A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. Monthly production requirements increase, but the factory does not suddenly gain floors, employees with experience or hours of work per day. A second shift may help temporarily, but it could be a source of new labor and training, supervision, and quality-control regulations.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
This is a crucial motive behind robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human workers with machines. When used in the right way it can transform the way companies use the capacity they already have.
Examine the Seconds That disappear between products
Inefficient manufacturing may not be obvious. A worker may take 15 minutes positioning the item and then 10 seconds putting on substances, and then a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. On one aspect the difference appears to be insignificant. Repeated thousands of times the seconds are important production times.
It’s the same with waste material. The same is true for waste material.
Before making a decision on the equipment they require, companies considering robotic automation Australia can benefit by analyzing these small losses. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well the quality of work, waste and other process constraints which might affect an automation plan.
Robots need to be able be integrated into the process.
The selection of a robot is only one of the decisions in engineering. The system might also require guarding, tools devices, controls fixtures, conveyors, electronic integration, and connectivity with the existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration the reach of the robot and its payload, as well as how it will interact with its environment and how it will move.
ASA offers concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its strategy to FANUC’s robotic automation. Engineers are able to explore configurations for the system and estimate cycle times before the final system is put on the factory floor. This is particularly useful in cases of space limitations or if new robotics require to be integrated with the existing lines of production.
Painting and Dispensing Show Why Repetability is Important
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine covering a variety of components. It’s not enough just to finish every component quickly. The distance, movement, speed, and the application must be managed from the start of the production run to the end.
ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing solutions across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
An improved control over waste material can also aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste materials used.
Even after the installation the system requires users
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. The capabilities needed to manage, maintain, and run the process change.
Employees should be aware of how to operate equipment safely, recognize abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and take care of maintenance. The processes and procedures can be modified later on if production requirements are changed.
ASA provides training on-site for safe operation, programming troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. They also provide servicing and support to check the condition of equipment and addressing wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Capacity refers to more than the ability to work faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily involve buying a bigger facility or adding more workers to routine processes. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire about whether the production process could be redesigned.
ASA has been creating and integrated automation systems since 2002. It has assisted companies in Australia and also projects around the world. Its methodology combines analysis of needs and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration and training and even servicing.
Automation is not the aim. A system worthy of the gold it’s worth ought to provide measurable benefits to an enterprise, including higher reliability in production, improved quality, safer processes and less waste.