In today’s world, there is a continuous need to drive better manufacturing outputs while reducing costs. Every manufacturer in today’s world looks towards automation to increase efficiency. Implementing automation has helped to reduce human errors and reduce overall manufacturing costs.
This way, manufacturers can also ensure that there are no variabilities in quality. Thus, ensuring manufacturing success. In this article, we will explore the use and benefits of automation in manufacturing. Let’s get right to it!
The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Automation Trend
With manufacturing trends turning towards automation, many manufacturers now implement the industrial internet of things (IoT) in their businesses. IoT is one of the significant aspects of the industrial revolution. It involves an intelligent network of machines and processes for better manufacturing results.
The incorporation of the internet of things into manufacturing businesses is an incredible advantage. It helps to automate operations and increase productivity in the process. IoT takes over the time-consuming, menial procedures that would typically be challenging in conventional manufacturing.
The industrial internet of things assists in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to, the following:
- Equipment start-up and shut down
- Restriction controls on devices
- Heating and cooling controls
- Lighting control
- Automated entry control
In a manufacturing environment, automation of tasks helps to improve production and the quality of the outcome. The internet of things has provided an excellent starting point to help drive the future of automation in the manufacturing space.
How Does Automation Drive Traditional Manufacturing?
Before diving into the benefits of automation in manufacturing, we must examine its application in traditional manufacturing. In the manufacturing context, automation refers to using equipment to automate production processes and systems.
As mentioned earlier, the goal of automation is to drive manufacturing efficiency. It does this by boosting production capacity and reducing overall costs. It reduces the amount of work humans perform, thereby reducing human errors.
Credit: OptiProERP
Automation is linked with the programming of electromechanical systems for carrying out different processes. Therefore, it is valuable in a wide range of manufacturing applications, including CNC machining.
The CNC machining space continues to grow due to the increased need for production efficiency. In recent years, CNC machining has become manufacturers’ staple. Now, manufacturers pair it with automation systems for increased production. Not only does automation ensure improved quality, receiving a CNC machining quote is now more seamless.
The traditional CNC machining process depends on computer-aided manufacturing and CAD models. The instructions from these models help to affect the production of components. Today, it is a lot more desirable to create precise parts in the shortest period. Emerging technologies help to drive automation to make this possible.
Automation encompasses advanced programming, which works to simplify production processes. This way, it rapidly increases productivity and reduces the intensity of labor. Whenever prototype machining is in question, using automated systems helps to improve speed and accuracy. The CNC machines combine effectively into common units to allow the machines to draw different tools.
The Advantages of Automation in Manufacturing
From mass customization to innovations of 3D printing, automation is a lot more different than it was. It offers several benefits, and some of these benefits include:
Increases the Speed and Efficiency of Manufacturing Processes
The emergence of automation in manufacturing means that robots are taking most roles that would normally be in the hands of humans. This shift resulted in an incredible increase in manufacturing efficiency. Machines work faster, and they do not need to rest like people. They are usually also not subject to errors like humans.
Machines are also adept at working with different materials. At a flick of a switch, machines can go from working on hdpe to metal. Whereas humans might need to spend a little bit of time coming to terms with the new material, the machine will be readily programmed to start work right away. This applies to all kinds of technology, from basic 3D printing, right the way through to complex industrial machining.
You can easily run your machines overnight, and there won’t be a problem with it. Online manufacturing shops also increase manufacturing speed through automation. The faster pace is not dependent on any extra human resources. In fact, what you need most times is a few factory workers to keep an eye on the process. With increased efficiency, the manufacturing of parts is a lot faster without compromising quality.
Increases Safety Through Robotics
The way manufacturers manage their workspaces has changed in recent years. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic changed it all, with physical distancing measures becoming increasingly important on factory floors. Implementing robotics ensures that manufacturers can enforce these policies without increasing human risks.
Robotic arms and other automation systems fill several roles to make this possible. They include:
- Heavy lifting – Robots efficiently and effectively haul and move around heavy objects around the factory. The process of constantly moving and shuffling components creates risks for workers. With automation, you can easily eliminate this.
- Assembly line – Co-bots are also available to work together with human workers. These co-bots work to enhance productivity on the assembly line. At the same time, they make it possible to implement some level of physical distancing.
Factory workers can, therefore, benefit from a higher level of safety. This way, costs, and liability risks are reduced for manufacturers.
Lowers Overall Manufacturing Costs
It is crucial to admit that the purchasing costs for these automated systems may be on the high side. However, they tend to help cut costs over time. Your manufacturing shop can produce a lot more, and you don’t have to pay for extra labor. In addition to this, automation also affords you higher profits.
You can invest so much in improving your machine shop and training your employees on how to operate these systems. The long-term benefits are still mind-blowing, showing in the form of an increase in profits with more funds available for other improvement areas in the shop. Manufacturers who choose to invest in technological improvements can improve several different aspects of their shop. That way, they can guarantee safer, faster, and more efficient manufacturing practices.
Improved Quality Control
Automation provides less room for human errors since programmed machines carry out manufacturing processes. These connected networks of computer algorithms are not only precise, but they are also constantly learning. That is, the machines can easily self-correct errors and adequately adjust to prevent future mistakes.
Automated systems can figure out defects for quality control, make complex decisions, and create predictive maintenance procedures. Machine learning also combines with automation to allow for better manufacturing. This is possible through precise processes and improved quality control that is void of human intervention.
Final Thoughts
The manufacturing world continues to be an ever-growing space, with continuous changes at a rapid rate. Manufacturers who aim to remain relevant in this industry can only do so by embracing change. Investing in automation will ultimately result in smarter and better manufacturing processes. Thus, there is the assurance of quality and improved manufacturing results.
