A company is awarded a large contract. Even though the production needs for each month have grown, the plant does not suddenly have more floor space or experienced employees. Adding another shift might help temporarily, but it can create new labor, training, supervision, and quality-control demands.
These scenarios reveal an significant reason to use robotics automation. It’s not just about replacing human beings with machines. When used in the right way, it can change how manufacturers use the production capacity they have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Examine the Seconds That disappear between products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always apparent. For instance, suppose an operator is spending 15 seconds positioning a component, another 10 seconds applying material, and several more seconds to transfer it to the next process. On one piece the difference appears to be insignificant. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same for wasted material. This is also true for waste material.
Companies looking into robotic automation Australia projects will benefit from looking at these small frequent losses prior to deciding on the equipment they will require. The analysis conducted by ASA’s Needs Analysis is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other processes that may affect an automation project.
The robot must fit the processes around it.
Making a choice on a robot is only one option in the engineering process. It might be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls sensors and conveyers, fixtures, electronic integration and communication with the current production equipment. Engineers must consider reach and payload while also determining how the robot can move around its work area 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 lets engineers analyze configurations, estimate cycles times and test the system prior to it becoming operating on the floor of a customer’s premises. This is particularly helpful when there are space constraints or if new robotics require to be integrated with the existing lines of production.
Dispensing and painting demonstrate why Replicability is Critical.
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the value of controlled movement especially well. Imagine covering a variety of components. It’s not enough just to complete each piece quickly. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance, and the movement of every component from the beginning until the very end.
ASA is a team of experts working with paint and dispensing application across various industries, including automotive and aeronautics. In these areas industrial robotic automation could allow for repeatable, programmed movements as well as limiting exposure for employees to physically demanding and potentially dangerous processes.
The reduction in wasted materials and an increase of productivity can be accomplished through better management.
Even after installation it still needs people
Automation does not eliminate the need for skilled manufacturing. It changes the skills required to operate and maintain the process.
Employees should be aware of how to operate equipment safely, recognize abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and conduct the necessary maintenance. The production requirements can also change, meaning programs and processes may need modification later.
ASA provides training on-site for programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company also provides regular maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in good working order and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity refers to more than the ability to work faster
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily require the purchase of a larger building or adding more employees to repetitive processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire about whether the production process can be modified.
ASA has been working on and integrating automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also help with projects overseas. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration, training and servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the objective. An investment in a system will provide a manufacturer with tangible outcomes, such as greater reliability in production, better quality, safer processes as well as reduced waste or a higher capacity.