A big contract is won by the manufacturer. Monthly production requirements rise, but the facility does not suddenly gain area for floor, skilled employees or even hours per day. While adding another shift might temporarily aid, it might also create new jobs or supervision, as well as additional training and quality-control needs.
These situations reveal a very significant reason to use robotics automation. Robotics doesn’t just replace humans with machines. If used properly it could alter the way producers use the capacity they have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Look at the seconds that disappear between products
Inefficient manufacturing is not always evident. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 seconds positioning a component after which another 10 seconds are spent applying material, and several more seconds transferring it onto the next task. On one piece it’s not much of a difference. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
The same is true for wasted material. This is also true for the waste material.
Before selecting the equipment they will require, companies looking at robotic automation Australia could benefit from analyzing these tiny losses. The analysis of needs by ASA aims to uncover bottlenecks as well problems with quality, waste and other processes that can affect the automation project.
The robot has to fit the procedure around it.
The decision to choose a robot is a single decision in engineering. Guardings, tools, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures are also required. Engineers must consider the reach and payload of the robot while making decisions about how the robot will move through its work area and interact with everything surrounding 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 time-to-market before the system is operating at the customer’s factory floor. This is especially useful when there is a shortage of space or when new robotics have to be integrated into existing production lines.
It is crucial to have repeatability in painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes show the benefits of controlled movement especially well. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of parts. Not just completing components quickly is the desired outcome. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance, and movement of each part from the beginning until the at the very end.
ASA is a team of experts working in the field of dispensing and painting across all industries, including aeronautics, automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these settings will allow for repeatable movement while reducing the exposure of employees to physically demanding processes or procedures that could be dangerous.
Reduced waste and improvement in productivity can be achieved through better management.
Even after the installation the system will still require people
Automation is not a complete solution to the requirement for expert manufacturing. The knowledge needed to operate, maintain and control the process evolve.
Employees should be aware of how to safely operate equipment, recognize abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and conduct the necessary maintenance. The production needs can change with time, which means that processes and programs will require adjusting.
ASA provides on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting. It also offers mechanical and electrical maintenance. It also offers servicing and support on a regular basis to assess the condition of the equipment and deal with wear and tear over the course of its operating time.
Capacity is about more than the ability to work faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing more space or adding workers to repetitive processes. The better question to ask is whether the current production process can still be improved.
ASA has been creating and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It has assisted manufacturers in Australia and also projects internationally. Its methodology combines the analysis of requirements and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, as well as maintenance.
Automation is not the only goal. A system worthy of its weight in gold will be able to provide tangible benefits for the manufacturer, like greater reliability, higher quality methods, less risky processes, and less waste.