A company is awarded a significant contract. The monthly production needs increase however, the plant doesn’t have more space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the day. While adding another shift may temporarily aid, it might be a source of new work in the form of supervision, training, or requirements for quality control.
Such situations highlight the purpose behind robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing human beings with machines. If it is used correctly it can transform the way producers use the capacity they have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Examine the Seconds That Disappear Between Products
Inefficient manufacturing is not always obvious. Imagine a worker spending 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment for 10 seconds, then applying the material and then transfer it. For one part it’s not much of a difference. When repeated a thousand times these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.
It’s the same for waste material. This is also true for waste material.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia could benefit by analyzing these tiny loss, repeated ones before they choose the equipment they will purchase. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to pinpoint bottlenecks, as well problems with quality, waste and other process constraints which could impact an automation project.
The robot should fit the processes around it.
The selection of a robot represents only one decision in engineering. It might be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electronic integration and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers should take into consideration the range, payload, and how the robot is going to move and interact in the surrounding.
ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers can explore system configurations and estimate the number of cycles required before the final system is put in the factory floor. This is particularly helpful when space is scarce or new robotics must integrate into an existing production line.
Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Important
Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlled movement. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of components. The end goal isn’t simply complete each component at a rapid pace. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance and movement of each part from beginning to close of the process.
Our specialists have experience painting and dispensing across industries such as automotive and aerospace. In these settings industrial robotic automation may offer repeatable programming while reducing exposure of employees to physical demands or potentially dangerous processes.
Better control may also reduce the unnecessary use of materials, leading to a decrease in waste as well as productivity gains.
The System Will Still Need People Even After Installation
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. It changes the skills required to operate and maintain the process.
Employees should be aware of how to safely operate equipment, recognize abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and take care of maintenance. The production requirements can also change, meaning programs and processes may need modifications later.
ASA provides training on-site for safe operation, programming troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and repairs to ensure that equipment is in top order and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity goes beyond just getting faster work done
In Australia, increasing capacity for production doesn’t always mean adding workers to repetitive tasks or buying bigger structures. Sometimes the better question is whether or not the existing production process can be redesigned differently.
ASA has been working on and integrated automation solutions since 2002, and has been supporting companies in Australia as well as projects around the world. Its method combines analysis of needs, engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, as well as servicing.
Automation is not just for the sake of automation. Any system that is worth investing in should offer a manufacturer measurable results, which include more reliable production, higher quality, safer methods with less waste, or a greater capacity.