From the early days of mechanization to the cutting-edge robotics and machine learning technologies of today, automation in manufacturing has fundamentally changed the way things are manufactured. Automation in manufacturing is the practice of using machines and technology to carry out operations that were previously completed by people.
Automation in manufacturing has a variety of important benefits, from greater efficiency and output to enhanced safety and quality control. The difficulties and possible negatives of automation must also be taken into account, though, including the high initial investment costs and the demand for specialized labor to run and maintain these systems.
Despite these obstacles, the usage of automation in the industrial sector is still expanding and changing as a result of new developments like collaborative robots, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).
Definition of Automation in Manufacturing:
Automation in the manufacturing industry refers to the use of machines and technology for jobs that were traditionally completed by people. From basic machines that carry out repetitive activities to sophisticated robots and artificial intelligence that can carry out complicated tasks with little to no human involvement, this technology spans the technological spectrum.
In manufacturing, automation aims to boost effectiveness, productivity, and quality while lowering labor costs and enhancing safety. Fixed automation, programmable automation, and flexible automation are the three types of manufacturing automation.
The term "fixed automation" describes the use of specialized machinery for a particular, repeated job. While flexible automation uses robots and other cutting-edge technology to adapt to shifting production demands, programmable automation employs machinery that can be reprogrammed to carry out varied jobs.
In the end, automation in manufacturing has revolutionized the sector by enabling quicker, more effective, and less expensive product creation.
Importance of Automation in Manufacturing:
Modern production depends heavily on automation, which has various advantages for both companies and customers. Automation is crucial in manufacturing for several reasons, including:
1. Boost workplace security:
The workplace might be made safer by automating some hazardous duties. The safety and health of employees have elevated in importance ever since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed into law in 1970. The workplace has become safer for workers thanks to automation.
2. Increase Labor Productivity
Compared to manual processes, automated systems are more successful at doing tasks. The pace of overall growth and labor productivity both rise as a result of manufacturing process automation. End-to-end factory automation can increase production by two or three times compared to factories that use a small number of automation technologies. Furthermore, operating equipment over extended periods may frequently be done with no negative impact on the outlook for maintenance.
3. Complete Difficult Manual Tasks
Without the use of machines, many industrial activities and processes are impractical. Examples include producing complicated surfaces using numerically managed systems or quick coding using graphical modeling, PLC, and integrated circuit fabrication. These procedures have unique demands for miniaturization, precision, and geometry that cannot be addressed manually.
4. Higher Customer Satisfaction
Automation may help firms create goods with more accuracy and precision, increasing customer happiness and enhancing brand reputation.
5. Reduce Manufacturing Lead Time
The period between the customer's order and the delivery of the goods is shortened with the aid of automation. Automation may keep your process in-house, increase process control, and drastically cut lead times when compared to outsourcing or moving offshore.
Examples of Automation in Manufacturing:
Modern industrial processes now include automation as a necessary component since it increases productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Depending on their production demands, producers may select from a wide range of automation systems, from fixed and programmable automation to flexible and integrated automation.
We will examine a few instances of factory automation in this part, emphasizing how many businesses and industries are using automation to enhance their production procedures and gain a competitive edge in the market.
1. Automotive Industry
Automation systems are utilized at many phases of the production process in the automobile sector, which has been a significant user of automation in manufacturing. Particularly in automobile assembly lines, where they are utilized for jobs like welding, painting, and assembling, robots are already a familiar sight. As a result, manufacturing processes are now more precise and consistent, and production cycles are shorter.
In automotive facilities, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are frequently utilized to move supplies and parts between manufacturing phases. The dependability and safety of cars have also improved because of the use of automation in quality control and testing, which helps to ensure that they adhere to the high standards set by the sector.
2. Food and Beverage Industry
The use of automation in manufacturing has also increased in the food and beverage sector, notably in processes like packaging, processing, and sorting. Automated packaging systems, for instance, are frequently employed in food and beverage manufacturing facilities where they can efficiently package goods including frozen foods, drinks, and snacks.
Additionally, food products are cooked and baked, ingredients are mixed and prepared, and packing materials are sterilized using automated processing equipment. Computerized methods for sorting and inspecting items are also employed to make sure that they adhere to quality and safety requirements, including the detection and removal of faulty goods and foreign objects.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Another industry that has embraced automation in manufacturing is the pharmaceutical sector, notably in areas like drug research, development, and manufacturing. For instance, high-throughput screening of possible drug candidates is carried out using automated methods in drug development, allowing researchers to swiftly and effectively evaluate a huge number of chemicals.
Automation is employed in the creation and testing of pharmaceutical goods, as well as in the administration and analysis of clinical trials. Automation is utilized in the manufacture of drugs for operations like labeling and packing, as well as for the dispensing, mixing, and filling of pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical sector has benefited from the use of automation by increasing the efficiency and accuracy of medication research and manufacture while lowering the likelihood of mistakes and contamination.
4. Plastic Manufacturing
Automation has had a big influence on the plastic manufacturing sector recently, especially in processes like injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. For instance, when using automated machinery to melt plastic pellets and inject the molten plastic into a mold, a range of plastic goods are produced.
How Can Asteam Techno Solutions Help You?
Asteam Techno Solutions Pvt Ltd aims to promote the continuity of industrial production processes. We provide industrial automation parts and services to give insight into the inventory and availability of required parts for your installed electronic modules and monitor the condition and risks of your systems.
- Timely response to any issues
- Access to an experienced & well-resourced specialist support & service team
- Prompt telephone and remote services
- Access to an experienced and well-resourced specialist support and service team
We serve OEM, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, oil & gas, Panel manufacturer, and our process equipment. Also, we deliver services to Food processing OEM, electrical industries & mechanical industries with our special-purpose process components.
Furthermore, Asteam Techno Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is AVEVA registered System Integrator in India helps End-user & OEM/System Integrator communities with their diverse needs in the field of Information, Control & Automation that help them improve their time-to-market, improve operational efficiencies, deliver consistency in quality & help them achieve their business goals.
