Automation is a big step most manufacturing companies consider at one point in time. There are a distinct advantages which include improved quality and more accurate piece to piece consistency.
This question to automate is frequently asked. Is there a trigger that pushes you to make a decision to invest in automation? Are there signs leading to that decision? We will address these topics in this post. First a short answer and following some points to consider.
The short answer is no. There are no defined rules to move you into automation. Every company and their business conditions are different. Some will move quicker to automate while others integrate automation much slower. Volume per batch is less of a consideration. Annual production volume is a greater consideration.
There is a sliding scale to automation. In general, any production above manual hand tool processing can be considered automation. For a perspective on a migration path from manual to automated processing, consider Methods of Processing Wire Assemblies. For the basis of our discussion, we are focusing on the migration from semi automating processing of wire (measure, cut and strip using single or multi-stage bench top machines) to an automated work center.
Elements of wire processing automation
The most basic of processing automation is the measure, cut and strip of wire and crimp of terminals on one or both ends. But automation allows for other processing possibilities. Typical secondary processing options include:
- Tin tipping of wire
- Ultrasonic tipping of wire
- Weather seal application.
- Wire doubling.
Ultrasonic wire tipping
Weather Seal Application
Current or future processing should include an evaluation of processing wire leads using the above secondary processing. This makes justification easier to achieve and gives the company an indication of the scope of machine solution needed.
Set up time and job lot sizes.
In the past, automation was justified based on one or several large production runs. That was due to the time it took to change from one set up to the next. Pneumatic motions and bolted in production tooling gave way to programmable servo motors and quick change tooling bases. Therefore it is easier to run smaller lots with less machine down time than in the past.
With production rates in excess of 3,000 pieces per hour on short wire lengths, there still needs to be a reasonable lot size. Providing a recommended lot size would not be useful as companies consider a range of minimum lot sizes. You just need to balance the set up time with the lot size and the acceptable number of set ups per day.
Labor Savings.
There is a potential for significant labor savings when moving to automation. But consider that the personnel that operate the automation systems need to be trained in the machine operations, the software and use of a micro processor communication interface. Also consider maintenance resources.
Conditions Triggering a move to Automation.
Typically there are two conditions that we see when companies migrate to automation.
- Business Growth. This is a slower movement towards the point where the decision to automate occurs. Available resources in capital funding, facility floor space space and the need to reduce direct labor content will converge to make a seamless decision to automate.
- New Contract. When the company receives a substantial contract for a specified duration, the decision is quicker.
Floor space can be a factor that speeds up or slows down the decision to automate. Limitation of floor space to accommodate the new machine installation can be an issue. Re-locating to a larger facility may be part of a larger business strategy that includes new automation investment. Often it is a balance between the distribution of labor, overall direct labor costs and the availability of floor space.
Summary.
As stated from the beginning, automation is a big step in any company large or small. Considering global annual production of wire assemblies that are processed is more important than large lot sizes due to the reduced set up time with newer technology processing machines. Redeployment of labor, training personnel in set up operation and maintenance are critical factors. Where a decision to automate is made from a new large volume contract, the duration of the contract is also an important factor.
When these elements are considered and in conjunction with good advice from outside sources, the migration to automation is a low risk proposition. WireProcess can provide the direction you need and the solutions required to fulfill your automation requirements. Connect Your Way to WireProcess.
