Best Practices for Implementing Industrial Robots
Making the switch from manual manufacturing to industrial robot automation can be exciting but also overwhelming for companies. High costs, slim profit margins, and increased competition is the reality today’s manufacturers are faced with, making industrial automation necessary. Industrial robots reduce costs, increase productivity, produce high-quality products, and allow for maximization of profits. Below is a guide of best practices for implementing industrial robots to ease the transition process and to ensure you are able to fully capitalize on the benefits of robotic automation.
Evaluate Manufacturing Processes
Evaluating your manufacturing processes will help you determine which ones can benefit from robotic automation. Even if you already know which process you will be automating, it is still a good idea to evaluate to be sure it will be appropriate for robotic automation. Applications that are highly repeatable will have the most success with six axis robots. When reviewing manufacturing it is also helpful to determine if there are any bottlenecks or dangerous tasks as these can both have tremendous improvement with automation. For instance, after evaluating you have determined packaging products is extremely slow and inconsistent. Implementing a FANUC Lr Mate 200id for packaging speeds up the process, brings consistency with its high repeatability, and ensures all products are packaged correctly.Document
Once you have determined the process to be automated, it is a good idea to document it. You will want to lay out all the steps of the application, materials needed, workpieces, and objectives for automation. Documenting the application will be helpful for selecting the type of robot and for the programming phase. When you have a detailed plan, a robotic integrator will be able to determine the best articulated robot for the application and the peripheral equipment that will be needed as well as verify your application will benefit from automation.Determine your Budget
Next you will want to determine what your budget will be for automating. Setting expectations for your budget will help you decide if purchasing a new robot is feasible or if it makes more sense to buy a second-hand robot. Purchasing a second-hand Motoman MA1400 can save buyers up to 50% of the cost of a new robot while still providing the same automation benefits.Purchase from a Reputable Company
Buying an industrial robot is a big investment and it is important to purchase from a reputable company such as Robots Done Right. There are many options for buying robots, including online sellers, integrators, robotic equipment companies, or robotic manufacturers themselves. Whoever you decide to purchase from it is important to verify they are reputable to ensure you are getting a quality robotic system and the best value for your money.Train Employees
Once your robotic system has been setup and installed, you will need to properly train your employees. Those that will be operating the robot will need to know all of its features and how to program it. Employees should be familiar with robotic safety standards and the safety features of the industrial robot. They should understand the objective of your automation project, how it will improve manufacturing, and how it will assist them within their own roles. Implementing a FANUC Arcmate 120ic not only optimizes manufacturing, but also frees employees from repetitive work to focus on more critical tasks.Robots Done Right is the place to start when it comes to used robots. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a used robot.