A manufacturing company gets the contract for a significant amount. Although the monthly production requirements have grown, the plant does not suddenly have more area for floor or skilled workers. An increase in production for a short period is possible, but the addition of a shift could introduce new requirements for labor education, supervision, training and quality control.
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Such situations highlight the importance of robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just mean replacing a person with the aid of a machine. If it is used correctly it could alter the way producers use the capacity they have.
Examine the Seconds That Aren’t able to be found between the products
Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be dramatic. An operator may spend 15 seconds positioning the component before implementing 10 seconds of substances, and then a couple of seconds moving it to the next step. With a single component the difference in time is not significant. Those seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.
Wasted material is no different. In the event of spreading a small amount extra coating or dispensing materials throughout a massive production line can lead to an enormous expense.
Companies looking into robot automation Australia projects will gain from examining these minor, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. The analysis conducted by ASA’s Needs Analysis is designed to find bottlenecks, problems with quality, waste and other processes which could affect the automation project.
A Robot Must Fit the Process Itself
The decision to choose a robot is a single decision in engineering. It is possible to include tooling, guarding and controls, sensors and conveyers, fixtures, electrical integration and communication with the current production equipment. Engineers must consider reach and payload when making decisions about how the robot can move around its workspace and interact with the environment surrounding it.
ASA’s approach to FANUC robot automation includes conceptual development and design as well as CAD Simulation and offline programming. The digital simulation allows engineers to to explore the possibilities of configurations, estimate cycle times, and evaluate the system prior to it becoming functional on the floor of the customer’s facility. This is particularly beneficial when space is constrained or when new robotics have to integrate into an existing production line.
The importance of consistency in painting and dispensing
Controlled movement is crucial for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds, or thousands of components. Not just completing components quickly is the ideal outcome. The distance, movement, speed, and application need be controlled at the beginning of the production run to the time of its completion.
ASA has specialists working with paint and dispensing processes across industries including automotive and aerospace. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.
The reduction in waste and the increase in productivity is possible by better control.
Installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to take care of it.
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. Automation changes the skills needed for maintaining and operating the manufacturing process.
Employees need to be able recognize abnormal behavior and troubleshoot problems, as well as perform the appropriate maintenance. Production requirements may also alter, indicating that processes and programs may require modifications later.
ASA provides on-site training covering safe operation, programming troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company offers ongoing maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in top condition and wear and tear issues are taken care of.
Capacity refers to more than the ability to work faster
The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturing companies doesn’t need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more employees to repeat processes. The better question to ask is whether the present production process can still be improved.
ASA has been designing and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It works with the manufacturing industry in Australia, as well as international projects. Its approach combines analysis of needs with engineering, simulations FANUC robotic integration, training, and even servicing.
Automating just for the sake of it isn’t the goal. An investment in a system must provide the manufacturer with measurable results, including greater reliability in production, better quality, safer processes with less waste, or a greater capacity.