A manufacturer is awarded an important contract. The monthly production requirement increases but the company does not have enough space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the day. An increase in production for a short period might be possible, but adding another shift can bring new demands for labor, training, supervision and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
These examples show an important reason for robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing humans with machines. It is able to transform the way that manufacturers utilize their existing capacity for production.
Take a look at the seconds that disappear between products
Manufacturing inefficiency isn’t always significant. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 seconds arranging the component for 10 seconds, then another 10 seconds applying material, and then a few seconds moving it onto the next task. The difference may seem insignificant even for a single piece of equipment. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
The same applies to wasted material. The addition of a tiny amount of additional coatings or dispensing material across a large production line can lead to substantial costs.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects may benefit from studying these tiny frequent losses prior to deciding what equipment they need. The analysis of needs by ASA aims to find bottlenecks and quality issues, waste and other processes that can affect the automation project.
Robots need to be able be integrated into the process.
The choice of a robot is just one decision in engineering. It could be necessary to add tooling, guarding and controls sensors and conveyers, fixtures, electronic integration and communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers must consider the reach, payload and how the robot is going to move and interact with the surrounding.
ASA provides the ability to develop concepts, system design and offline programming in its method of robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate the number of cycles required before the system is finally installed on the floor of the factory. This is particularly useful when space is limited or if new robotics need to be integrated into existing production lines.
Painting and dispensing show why Repeatability Matters
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlling movements. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of components. It’s not enough to finish every component quickly. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance and the movement of every component from the beginning until the very end.
ASA has specialists who work in the field of dispensing and painting across various industries, including aeronautics and automobile. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The reduction in waste and improvement of productivity can be accomplished through better management.
Even after the installation the system requires users
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. The skills required to manage, maintain and run the process change.
The employees must know how to operate equipment safely be aware of abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and perform appropriate maintenance. The production needs can change in time, meaning that procedures and protocols will need to be adjusted.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting. It also offers mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company also provides maintenance and support to check the condition of equipment and addressing wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Capacity goes beyond just working faster
In Australia, expanding production capacity does not always mean hiring more workers for repetitive tasks or buying larger structures. It’s sometimes more beneficial to inquire about whether the production procedure could be altered.
ASA has created and integrated automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects overseas. Its method combines analysis of needs, engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration, training, as well as servicing.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A successful system must give an industry a tangible the form of more reliable production that is consistent in quality, more secure methods, less waste or more capacity from the factory that it currently operates.