A company is awarded an enormous contract. Monthly production requirements rise, but the facility hasn’t seen a sudden increase in area for floor, skilled employees or even hours per daytime. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however the addition of a shift could introduce new requirements for labor as well as training, supervision, and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
These situations reveal a very important reason for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing a person with machines. A suitable application can alter the way in which manufacturers make use of their production capacity.
Examine the Seconds That Aren’t able to be found between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency isn’t always dramatic. An operator may spend 15 seconds positioning the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying materials, then a few seconds to move it onto the next stage. For a single component, the difference in time is not significant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.
It’s the same with waste material. A tiny amount of surplus coating or dispensing material that is multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume could be a substantial expense.
Companies that are considering robot automation Australia projects can gain from examining these minor loss events repeatedly before deciding on the equipment they will require. The needs analysis conducted by ASA is designed to identify bottlenecks as well the quality of work, waste and other process limitations that might affect an automation plan.
The robot has to fit the system around it.
Selecting a robot is only one engineering decision. Tools, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures are also required. Engineers must take into consideration the reach of the robot and its payload, in addition to how it interacts with its environment and move around.
ASA offers conceptual development, design of systems and offline programming in its approach to robotic automation. Engineers can investigate system configurations and estimate the number of cycles required before the finished system is installed on the floor of the factory. It is particularly helpful when there is a limited amount of space or the new robotics requires integration with an existing production line.
The importance of consistency in painting and dispensing
Controlled movement is especially important in some manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of components. The desired result isn’t merely completing each component quickly. The distance, movement speed, and application have be controlled at the beginning of the production process to the point of completion.
ASA is a team of experts working in the field of dispensing and painting across various industries, such as automotive and aeronautics. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
Reduced waste and the improvement of productivity can be accomplished by better control.
The System Needs people after the installation.
Automatism doesn’t replace manufacturing knowledge. The abilities needed to manage, maintain, and run the process change.
Employees need to know how to operate equipment in a safe manner, recognize abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and perform appropriate maintenance. Production requirements can change as time passes, which means that programs and processes will need to be adjusted.
ASA offers on-site training covering safety, programming troubleshooting, mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure that equipment is in top condition and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity is more than working faster
An increase in capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more labor to repeat processes. Sometimes, it is better to ask if the production process can be modified.
ASA has been developing and integrated automation solutions since 2002. It has assisted manufacturers in Australia as well as projects in other countries. Its approach connects needs analysis and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration training, servicing, and maintenance.
Automation is not to achieve its own goals. A worthwhile system should give the manufacturer something tangible in the form of more reliable production and quality, as well as safer methods, less waste or a greater capacity in the factory it already operates.