requirements have increased, the factory does not have an increase in floors or more experienced workers. Although adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could be the cause of additional labor in the form of supervision, training, or quality-control needs.
These scenarios reveal an significant reason to use robotics automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing a person with a machine. It’s a tool that can transform the way that manufacturers utilize their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the time intervals between products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. Imagine an operator spending 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment after which they spend 10 seconds putting the material and then to transfer it. On a single part, the difference is insignificant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
Same goes for waste material. A tiny amount of surplus coating or dispensing material that is multiplied over a large-scale production run could be a substantial expense.
Before choosing the equipment they need, businesses considering robotic automation Australia can gain from analysing the small loss. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to uncover problems with quality and bottlenecks, as also any other limitations during a project.
The robot needs to be able to accommodate the process around it
The selection of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. Guardings, tools, controls as well as conveyors, sensors and fixtures are also necessary. Engineers should consider reach and payload when determining how the robot will move about its space and interact with the environment around it.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation allows engineers to examine configurations and estimate the cycles before the system is put into operation at the customer’s factory floor. That becomes particularly useful when space is scarce or when new robotics have to integrate with an established production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Some manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlled motion especially well. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each part quickly. The distance, movement, speed, and application have to remain controlled at the beginning of the production run to the time of its completion.
The experts at ASA are proficient in painting and dispensing across different industries including aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotic automation in these settings allows for repeatable motions and reduce the risk of workers to physically demanding procedures or processes that could cause harm.
An improved control over waste materials can also aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste material used.
The installation of the system isn’t enough. It is still necessary to have people to keep it running.
Automation doesn’t remove the requirement for knowledge in manufacturing. Automation can alter the capabilities needed to operate and maintain the manufacturing process.
The employees must know how to safely operate equipment be aware of abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and carry out the correct maintenance. Systems and procedures can be changed later in the event that production requirements alter.
ASA provides training on-site for programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers servicing and assistance for assessing the condition of equipment and addressing wear and tear throughout the life of the system.
Capacity goes beyond just making work faster
In Australia, increasing capacity for production does not always mean hiring more workers for repetitive tasks or purchasing larger structures. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire if the manufacturing procedure could be altered.
ASA has been working on and integrated automation systems since 2002, and has been supporting manufacturers in Australia and also projects in other countries. Its method combines analysis of needs as well as engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration training, and even servicing.
Automation is not the only goal. A system that is effective should provide a manufacturer something measurable in terms of increased reliability with consistent quality, safe methods, less waste or a greater capacity in the factory that it currently operates.