A big contract is won by the manufacturer. Monthly production requirements are increased, but the manufacturing facility hasn’t suddenly gained more flooring space, skilled workers, or hours in the daytime. A second shift may help temporarily, but it can also create new work and training, supervision, and quality-control demands.

Image credit: automatedsolutions.com.au

Situations like this reveal an important purpose of robotic automation. Robotics does not only mean replacing humans with machines. In the right application, it can change how companies use the capacity they have.

Examine the Seconds That Aren’t able to be found between the products

Manufacturing inefficiency doesn’t need to be dramatic. Imagine a worker taking 15 seconds searching for a piece of equipment, 10 seconds applying the material, and then a few seconds transfer it. In the case of a single piece, the difference is insignificant. It’s a lot when multiplied by thousands.

Material that has been wasted isn’t different. The same is true for waste material.

The businesses that are looking into robotic automation Australia will benefit by analyzing these tiny, repetitive losses before they decide on the best equipment to buy. ASA’s analysis of requirements is designed to pinpoint problems with quality and bottlenecks, as well as waste and other constraints in a plan.

The robot has to fit the process around it

Making a choice on a robot is only one of the engineering decisions. The system might also require tooling, guarding control, sensors, conveyors, fixtures, electrical integration, as well as communication with the existing production equipment. Engineers need to consider the reach of the robot and its payload, and how it interacts with its environment and how it will move.

ASA provides concepts development, design, CAD simulation, and offline programming as an element of its approach to FANUC’s robotic automation. Digital simulation lets engineers investigate configurations and estimate cycle times before the completed system is put into operation at the customer’s factory floor. It’s especially useful when there is a small amount of space or the new robotics needs to integrate with the production line.

Dispensing and Paint Shows Why Replicability is Critical.

Certain manufacturing processes show the benefits of controlled movement especially well. Imagine applying a coating on hundreds of parts. It’s not enough just to finish each component quickly. From the moment of starting production until the final stage the speed, movement, distance and application must be managed.

ASA is a specialist in paint and dispensing processes across a range of industries including automotive as well as aerospace. In these areas, industrial robotic automation offers repeatable, programmed movements and reduces exposure of employees to physically challenging or potentially dangerous processes.

The elimination of wasted materials and an increase in productivity is possible through better management.

Installing the system is not enough. You still need people to take care of it.

Automation does not eliminate the requirement for manufacturing knowledge. It transforms the knowledge needed to operate and maintain the manufacturing process.

The employees must know how to safely operate equipment and recognize any abnormalities as well as troubleshoot issues and perform appropriate maintenance. Systems and procedures can be adjusted later if the production needs alter.

ASA offers training on-site in safe operation, programming, troubleshooting as well as mechanical and electrical maintenance. The company provides continuous maintenance and service to ensure that the equipment is in top working order and wear and tear issues are dealt with.

Capacity is greater than working faster

The expansion of capacity for Australian manufacturers does not necessarily need to mean purchasing a larger facility or adding more employees to routine processes. One of the best questions to ask is whether the existing production process can still be improved.

ASA has been creating and integrated automation solutions since 2002. It provides support to companies in Australia and also international projects. Its approach combines the analysis of requirements, engineering, simulations, FANUC robotic integration and training and even servicing.

Automating for automation’s sake isn’t a goal. A system that is worthy of the gold it’s worth must be able to provide tangible benefits for manufacturers, for example better production reliability, better quality process, more secure processes and less waste.