A company is awarded an important contract. While the demands for production have increased, the factory doesn’t suddenly have more flooring or experienced workers. While adding another shift may temporarily help, it could also create new jobs in the form of supervision, training, or demands for quality-control.
These scenarios reveal an important reason for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing people with machines. The right software can change the way in which manufacturers make use of their capacity to produce.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the seconds that Disappear Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be dramatic. Suppose an operator spends 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place, another 10 seconds applying materials, and then several seconds to transfer it to the next step. In the case of a single piece, it’s a small difference. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same for waste materials. A small amount of additional coating or dispensing materials throughout a massive production run could lead to the cost of a large amount.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects could benefit from looking at these small regular losses prior to deciding what equipment they need. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to identify bottlenecks as well waste, quality issues and other process limitations that could affect an automation project.
A Robot must be able to integrate the Process Itself
The decision to choose a robot is a single decision in engineering. It might be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls, sensors, conveyers, fixtures, electronic integration and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers should consider reach and payload while also determining how the robot will move about its space 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. Engineers are able to explore configurations for the system and estimate cycle times before the finalized system is placed on the factory floor. It is particularly helpful when there’s a finite space available or when the new robotics is required to be integrated with a production line.
Painting and Dispensing Show Why It’s Important to Repeat
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlling movements. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of parts. The goal isn’t just complete each component at a rapid pace. The distance, movement speed, and the application must to remain controlled starting from the beginning of the production process until the time of its completion.
ASA’s specialists are experienced in dispensing and painting across various industries such as aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotic automation in these settings can allow for repeatable movements and reduce the risk of workers to physical demanding processes or processes that could be dangerous.
A better control of materials that are discarded can aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste materials used.
Installing the system is not enough. Still, you need someone to maintain it.
Automation doesn’t remove the requirement for manufacturing knowledge. The abilities needed to manage, maintain, and control the process evolve.
Employees must be instructed to operate equipment with care as well as to spot abnormal behavior and troubleshoot malfunctioning components and complete any necessary maintenance. Programs and processes can be adjusted later if the production needs are changed.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. They also provide servicing as well as support for evaluating the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Capacity is more than Working Faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t mean purchasing larger buildings or adding labor to repetitive processes. Sometimes, the more important question is whether the present manufacturing process could be designed differently.
ASA has been working on and integrated automation solutions since 2002, supporting manufacturers in Australia as well as projects internationally. Its approach connects needs analysis and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration training, as well as servicing.
Automation is not just for the sake of automation. A good system will give manufacturers something tangible in the form of more reliable production with consistent quality, safe methods, less waste or a larger capacity for the factory it already operates.