A manufacturer wins a major contract. Its monthly production needs increase, but the factory hasn’t suddenly gained more floors, employees with experience or working hours during the day. A second shift may help temporarily, but it may also create new work and training, supervision, and quality-control regulations.
These circumstances reveal an important reason for robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing human workers with machines. It could be utilized to change the way manufacturers utilize their current production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Have a look at the seconds that disappear between products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be dramatic. Imagine an operator spending 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment, 10 seconds applying the material, then several seconds to transfer it. On one aspect the difference isn’t that significant. If repeated thousands of times these seconds can create significant production time.
It’s the same for wasted material. Same goes for waste material.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects may benefit from looking at these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The needs analysis conducted by ASA is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, as well waste, quality issues and other process constraints which could impact an automation project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Itself
The choice of a robotics system is a single decision in engineering. It is possible to include tooling, guarding and controls sensors conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration, and communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider the payload and reach while making decisions about how the robot will move about its space 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 test configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is operational in the factory of the customer’s. This is especially helpful when there is a shortage of space or if new robotics require to be incorporated into the existing lines of production.
Painting and dispensing show why Repeatability Matters
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlled movement. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. The goal isn’t just finishing each part quickly. It is important to control the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from beginning to close of the process.
ASA is a team of experts working in the field of dispensing and painting across all industries, including aeronautics and automotive. Industrial robotics automation in these areas allows for repeatable motions as well as limiting the exposure of employees to physical demanding processes or procedures that could cause harm.
Improved control can also cut down on excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to less waste, as well as productivity enhancements.
Even after installation, the system still requires users
Automation does not eliminate the requirement for expert manufacturing. It alters the knowledge required to run and maintain the manufacturing process.
Employees must be able to operate equipment in a safe manner be aware of abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and take care of maintenance. Systems and procedures can be changed later in the event that production requirements are changed.
ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. They also provide servicing and support to check the condition of equipment and taking care to address wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.
Capacity means more than just working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t involve buying a bigger facility or adding additional labor to routine processes. Sometimes, the best question is whether or not the existing production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has been designing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It works with companies in Australia as well as international projects. Its strategy combines analysis of needs and engineering simulation with FANUC integration training, and service.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A good system will give an industry a tangible the form of more reliable production and quality, as well as safer processes, less waste, or more capacity from the factory that it currently operates.