A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. Even though the production needs for each month have risen, the manufacturing facility does not suddenly have more area for floor or skilled workers. While adding a second shift could temporarily help, it could be the cause of additional labor as well as training, supervision, and demands for quality-control.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing human beings with a machine. It is able to alter the method by which manufacturers use their current production capacity.

Check out the seconds between products

Inefficient manufacturing may not be apparent. An operator could spend 15 seconds assembling the component before implementing 10 seconds of substances, and then a few seconds to move it to the next step. It may appear to be a small difference for a single part. When repeated a thousand times, these seconds can increase production by a significant amount.

The waste material that is discarded is not different. Multiplying a small amount of extra coating or dispensing materials throughout a massive production run could lead to a significant expense.

Before choosing the equipment they need, businesses considering robotic automation Australia can benefit by analyzing these small losses. ASA’s analysis of needs is designed to reveal problems with quality and bottlenecks as along with waste and other constraints in a plan.

Robots have to be integrated into the process.

Selecting a robot is only one of the engineering decisions. Tools, guardings, controls sensors, conveyors, and fixtures may also be needed. Engineers should consider reach, payload and how the robot is going to be able to move and interact within the environment.

ASA offers concept development, system design, CAD simulation and offline programming as part of its strategy to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers explore configurations and estimate time-to-market before the system is operating on the customer’s factory floor. This is particularly helpful in cases of space limitations or if new robotics require to be incorporated into the existing lines of production.

Painting and Dispensing Show Why the importance of repeatability is evident.

The ability to control movement is particularly important for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a coat to hundreds of components. It’s not enough just to finish each part in a short time. It is important to control the speed, distance, and the movement of every component from the beginning until the at the very end.

ASA has specialists who work in the field of dispensing and painting across all industries, including aeronautics, automotive and aerospace. In these settings, industrial robotic automation allows for repeatable, programmed movements and minimizes exposure of employees to potentially hazardous processes.

Reduced waste and the increase of productivity can be accomplished by better control.

The System Will Still Need People Even After Installation

Automation can’t replace the manufacturing know-how. Automation changes the skills needed to operate and maintain the process.

The employees must know how to operate equipment safely, recognize abnormal behavior or malfunctions, then troubleshoot the issue and carry out the correct maintenance. Production requirements may also be changed, which means the processes and programs could require adjustments later on.

ASA offers training on-site including programming, safety troubleshooting, and electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and servicing to ensure that equipment is in top working order and wear and tear issues are addressed.

Capacity is about more than working faster

In Australia, expanding production capacity doesn’t always mean hiring more workers for repetitive tasks or buying bigger buildings. It’s often better to inquire if the manufacturing process could be redesigned.

ASA has been creating and integration of automation solutions since 2002. It provides support to manufacturers in Australia as well as international projects. Its strategy combines analysis of needs, engineering simulation, FANUC integration training, and service.

Automating for automation’s sake isn’t a goal. An investment in a system should offer a manufacturer measurable results, like greater reliability in production, better quality, safer methods, reduced waste or increased capacity.