How to start the process
Embracing automation in metal fabrication requires preparation before implementation. The workplace culture and workforce must gradually ease into new operations, and the transition is more seamless when there is buy in from the team. To help make this possible, managers should reinforce the organization’s values and how they align with what automation could deliver, and promise that tech resources will not replace humans.
This is critical for a healthy working relationship and a positive attitude for continued modernization while overcoming worker shortages in the industry. Subsequent tools should elicit excitement and not anxiety within operators. Experts foresee metal fabrication to have 400,000 vacancies in 2024, so corporations must assess how automation supplements and provides opportunities.
Affirming safety is another priority. Staff will work alongside automation tools, forging some of the world’s most necessary infrastructure, including towers, stairs, guardrails, conveyors and countless other societal essentials. People need to know what safety protocols and precautions are in place to work with these tools securely and validate that what automation and workers produce together is as secure as it can be.
After discussing the digital transformation with employees and management, metal fabricators must outline their objectives. What do they want to streamline or what vertical are they expanding? The plan must be comprehensive yet honed to maintain practicality.
For example, alternative and renewable energy generation is a hot topic at corporate and legislative levels alike. Investing in remote-operated robotics to expedite the assembly of solar modules with precision may improve the product’s quality and longevity for enhanced customer experiences and sustainability. What about instituting automation to apply coats to steel auto parts to reduce complaints about corrosion? Manufacturers are encouraged to think creatively about how automation technologies can help meet their business goals.
Where automation works best
The three main types of metal fabrication are laser cutting, welding and computer numerical control (CNC) forming. Each style and related processes—like palletizing or formation—require installation costs weighed against implementation resistance, returns and potential pain points from its assimilation. Additionally, each adoption will require remapping workflows because installations are not typically a one-to-one replacement in size and output processing.
The safest optimization options with automation are forming, welding and machine loading. These are low cost and high impact with how many bottlenecks and frustrations they could alleviate for technicians and machines alike. Press brakes, punchers, panel benders and fiber laser cutters are a few choices. Many are straightforward to program and operate, reducing friction between employees and new technologies.
The changes only matter if accompanied by data collection. Performance requires regular auditing to validate automation is acting according to expectations. A schedule will prevent reinforcement of inaccurate training in the workforce while providing a faster return on investment.
Advantages of automation use on the floor
Digital transformation may impact the type of ductwork fabricators create. For example, spiral ductwork machines only produce 30% of U.S. volume, whereas the other 70% is the more traditional rectangular shape.
Case studies show the benefits of embracing new tech while transitioning to a more spiral-focused output, which heightens HVAC efficiency and durability because spiral variants are less prone to leaks and joint concerns.
Pour lire l'article complet : Streamlining Operations in Metal Fabrication (automation.com)
