A manufacturer is awarded a large contract. The production requirements for the month increase however the facility doesn’t have more space, employees with experience, or additional hours in the day. A second shift may help temporarily, but it can also create new work or training, supervision and quality-control demands.

This kind of situation reveals an important function of robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing human beings with machines. It can be used to modify the methods that manufacturers employ to use their production capacity.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

Take a look at the time intervals between products

Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t have to be a major issue. Imagine that an operator has spent 15 minutes putting a piece of equipment in place, another 10 seconds applying materials, and then several minutes transferring it to the next operation. On one aspect it’s not much of a difference. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.

It’s the same for waste material. Same goes to waste materials.

Companies considering robotic automation Australia projects can benefit from examining these small, repeated losses before deciding what equipment they need. AAS’s Needs Analysis aims to find bottlenecks and waste, quality issues and other process constraints which could impact an automation project.

A Robot must be able to integrate the Process Around It

A robot’s selection is only one option in the engineering process. It is possible to add tooling, guarding and controls sensors conveyors, fixtures, electronic integration and communication with existing production equipment. Engineers should consider the range, payload, and how the robot will operate and interact with its surroundings.

ASA provides concept development, system design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as an element of its approach to FANUC’s robotic automation. The digital simulation lets engineers examine configurations, estimate cycle times, and to test the system prior to it becoming in operation on the floor of the customer’s. This is especially useful in situations where space is not available or when new robotics need to be integrated into an existing production line.

Painting and dispensing show why Repeatability Matters

Some manufacturing processes illustrate the benefits of controlled movement especially well. Imagine coating hundreds or thousands of parts. It’s not enough just to complete each piece in a short time. From the start of production all the way to the finish the speed, movement, distance and application must be controlled.

ASA has specialists who work on painting and dispensing solutions across various industries, including automotive and aerospace. In these industries, industrial robotic automation offers repeatable, programmed movements and reduces employee exposure to physically challenging or potentially hazardous processes.

An improved control over waste materials can also contribute to productivity improvements by cutting down on the amount of waste material that is consumed.

The installation of the system isn’t enough. You will require people to manage it.

Automation does not completely eliminate the need for manufacturing expertise. Automation changes the skills needed to manage and control the manufacturing process.

Employees should be aware of how to operate equipment safely and recognize any abnormalities, troubleshoot faults, and take care of maintenance. Processes and programs can be adjusted later if the production needs alter.

ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company offers servicing and assistance for assessing equipment condition, and addressing wear and tear throughout the life of the system.

Capacity is about more than Being able to work faster

A rise in capacity for Australian manufacturers doesn’t necessarily involve buying a bigger facility or adding additional labor to repeat processes. The more important question to consider is whether the current manufacturing process is able to be improved.

ASA has been creating and integrating automation solutions since 2002. It assists companies in Australia and international projects. Its method of analysis combines needs as well as engineering simulation. FANUC integration as well as training and maintenance.

Automation is not the aim. A system that is effective should provide a manufacturer something measurable in return more dependable production, consistent quality, safer processes, lower waste or more capacity from the factory it already operates.