A manufacturing company wins a big contract. While the requirements for monthly production have increased, the factory does not suddenly have more area for floor or skilled workers. While adding another shift might temporarily boost production, it could be a source of new work as well as training, supervision, and the need for quality control.
These kinds of situations reveal the purpose behind robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing humans with machines. If used properly it can alter how manufacturers make use of the resources they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the seconds between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be dramatic. A worker may take 15 seconds positioning the component and then 10 seconds putting on materials, and then a few seconds more to move it to the next step. For a single component, the difference is minimal. If repeated a thousand times the seconds could create significant production time.
The same is true for wasted material. A tiny amount of surplus coating or dispensing material multiplied in a production run with a high volume could result in a significant expense.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The analysis provided by ASA is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks and quality issues, as also waste and other constraints in a project.
A Robot Has to Fit the Process Itself
Robots are just one of the many engineering choices. It is possible to include tooling, guarding and controls, sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electrical integration, and communication with the current production equipment. Engineers must consider the reach of the robot and its payload as well as how it interact with its surroundings and move about.
ASA offers conceptual development, system design, CAD simulation and offline programming as part of its plan to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers explore configurations, estimate cycle times, and to test the system prior to it becoming operational on the customer’s floor. This is especially helpful when there is a shortage of space or when a new robot needs to be integrated into the existing lines of production.
Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Essential
Controlled movement is essential in certain manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not just about completing the components quickly is the goal. From the time of beginning production all the way to the finish all the movements, speed of the machine, the distance and the application have to be controlled.
ASA has experts who deal in the field of dispensing and painting across all industries, including aeronautics and automobile. In these areas industrial robotic automation may ensure that the same program is repeated while reducing exposure of employees to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The elimination of waste and improvement in productivity could be achieved by better control.
The installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to keep it running.
Automation does not completely eliminate the need for expertise in manufacturing. The capabilities needed to operate, maintain, and operate the process shift.
Employees should be able spot abnormal behavior and solve issues, and do the proper maintenance. Processes and programs can be modified later on if the production needs shift.
ASA offers training on-site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, in addition to maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems. The company provides continuous maintenance and services to ensure that the equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity is more than the ability to work faster
For Australian producers, expanding capacity doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing more space or adding workers to repetitive processes. The better question to ask is whether the present manufacturing process is able to be improved.
ASA has been designing and integrated automation solutions since 2002. It assists companies in Australia and also international projects. Its approach connects needs analysis with engineering, simulation, FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automation is not the aim. A worthwhile system should give manufacturers something tangible in return more dependable production with consistent quality, safe processes, less waste, or a greater capacity in the factory that it currently operates.