July, 2016
www.us-
tech.com
The Transition to Flexible Automation Continued from previous page
As more and more consumer
electronics manufacturers face the challenge of increased product com- plexity with a high mix of parts and lower-volume production runs, a more flexible manufacturing model is the key to maintaining a competitive advantage. Rather than continue down the path of completely overhaul- ing an assembly line every 6 to 12 months, leading-edge manufacturers are implementing flexible automation that can be re-tasked to handle other functions for future orders. As an example, a flexible automation solu- tion can be configured to dispense adhesive for Product A, and easily transition to driving screws for Product B. Both operations could be handled in the same cell with minimal changeover and programming require- ments. This approach would signifi- cantly reduce the manufacturer’s costs and improve ROI while expediting time to market. While fixed automation may be
less expensive in the short term, flex- ible automation provides extended overall cost advantages by giving manufacturers an option to re-task their lines to handle future produc- tion requirements. This also gives them the ability to keep production costs fixed, whether they are manu- facturing a small batch or a very large product run. Embracing this flexibility is becoming critically important for many U.S.-based pro- ducers if they are to compete in a low-volume marketplace.
A Winning Approach If flexible automation is the key
to a successful productivity model, then what solutions are available for manufacturers? One such solution is Universal Instruments’ Uflex™ flexi- ble automation platform. Uflex breaks traditional barriers to automation with a dramatically shortened pay- back period and an architecture that enables it to be easily reconfigured in the field — an advantage that speeds time to market, particularly in higher- mix environments. The platform enables user-level
custom programming and simplified reconfiguration by leveraging cloud- based libraries of “apps” to quickly transition to the next application. Its special architecture allows for simple plug-and-play functionality for an array of tooling options, accessed by a common interface that supports a large tooling portfolio while also pro- viding third-party compatibility. Once configured, the hardware drivers for the heads, spindles, nozzles, cameras, and other tools can be downloaded quickly from the Universal cloud. Programming a new application,
which can be performed at the manu- facturing level instead of the engineer- ing level, is easily achieved by down- loading the appropriate pre-defined process strategy apps (pick, place, dis- pense, dip, insert, and others) from the company’s cloud. In addition, the system’s mach -
ine software is dynamic and can also be updated easily, as opposed to the factory software updates of traditional solutions. With this versatility, Uflex can
be integrated into lean manufactur- ing lines to perform complex process- es, or configured in-line to replace manual assembly processes. It can be set up for pick-and-place (including clinch), dispensing, screw driving,
Page 55
inspection, test handling, and many other processes — transitioning from one application to the next in just a few simple steps, all on the factory floor and typically in the same day. Flexible automation is helping
manufacturers keep pace with con- sumers’ desire for technology. Flexible automation has in some part made possible our high-tech cars, as well as many of the gadgets we use every day. By combining advanced automation technology with the flexibility of a more versatile platform, manufactur- ers have the tools they need to contin- ue meeting consumer demand. Contact: Universal Instruments
A diagram of UIC’s cloud-service, the Universal Apps Store.
Corp., 33 Broome Corporate Parkway, Conklin, NY 13748 % 607-779-7522 E-mail:
zopff@uic.com Web:
www.uic.com r
Some devote their lives to
SCIENCE and some to
HELPING OTHERS. The fortunate few get to
DO BOTH.
Dr. Mike Bixenman, CTO
At KYZEN we go way beyond just getting the CLEANING SCIENCE right. We care enough to thoroughly understand your unique process and needs first, so we create the most effective cleaning technologies for your specific situation. When science and care converge, it makes all the difference.
WORLDWIDE ENVI V RONMENTALL LY RESP PONSI S BL LE CLEA E NING TECHNOLOGIES
KYZEN. COM See at SEMICON West, Booth 305
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