A manufacturer is awarded an important contract. While the requirements for monthly production have increased, the facility does not have an increase in floors or more experienced workers. A temporary increase in production might be possible, but the addition of a shift could introduce new requirements for labor as well as training, supervision, and quality control.
Situations like this reveal an important function of robotic automation. Robotics is not just replacing humans with machines. In the right application it can alter how companies use the capacity they already have.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Take a look at the seconds that Aren’t able to be found between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be a major issue. Imagine a worker taking 15 minutes searching for a part, 10 seconds applying the material, and then a few seconds transferring it. In the case of a single piece, it’s a small difference. If repeated a thousand times the seconds could add significant production time.
It’s the same for waste materials. The addition of a tiny amount of additional coatings or dispensing material in a huge production run could result in substantial costs.
Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. ASA’s needs analysis aims to pinpoint bottlenecks, as well the quality of work, waste and other limitations to process that can affect the automation project.
A Robot Must Fit the Process Itself
Robots are just one of many engineering options. Tooling, guardings, controls, sensor, conveyors and fixtures could also be required. Engineers must take into consideration the reach and payload of the robot while determining how the robot will move about its workspace and interact with everything surrounding it.
ASA’s approach for FANUC robot automation is based on concept development, system design including CAD Simulation, offline programming. Engineers can explore system configurations and calculate cycles prior to when the system is finally installed in the factory floor. It’s especially useful when there is a limited area or new robotics needs to integrate with a production line.
Painting and dispensing show why Repetability is Important
Controlled movement is essential in some manufacturing processes. Imagine covering hundreds of components. Making components faster is the desired outcome. It is crucial to manage the speed, distance, and movement of each piece from beginning to final.
ASA has specialists who work with paint and dispensing application across all industries, including aeronautics, automotive and aerospace. In these areas industrial robotic automation could provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or hazardous processes.
An improved control over waste material can also aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste material used.
Even after the installation the system will still require individuals
Automating doesn’t completely eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. The skills required to operate, maintain, and run the process change.
Employees need to be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as perform the appropriate maintenance. The production needs can change as time passes, which means that programs and processes will require adjusting.
ASA offers training on site that covers safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in top order and wear and tear issues are dealt with.
Capacity is more than working faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily involve buying a bigger facility or adding more workers to repetitive processes. Sometimes, it is better to ask if the production process could be redesigned.
ASA has been developing and the integration of automation solutions since 2002. It provides support to manufacturers in Australia as well as international projects. The approach is a combination of needs analysis and engineering simulation with FANUC integration as well as training and maintenance.
The objective isn’t automation just for the sake of automation. An investment-worthy system should offer a manufacturer measurable results, including increased reliability of production, improved quality, safer procedures with less waste, or a greater capacity.