A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. The production requirement for each month increases however the facility has no room and employees with experience or additional hours during the day. While adding another shift might temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work as well as training, supervision, and requirements for quality control.
These situations reveal a very crucial reason for robot automation. It’s not just about replacing human beings with an automated machine. When used in the right way it can transform the way companies use the capacity they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Examine the Seconds That Change Between Products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be noticeable. An operator may spend 15 minutes putting the part in place, then 10 seconds applying substances, and then a couple of seconds moving it to the next step. For a single component, the difference is insignificant. The seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
The waste material that is discarded is not different. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material that is multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume could be a substantial expense.
The businesses that are looking into robotic automation Australia will benefit by analyzing these tiny, repetitive losses before they choose the equipment they will purchase. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well waste, quality issues and other limitations to process that can affect the automation project.
Robots need to be able be integrated into the process.
The selection of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. The system could also require tools, guarding, controls, sensors fixtures, conveyors, electrical integration, and communications with existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration reach and payload while also making decisions about how the robot will move about its workspace 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. Engineers can investigate system configurations and estimate cycle times before the final system is put on the floor of the factory. This is particularly helpful in situations where space is not available or if new robotics are required to integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Essential
Controlled movement is crucial for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds of parts. Making components faster is the desired outcome. From the time of beginning production until the final stage moving, speed, distance and application must be controlled.
ASA is a team of experts working with paint and dispensing application across various industries, such as aeronautics and automobile. In these industries, industrial robotic automation can allow for repeatable, programmed movements while reducing exposure of employees to physically demanding or hazardous processes.
A better management of the waste material can also aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste material consumed.
The System Needs People Even After Installation
Automation does not eliminate the need for expertise in manufacturing. The abilities required to manage, maintain, and run the process change.
Employees must be able to operate equipment in a safe manner identify abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faults, and conduct the necessary maintenance. The needs for production may change in time, meaning that processes and programs will need to be adapted.
ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is about more than the ability to work faster
A rise in capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily mean buying a bigger building or adding more workers on repetitive processes. Sometimes, the more important question is whether the current production process can be engineered differently.
ASA has been working on and integration of automation systems since 2002, supporting companies in Australia and also projects internationally. Its approach combines the analysis of requirements and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration and training and even servicing.
Automation is not the only goal. A system that is effective should provide an industry a tangible return more dependable production with consistent quality, safe methods, less waste or a larger capacity for the facility it operates.