A big contract is won by a manufacturer. The production requirement for each month increases but the company does not have enough space, employees with experience, or more hours to work during the day. While adding another shift may temporarily aid, it might be a source of new work or supervision, as well as additional training and the need for quality control.
Such situations highlight the purpose behind robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. It can be used to change the way manufacturers utilize their production capacity.
Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au
Watch the second-to-second time between the products
Inefficient manufacturing isn’t always apparent. Imagine a worker spending 15 seconds locating a component, 10 seconds applying the material, and then a few seconds moving it. In the case of a single piece, the difference in time is not significant. When repeated a thousand times the second can create significant production time.
The same is true for wasted material. A small amount of additional coating or dispensing materials over a long 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. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues, as along with additional constraints and waste in a project.
Robots should be able to work with the system.
A robot’s selection is only one option in the engineering process. It is possible to incorporate tooling, security and controls sensors conveyors, fixtures, electronic integration and communication to the production equipment already in place. Engineers should think about the payload, reach and range as well as how the robot is going to move and interact in the environment.
ASA offers conceptual development, design of systems and offline programming as part of its method of robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers test configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is operational at the customer’s factory floor. This is particularly beneficial when space is scarce or when new robotics need to be integrated into an existing production line.
Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Essential
Controlled movement is especially important in certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds of components. The ability to finish components in a short time is the desired outcome. The distance, movement rate, and even the application needs be managed from the beginning of the production line until the point of completion.
ASA is a team of experts working on dispensing and paint applications across industries, including automotive and aeronautics. Industrial robotics automation in these areas allows for reproducible movements while limiting exposure of employees to physically demanding procedures or ones that may cause harm.
Better control may also reduce excessive material consumption, thereby contributing to a decrease in waste as well as productivity enhancements.
The System Will Still Need People Even After Installation
Automation is not a complete solution to the need for manufacturing expertise. The skills required to manage, maintain, and manage the process are changing.
Employees need to know how to operate equipment safely be aware of abnormal behavior as well as troubleshoot issues and carry out the correct maintenance. The production requirements can also alter, which means that procedures and programs might require modification later.
ASA provides training on site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting, in addition to maintenance for electrical and mechanical components. The company provides ongoing maintenance and service to ensure that the equipment is in top condition and wear and tear issues are addressed.
Capacity is about more than just making work faster
In Australia, boosting production capacity is not always about adding workers to repetitive tasks or buying larger buildings. The best question to ask is whether the current production process can still be improved.
ASA has developed and integrated automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also help with projects across the world. Its approach combines needs analysis along with engineering simulation FANUC integration along with training and servicing.
Automation is not the only goal. A good system will give an industry a tangible yield, more stable production that is consistent in quality, more secure methods, less waste or more capacity from the existing factory.