Are you in the manufacturing industry and in search of the best assembly system? There are various solutions ranging from automatic, semi-automatic, and manual to choose from. Determining the best path to follow can be difficult especially for novice individuals in automation.
While many entrepreneurs may want to adopt automation, it might not be the correct solution for their manufacturing procedures. It is therefore critical to establish the objectives one is seeking to achieve from the product they are assembling.
Additionally, figuring out the cost involved in its enhancement procedure is important. Below are various considerations to make before choosing an assembly system.
· Available Assembly Systems
Manual assembly systems are usually distinctive workbenches for every step in the assembly procedure. The product is manually moved in batches or individually from one station to the other. Still, the manual assembly is prone to numerous variations.
For instance, one may utilize an individual assembly line using a manual relocation conveyor. Here, employees stationed at specific areas within the assembly line propel the products down the line during assembly. In the manual process, production is executed in low volumes.
· Semi-Automatic Systems
These are said to be expansive in the assembly system world. They can involve the slightest assistance from an operator which can be the manual unloading or loading of the whole system.
Additionally, it may involve lots of tasks such as manual inspections at each station which enables the automated conveyor to proceed along the assembly line. This assembly type comprises both machine aided and manual functions.
Universal Robots perceives ultimately automatic structures as the ultimate solution which does not need human interaction. Here, the product can either be moved from a different system which loads it to the subsequent assembly procedure step automatically or loaded in feed systems.
The automated system then finalizes the whole assembly including unloading, inspection, and testing. Human interaction if any can be limited to acknowledging system prompts.
· Identifying the right Assembly System
Volume and budget determine the right assembly system for your manufacturing procedure. Universal Robots advise their customers to fill a ROI calculation first in order to establish the harmony between features and cost both for the assembly system and themselves.
This allows them to come up with a viable solution that meets their manufacturing objectives and budget throughout the machines’ lifespan. Every assembly type can be suitable for various manufacturing goals. For instance, manual assembly systems are usually utilized when businesses want their systems to be more efficient, minimize worker risks, and convenient.
This system may include few process changes or newly developed fixtures. Manual systems are not appropriate when it comes to increasing production and minimizing errors. Still, they are important as many companies will opt to use them when products fail to conform to the automation process.
This may result from parts with exclusive shape or function or a complex series within the assembly system. Such cases leave manufacturers with no other option.
Semi-automatic systems come in handy for entrepreneurs who want to enhance their manufacturing procedures and are incapable of eliminating the operator help completely. Products utilized in the systems could gain from minimal automation.
However, fully and reliably automating some of the features is a difficult task. This may be because the parts cannot conform to a completely automatic system or cannot be economically delivered. Many entrepreneurs choose this option to accomplish robust process advancements and maintaining the functionality of a controller’s input.
· Fully Automated Systems
These come in handy for companies that want to enhance production of voluminous products that need throughput development which present themselves for automatic assembly and feeding. These companies are currently operating automated equipment in their businesses and are in search of long-term strategies to cut down costs and minimize hiring of laborers.
Many companies opine that manual assembly is cheaper as compared to automated assembly. This may not be the case since universal robots have long-term benefits, meaning that automation could be more appropriate for your company.
Finally
Choosing the right assembly system can be an arduous task. As an entrepreneur considering automation, remember there are numerous factors to consider. It is important to conduct research prior to choosing your preferred solution.