A company is awarded a large contract. The monthly production requirement increases however, the plant does not have enough space and has employees with previous experience or more hours to work during the day. It is possible to add another shift in the short term, but it could also create new work, training, supervision, and quality-control requirements.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
These kinds of situations reveal the purpose behind robotic automation. Robotics doesn’t just replace humans with machines. It can be used to change the way manufacturers utilize their current production capacity.
Watch the second-to-second time between the products
Inefficient manufacturing is not always obvious. An operator may spend 15 seconds assembling the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying substances, and then a few seconds to move it to the next step. On a single part, it’s a small difference. When repeated a thousand times the seconds could increase production by a significant amount.
The waste material that is discarded is not different. The same is true for the waste material.
The businesses that are looking into robotic automation Australia could benefit from looking at these small, repetitive losses before they decide on the best equipment to buy. The analysis of needs by ASA aims to uncover bottlenecks as well problems with quality, waste and other limitations to process that might affect an automation plan.
Robots need to be able work with the system.
Making a choice on a robot is only one option in the engineering process. Guardings, tools, controls sensors, conveyors and fixtures might also be necessary. Engineers must consider the reach of the robot and its payload, and how it interacts with its environment and how it will move.
The ASA approach to FANUC robot automation is to use the development of concepts and systems as well as CAD Simulation and offline Programming. Engineers can investigate system configurations and estimate cycle times before the final system is put on the floor of the factory. It’s particularly useful when there is a small space available or when the new robotics has to integrate with a production line.
Painting and dispensing show why It’s Important to Repeat
Certain manufacturing processes highlight the benefits of controlled movement particularly well. Imagine coating hundreds or thousands of components. The ability to finish components in a short time is the desired outcome. The distance, movement speed, and the application must to remain controlled starting from the beginning of the production run to the point of completion.
ASA is a specialist in painting and dispensing applications across a variety of 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 improvement in productivity can be achieved through better control.
Even after the installation, the system still requires individuals
Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. Automation transforms the skills required to manage and control the manufacturing process.
Employees should be trained to safely use equipment, identify abnormal behavior, troubleshoot faulty components, and complete any necessary maintenance. Processes and programs can be adjusted later if the production needs are changed.
ASA offers on-site training in safe operation, programming and troubleshooting. It also offers electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and servicing to ensure that the equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity is about more than working faster
In Australia, increasing production capacity does not necessarily mean adding more employees to repetitive jobs or purchasing larger structures. The best question to ask is whether the existing manufacturing process is able to be improved.
ASA has been creating and integrating automation systems since 2002. It has assisted manufacturers in Australia as well as projects in other countries. The method is based on the analysis of requirements and engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration training, and even servicing.
Automation is not to achieve its own goals. A system that’s worthy of its weight in gold should offer tangible benefits to an enterprise, including greater reliability, higher quality, safer processes and less waste.