A company is awarded an important contract. The monthly production requirement increases but the company isn’t equipped with more space, employees with experience, or additional hours during the day. Although adding another shift may temporarily boost production, it could also create new jobs, supervision, training and quality-control needs.

This scenario reveals the primary purpose for robotic automation. Robotics isn’t only about replacing human beings with the aid of a machine. A good application could change the way that manufacturers use their production capacity.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

Take a look at the seconds that Aren’t able to be found between the products

Inefficiency in manufacturing doesn’t have to be a major issue. An operator could spend 15 seconds assembling the component after which 10 seconds are spent applying substances, and then a couple of seconds moving it to the next step. In the case of a single piece, the difference is minimal. These seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.

Same goes for waste material. A tiny amount of leftover coating or dispensing material that is multiplied throughout a production run that is high-volume could be a substantial expense.

Before deciding on the equipment that they require, businesses looking into robotic automation Australia can benefit by analyzing these small losses. ASA’s needs analysis is designed to uncover bottlenecks and quality issues, waste, and other processes that could influence an automation project.

A Robot Must Fit the Process Around It

A robot’s selection is only one engineering decision. It may be necessary to incorporate tooling, security and controls sensors as well as conveyers, fixtures electronic integration and communication with the current production equipment. Engineers should think about reach, payload and how the robot is going to move and interact with its surroundings.

ASA provides concept 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 calculate cycles prior to when the finished system is installed on the factory floor. This is particularly beneficial when space is scarce or new robotics must integrate with an established production line.

Painting and Dispensing demonstrates why the importance of repeatability is evident.

The ability to control movement is particularly important for certain manufacturing processes. Imagine applying a protective coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not just about completing the components quickly is the desired outcome. It’s crucial to regulate the speed, distance and the movement of every component from the beginning until the final.

ASA has experts who work with dispensing applications and paint across all industries, including aeronautics and automotive. In these settings industrial robotic automation may ensure that the same program is repeated while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding and potentially dangerous processes.

Better control of the waste material can also help improve productivity by increasing the quantity of materials used.

The installation of the system isn’t enough. You still need people to manage it.

Automation doesn’t eliminate the need for manufacturing knowledge. Automation can alter the capabilities needed to operate and maintain the manufacturing process.

Employees must be taught to operate equipment in a safe manner in order to identify any abnormalities or malfunctioning components, and take care of any maintenance that is required. Production requirements can change over time, which means that the processes and programs have to be modified.

ASA offers training on site that covers programming, safe operation, troubleshooting, as well as electrical and mechanical maintenance. The company offers servicing and support to check equipment condition, and addressing wear throughout the system’s lifetime.

Capacity refers to more than the ability to work faster

The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily mean buying a bigger building or adding more employees to routine processes. Sometimes, the best question is whether or not the existing manufacturing process could be designed differently.

ASA has been developing and integrating automation solutions in Australia since 2002. We also help with projects in other countries. Its method of analysis combines needs and engineering simulation with FANUC integration as well as training and maintenance.

Automating for automation’s sake isn’t the objective. A system that is worthy of the gold it’s worth should provide measurable benefits to an enterprise, including greater reliability, higher quality methods, less risky processes, and less waste.