Automation is a method using a wide range of computer- and machine-aided tasks to help improve productivity and create easier ways to do business. Different types of automation are commonly used in different types of industries. For example, automated meters and pumps assist consumers daily when they pump their gas. In industrial settings, different types of automation provide benefits to companies including decreased part-cycle times, higher quality products, and increased worker safety.
Using technology to perform tasks that can be repetitive, dangerous, or otherwise unsuitable for humans is known as industrial automation. Numerically controlled (NC) equipment, industrial automated robots, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are all types of automation that industries implement into their factories.
Numerically Controlled Machines
Numerically controlled (NC) machines utilize computers to store, calculate, and execute operations that are usually performed by hand. A common example of an NC machine is the computerized numerical controlled (CNC) mill. Instead of positioning each cut by hand and meticulously moving the crank to cut each part, a CNC mill uses computers to analyze, cut, and mill each piece with precision. CNC mills and other NC machinery produce parts with fewer errors and higher accuracy.
Automating industrial applications with an automated robotics systems provides many of the same benefits as NC equipment – higher quality parts, reduced cycle times, and increased savings to name a few. Industrial robots, like other automation types, can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep up with industry demands. Environments that prove to be dangerous for human workers are suitable for industrial robots. Despite a high initial cost, the return on investment (ROI) for an industrial automated robot is typically about six months due to the increased savings and production that robots provide. These machines can perform many industrial automated robotic applications including welding, material handling, assembly, palletizing, and painting.
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) combines NC machines, industrial robots, and other types of industrial automation into one automation system. A FMS would typically produce similar products and parts but still maintain the flexibility to change parts or processes.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) generalizes industrial automation one step further. CAM involves using computers in the production, planning, and control of FMS and, more generally, the entire manufacturing process. A common example of CAM is computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD). CAD and CADD make use of computer programs to digitally plan products, parts, layouts, industrial robots, and a variety of other aspects of industrial settings. CAM also includes automated scheduling and manufacturing flow analysis.
Without various types of industrial automation, every aspect of manufacturing would have to be done manually. Cycle times would be much slower than they are today due to the reduced organization, consistency, and efficiency that various types of automation offer.