A company is awarded a significant contract. The monthly production requirement increases, but the factory has no room and has employees with previous experience or extra hours during the day. A temporary increase in production could be possible, however adding another shift can introduce new demands for labor training, supervision, and quality control.
This situation highlights a major motive behind robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing human workers with machines. It can be used to change the way manufacturers utilize their current production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the minutes that vanish between products
Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be dramatic. For instance, suppose an operator is spending 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place for 10 seconds, then another 10 seconds applying materials, and then several minutes transferring it to the next operation. On one component the difference isn’t that significant. Repeated thousands of times but those seconds turn into significant production time.
It’s the same for waste materials. Similar is the case to waste materials.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia could benefit from analyzing these small routine losses before they choose the equipment they will purchase. The needs analysis of ASA is designed to find bottlenecks, problems with quality, waste and other processes that can affect an automation project.
Robots should be able to fit into the process.
A robot is just one of many engineering choices. It could be necessary to install tooling, protection and controls sensors, conveyers, fixtures, electrical integration and communication with the current production equipment. Engineers should think about the payload, reach and range as well as how the robot is going to move and interact with its surroundings.
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 finished system is installed on the floor of the factory. It’s especially useful when there is a small amount of space or the new robotics has to integrate with a production line.
The importance of consistency in painting and dispensing
Some manufacturing processes illustrate the importance of controlled motion especially well. Imagine covering hundreds of components. The end goal isn’t simply complete each component at a rapid pace. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from the beginning until the very end.
ASA is a team of experts working on dispensing and paint applications across various industries, such as aeronautics and automobile. In these industries, industrial robotic automation can provide regular, programmatic movements and decreases the risk of exposure for employees to physically challenging or potentially dangerous processes.
Reduced waste and the improvement in productivity is possible through better management.
Even after the installation, the system still requires users
Automation does not eliminate the requirement for knowledge in manufacturing. The abilities needed to manage, maintain and manage the process are changing.
Employees should be able to detect abnormal behavior and identify issues, and do the proper maintenance. The demands for production can shift in time, meaning that procedures and protocols will need to be adapted.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and repairs to ensure that the equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity is more than Working Faster
For Australian manufacturers, increasing capacity doesn’t always mean purchasing larger buildings or adding labor to repetitive processes. The more important question to consider is whether the current manufacturing process could be improved.
ASA has been working on and integrated automation systems since 2002, assisting manufacturers in Australia and projects internationally. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration as well as training and maintenance.
Automation isn’t the main goal. A system that’s worth the gold it’s worth should provide measurable benefits to a manufacturer, such as higher reliability in production, improved quality process, more secure processes and less waste.
