A manufacturer is awarded an important contract. Although the monthly production requirements have increased, the factory does not have an increase in area for floor or skilled workers. While adding a second shift could temporarily improve the situation, it may be the cause of additional labor or supervision, as well as additional training and demands for quality-control.
This is a crucial reason for robots. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing humans with machines. It can be used to transform the way that manufacturers utilize their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Check out the Seconds that Change Between Products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be a major issue. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 seconds arranging a part, another 10 seconds applying material, and several more seconds transferring it onto the next task. The difference might seem small for a single part. When repeated thousands of times however these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.
Same goes for waste material. 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 considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small regular losses prior to making a decision on the equipment they require. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues, as in addition to any other limitations within a project.
The robot must fit the procedure around it.
A robot is one of many engineering choices. It may be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls, sensors, conveyers, fixtures, electronic integration and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers must take into consideration the robot’s reach and payload, in addition to how it interact with its surroundings 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. The digital simulation lets engineers to explore the possibilities of configurations, estimate cycle times, and evaluate the system prior to it becoming in operation on the floor of the customer’s. It is particularly helpful in situations where there is a restricted amount of space, or when the new robotics has to integrate with the production line.
It is crucial to have repeatability in painting and dispensing
Certain manufacturing processes demonstrate the importance of controlling movements. Imagine covering hundreds of components. The final result doesn’t come from complete each component at a rapid pace. From the time of beginning production until the final stage all the movements, speed as well as the distance to be applied must be controlled.
ASA has experts working on painting and dispensing solutions across a variety of industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these industries, industrial robotic automation provides repeatable, programmed movements and reduces exposure of employees to potentially dangerous processes.
Better control may also reduce unnecessary material consumption, contributing to lower waste alongside productivity improvements.
Even after installation, the system still requires people
Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. Automation can alter the capabilities needed to maintain and operate the process.
Employees should be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as carry out the correct maintenance. Production requirements can change over time, which means that procedures and protocols will require adjusting.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and servicing to ensure that equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity is about more than Working Faster
Increased capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily involve buying a bigger facility or adding more labor to repeat processes. Sometimes, the best question is whether or not the existing manufacturing process could be designed differently.
ASA has been developing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002, and has been supporting manufacturers in Australia and also projects in other countries. Its method combines the analysis of requirements, engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration and training as well as servicing.
It’s not about automation for its own sake. A system worth the gold it’s worth must bring tangible benefits to a manufacturer, such as better production reliability, better quality process, more secure processes and less waste.