A company is awarded an enormous contract. The monthly production requirement increases but the company isn’t equipped with more space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the daytime. An increase in production for a short period might be possible, but the addition of a shift could introduce new labor requirements, training, supervision and quality control.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
This scenario reveals the primary motive behind robotic automation. Robotics does not only replace people with machines. A suitable application can alter the way that manufacturers use their capacity to produce.
You can check out the time difference between products
Inefficient manufacturing is not always apparent. An operator could spend 15 minutes putting the part in place, then 10 seconds applying materials, and then a few seconds to move it to the next step. With a single component the difference is insignificant. When repeated thousands of times however the second can create significant production time.
Material that has been wasted isn’t different. This is also true to waste materials.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects can benefit from studying these tiny, repeated losses before making a decision on the equipment they require. ASA’s needs analysis is designed to pinpoint bottlenecks, problems with quality, waste and other process constraints which could affect the automation project.
The robot needs to be able to accommodate the system around it.
The selection of a robot is just one aspect of engineering. Tools, guardings, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures may also be needed. Engineers must consider the robot’s reach and payload, in addition to how it will interact with its environment and how it will move.
ASA’s approach for FANUC robot automation includes the development of concepts and systems including CAD Simulation, offline Programming. The digital simulation allows engineers to explore configurations, estimate cycle times, and evaluate the system before it is functional on the floor of the customer’s facility. This is particularly helpful when space is limited or new robotics must integrate with a production line that is already in place.
Painting and Dispensing Show Why the importance of repeatability is evident.
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the importance of controlled movements. Imagine coating hundreds or thousands of parts. It’s not enough to finish every component in a short time. It is important to control the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from beginning to at the very end.
ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing solutions across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. 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 in productivity can be achieved through better management.
The installation of the system isn’t enough. It is still necessary to have people to keep it running.
Automation does not eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. The knowledge needed to manage, maintain and run the process change.
Employees must be instructed to safely use equipment as well as to spot abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faulty components, and carry out necessary maintenance. Processes and programs are able to be changed later if production requirements shift.
ASA provides training on site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting. It also offers electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company also provides regular maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and wear and tear problems are dealt with.
Capacity goes beyond just getting faster work done
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily mean buying a bigger building or adding more labor to repetitive processes. Sometimes, the more important question is whether or not the existing manufacturing process can be designed differently.
ASA is designing and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It supports the manufacturing industry in Australia and also international projects. Its approach connects needs analysis and engineering with simulation FANUC robot integration Training, and servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the objective. A system worth the gold it’s worth will offer tangible benefits to an enterprise, including more reliable production, better quality manufacturing processes, and safer ones. It also means less waste.