A manufacturer is awarded an important contract. Even though the production needs for each month have increased, the facility does not suddenly have more area for floor or skilled workers. The addition of a second shift could help in the short term, but it could be a source of new labor as well as training, supervision and quality-control requirements.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
This scenario reveals the primary purpose for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing humans with machines. When used in the right way, it can change how manufacturers use the production capacity they have.
Take a look at the seconds that Change Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be a major issue. Imagine a worker spending 15 seconds locating a component and then 10 seconds putting it into the material, and then a few seconds moving it. On one component it’s not much of a difference. When repeated a thousand times, these seconds can create significant production time.
It is the same with waste material. The same is true to waste materials.
Companies looking into robotic automation Australia projects can gain from examining these minor regular losses prior to choosing the right equipment. The needs analysis conducted by ASA is designed to identify bottlenecks as well quality issues, waste and other limitations to process that could impact an automation project.
The robot must fit the processes around it.
Selecting a robot is only one decision in engineering. The system will also require guarding, tools control, sensors fixtures, conveyors, electrical integration, and communications with the existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider the reach and payload of the robot while determining how the robot will move through its area of work and interact with the environment around it.
ASA offers conceptual development, design of systems and offline programming in its method of robotic automation. Engineers can look at system configurations and estimate cycles before the system is finally installed in the factory floor. This is particularly helpful when there is a shortage of space or when a new robot needs to be integrated with existing production lines.
The importance of repeatability when painting and dispensing
The ability to control movement is particularly important for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of components. Not just completing components quickly is what you want to achieve. It is important to control the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from the beginning to the very end.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing systems across a variety of industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The elimination of waste and the improvement in productivity could be achieved through better management.
Installation of the system isn’t enough. Still, you need someone to keep it running.
Automation is not a complete solution to the requirement for expert manufacturing. Automation transforms the skills required to operate and maintain the process.
Employees must be instructed to operate equipment in a safe manner, identify abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faulty components, and complete any necessary maintenance. Programs and processes can be modified later on if the production needs are changed.
ASA offers training on site that covers safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure that equipment is in good repair and wear and tear problems are dealt with.
Capacity is greater than working faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean buying a larger building or continually adding labor to repetitive processes. It’s often better to ask if the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has developed and integrated automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also support projects in other countries. Its methodology combines analysis of needs as well as engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration training, and also servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A system that is effective should provide manufacturers something tangible in the form of more reliable production, consistent quality, safer processes, less waste, or more capacity from the facility it operates.