A large contract is signed by a manufacturer. Production requirements for the month rise, but the facility isn’t gaining floor space, experienced employees or even hours per daytime. Although adding another shift may temporarily help, it could also bring new labor or supervision, as well as additional training and requirements for quality control.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. It’s not just about replacing human beings with machines. If used properly it could alter the way producers use the capacity they already have.

Take a look at the seconds that disappear between products

Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be dramatic. Suppose an operator spends 15 seconds positioning a component and then 10 seconds putting it in the material, and a few minutes transferring it to the next operation. With a single component the difference is minimal. When repeated thousands of times however, those seconds become important production times.

Wasted material is no different. Same goes to waste materials.

Companies considering robotic automation Australia will gain from analyzing these small repeated losses prior to choose the equipment they will purchase. ASA’s needs analysis is intended to identify bottlenecks, quality issues, waste, and other processes that could influence an automation project.

The robot has to fit the procedure around it.

The choice of a robot represents only one decision in engineering. The system might also require tools, guarding control, sensors, conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration, as well as communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers must take into consideration reach and payload when determining how the robot will move about its area of work and interact with the environment surrounding it.

ASA offers conceptual development, system design, CAD simulation and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Engineers are able to explore configurations for the system and estimate cycles before the system is finally installed on the factory floor. This is particularly helpful when space is limited or if new robotics need to be incorporated into existing production lines.

Painting and Dispensing Show Why Repetability is Important

Controlled movement is especially important for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine coating hundreds or thousands of components. It’s not enough to complete each piece in a short time. It is important to control the speed, distance and the movement of every component from the beginning until the very end.

ASA’s specialists are experienced in dispensing and painting across various industries including aerospace and automotive. Industrial robotic automation in these industries can allow for repeatable movements while limiting exposure of workers to physically demanding processes or processes that could cause harm.

Improved control can also cut down on the unnecessary use of materials, leading to a reduction in waste and productivity improvements.

Even after the installation, the system still requires users

Automatism isn’t a substitute for manufacturing knowledge. It transforms the knowledge needed for operating and maintaining the manufacturing process.

Employees should be trained to safely use equipment in order to identify any abnormalities as well as troubleshoot components that are malfunctioning and complete any necessary maintenance. The needs for production may change as time passes, which means that the processes and programs require adjusting.

ASA offers training on site that covers safe operation, programming troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company also provides maintenance and support to check equipment condition, and addressing wear throughout the lifespan of the equipment.

Capacity refers to more than Working Faster

Increased capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding additional labor to repetitive processes. Sometimes, the most important thing to consider is whether the existing manufacturing process can be designed differently.

ASA has been developing and integrating automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also provide support for projects in other countries. Its method combines the analysis of requirements, engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration, training, and also servicing.

Automation is not the aim. A system that is effective should provide the manufacturer something tangible in return more dependable production, consistent quality, safer processes, less waste, or a larger capacity for the existing factory.