A company is awarded a significant contract. The production requirement for each month increases, but the factory doesn’t have more space or employees who have experience or additional hours in the daytime. While adding a second shift could temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work in the form of supervision, training, or requirements for quality control.
This situation reveals a key motive behind robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing humans with an automated machine. It’s a tool that can modify the methods that manufacturers employ to use their current production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Look at the Seconds That Change Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be a major issue. Imagine a person spending 15 seconds looking for a particular component for 10 seconds, then applying the material and several seconds to transfer it. In the case of a single piece, the difference is insignificant. If repeated thousands of times the second can add significant production time.
It’s the same with the waste materials. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material that is multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume could result in a significant expense.
Companies that are thinking about robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying these small, repetitive losses before they decide which equipment to buy. The analysis of needs by ASA aims to find bottlenecks and waste, quality issues and other limitations to process that can affect the automation project.
Robots have to fit into the process.
A robot is one of the many engineering choices. Controls, guardings and tooling as well as conveyors, sensors and fixtures are also necessary. 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 provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers explore configurations, estimate cycle time and allow them to test the system before it becomes functional on the floor of the customer’s facility. It is particularly helpful when there is a limited amount of space or the new robotics is required to be integrated with a production line.
Painting and Dispensing demonstrate why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Certain manufacturing processes demonstrate the importance of controlling movements. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of parts. The goal isn’t just the process of completing every component in a short time. From the time of beginning production to the end all the movements, speed of the machine, the distance and the application have to be managed.
ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing solutions across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. Industrial robotic automation in these environments will allow for repeatable movement while limiting exposure of employees to physical demanding processes or processes that could be hazardous.
The elimination of wasted materials and an increase of productivity can be accomplished through better control.
Even after installation the system requires individuals
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. It requires new skills to run and maintain the process.
Employees need to be trained to operate equipment in a safe manner in order to identify any abnormalities, troubleshoot faulty components, and perform necessary maintenance. Production requirements may also alter, indicating that processes and programs may require adjustments later on.
ASA offers on-site training in programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and service to ensure that the equipment is in top condition and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is the capacity to work faster
In Australia, increasing production capacity is not always about the addition of workers to repetitive tasks or buying larger structures. The more important question to consider is whether the present manufacturing process is able to be improved.
ASA has developed and integrated automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also provide support for projects in other countries. Its method of analysis connects needs and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration training, servicing, and maintenance.
Automation is not the aim. An investment-worthy system should offer a manufacturer measurable results, including greater reliability in production, better quality, safer methods, reduced waste or increased capacity.