A manufacturer gets an enormous contract. Although the monthly production requirements have risen, the manufacturing facility isn’t suddenly equipped with more flooring or experienced workers. The addition of a second shift could help temporarily, but it could also create new work or training, supervision and quality control requirements.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

These scenarios reveal an significant reason to use robotics automation. Robotics isn’t simply about replacing human beings with a machine. The right application can transform how manufacturers use their capacity to produce.

Take a look at the time intervals between products

Manufacturing inefficiency isn’t always noticeable. An operator could spend 15 minutes positioning the item, then 10 seconds applying materials, and a couple of seconds moving it onto the next stage. On one piece it’s not much of a difference. These seconds add up when multiplied by thousands.

It’s the same for the waste materials. A small amount of excess coating or dispensing material that is multiplied across a high-volume production run could result in a significant expense.

The companies that are considering robotic automation Australia will benefit from studying these small loss, repeated ones before they decide which equipment to buy. The analysis by ASA’s experts is designed to pinpoint problems with quality and bottlenecks as in addition to any other limitations during a project.

Robots must be able to be integrated into the process.

Making a choice on a robot is only one option in the engineering process. It might be necessary to include tooling, guarding and controls sensors conveyors, fixtures, electronic integration, and communications with the current production equipment. Engineers should think about reach, payload and how the robot will operate and interact with the surrounding.

ASA offers concepts development, design, CAD simulation and offline programming as part of its approach to FANUC robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers analyze configurations, estimate cycles time and allow them to test the system prior to it becoming operating on the floor of a customer’s premises. It’s particularly useful when there is a limited area or new robotics is required to be integrated with the production line.

Painting and Dispensing Show Why Repeatability Matters

Certain manufacturing processes show the importance of controlling movements. Imagine applying a coating to hundreds of parts. It’s not enough to finish each component in a short time. The distance, movement speed, and application have be controlled from the start of the production line until the end.

The ASA specialists are skilled in painting and dispensing across industries such as aerospace and automotive. In these environments, industrial robotic automation can provide repeatable programmed movement while also reducing employee exposure to physically demanding or potentially hazardous processes.

A better control of materials that are discarded can aid in productivity improvement by cutting down on the amount of waste material consumed.

Even after the installation, the system still requires users

Automation doesn’t substitute for manufacturing expertise. It alters the knowledge required to run and maintain the process.

Employees need to be able recognize unusual behavior and resolve issues, and perform the appropriate maintenance. Production requirements can also be changed, which means the processes and programs could require modifications later.

ASA provides on-site training in safe operating, programming, and troubleshooting, in addition to mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and servicing to ensure that equipment is in good repair and wear and tear issues are addressed.

Capacity means more than just making work faster

In Australia, boosting production capacity is not always about adding more employees to repetitive jobs or buying larger structures. Sometimes, it is better to inquire if the manufacturing process can be modified.

ASA has developed and integrated automation systems in Australia since 2002. We also assist with projects across the world. Its strategy combines analysis of needs along with engineering simulation FANUC integration training, and service.

Automation for the sake of automation isn’t the goal. A successful system must give a manufacturer something measurable in the form of more reliable production with consistent quality, safe processes, lower waste or more capacity from the factory that it currently operates.