Since the Industrial Revolution, high-volume fabrication has been a defining element of high-capacity production environments, but means of fabrication have changed significantly over the past century. Today, producers of home goods, foods and beverages, clothing, and other bulk products use computer-controlled machines that automate production. Compared to non-automated fabrication services, automated ones offer manufacturers the following benefits:
- The ability to reduce waste by eliminating human error.
- The company’s bottom line is improved by increased production.
- Potential to reduce payroll by employing fewer machinists.
- The ability to produce identical pieces over long production runs.
To realize these benefits, a manufacturer who has not automated the production line, or needs to upgrade an automated line that features obsolete technology, should turn to a supplier of automation services. Depending on what is produced and the machinery that is needed to produce it, the manufacturer may implement some of the following types of automation technologies, among others:
Pick and Place System
A pick and place system (a.k.a. surface mount technology (SMT) component placement system) is a robotic machine that mounts surface mount devices (SMDs) such as capacitors and resistors onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). Companies that produce electrical or computerized products with SMDs that contain PCBs are wise to invest in a Pick and Place System that automates a crucial phase of the production process: mounting PCBs onto SMBs.
Thread Pitch Measurement
A thread pitch measurement system analyzes the thread quality on parts such as drink lids and threaded parts that assemble. The system moves parts under two high-resolution digital cameras on a conveyor. Backlighting through the conveyor reveals the threading to the cameras. If the cameras detect threading that contains the right pitch, the piece is moved forward in the production line. If the threading has the wrong pitch, the piece is diverted to a rejection bin. Acquiring a thread pitch measurement system from a provider of automated services helps a manufacturer fine tune its fabrication services, and prevent recalcitrant products from reaching end users.
Pressure Test Station
A pressure test station lets manufacturers test various types of injection-molded parts for leaks. When parts such as valves, syringes, and fluid reservoirs in machines are not airtight, they may cause leaks that damage equipment, prevent important processes from occurring, or even jeopardize human life. If a company produces injection-molded parts that must remain sealed under a certain amount of pressure, testing them with a pressure test station is essential.
Machine Vision System
A machine vision system uses camera applications to assess the characteristics of materials and products, such as the presence of defects, spacing between crucial features, the quality of thread bearings, including the length, height, and width. Machine vision systems can be combined with other machine systems to improve production quality and expedite production.
Conclusion
Automated fabrication services are responsible for producing many of the products that define modernity, such as automobiles, pre-packaged food, and retail clothing. To help produce them, manufacturers often consult with a provider of automation services to acquire components that are needed for automating the production line. In doing so, they increase production capacity and, ultimately, their bottom line.