- 01 February 2005 -
Automating a More Encouraging Bottom Line
by Greg Valero, g.valero@elsevier.com

Where robots once had the image of eliminating jobs through labor reduction, they are now seen as an opportunity to not only save manufacturing jobs, but create opportunities for skilled individuals to operate and maintain them. More important to finishers is using the technology to achieve quality control, cost and profitability goals. Job and captive shops are also turning to automation to lower prices in response to increased foreign competition.

Indeed, sales of robotic automation and other auxiliaries in North America climbed in 2004, suppliers report, a significant accomplishment in light of an economic climate that caused many finishing shops to scale back on capital expenditures. Because the North American market traditionally has had a higher labor/machine ratio than most of Europe and many Asian countries, it is considered to still have plenty of room for automation growth. Robotic automation is marketed as an economic alternative to buying new finishing machinery to increase production.

The latest robotic models are said to be faster, more flexible, and easier to use. Robots are flexible enough to be adapted to changing production situations, including the need to function in combination with other equipment in a wide range of applications. Robots also have powerful controls that can perform the most complex tasks and communicate with other equipment involved in the process. The higher the level of specification in each category, the greater the robot’s flexibility, and the greater its potential to generate cost savings through value-added work.

How do finishers determine what type of equipment will streamline operations and make them more competitive? Experts advise customers to envision the big picture, taking into account the total process from start to finish. Suppliers, naturally, are ready to help, with consultation being a key element of their own value-add.

The customer and supplier will often review parts/applications, establish payback needs, identify options and potential labor savings. If it looks like a good investment, the supplier will go to the next step of doing a formal quotation with more detail and defined objectives. While finishers with prior automation experience may not require guidance in demonstrating the justifications for investing, they may, however, need help identifying areas that will produce the best results.

More and more finishers are becoming convinced the time is right to incorporate automation in their facilities’ operations, suppliers say. The newest robots are said to be easier to set up and do not require extensive operator training. Overall, the latest automation solutions are designed to help finishing shops deliver value-added products to customers.