FEATURE Robotics
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Robot system integration in the plastics sector: It’s a partnership!
S
ystem integrators (SIs) in the plastics sector are a valuable link between robot suppliers and automation end users, providing industry-specifi c
advice for improved effi ciencies, in addition to building standard and bespoke automation systems with latest robotic technology. Robot manufacturer FANUC has worked with Hi-Tech Automation as its plastics SI partner for over 15 years, during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved. Since the introduction of the IIoT, many of today’s factories are smart and connected 24/7. Integrating a robot into an existing line therefore requires more than mechanical capabilities; like Hi-Tech, today’s SIs must also possess programming and other software skills to ensure that factory managers are able to receive a constant fl ow of data to enhance their manufacturing operation, as well as for transparency and reporting purposes.
“Factory managers now expect instant information on a product’s position in the manufacturing lifecycle,” said said Dan Fisher, Partner Sales Manager for FANUC UK. “FANUC’s robots are known for being simple to install, easy to program and user-friendly, but being able to integrate a robot into what is in eff ect a mini warehouse management system is nevertheless a crucial skill. However, while many engineers are software savvy, some lack traditional mechanical skills that are still essential to a successful automation installation, such welding, guarding and fabricating. That’s why we ensure that any SI we work with not only demonstrates strong programming abilities but is also supported by a network of mechanical engineers.” Most automation SIs are independent service providers; as such they specify robots from a variety of manufacturers. Deciding which automation company to partner with is an important choice that can make or break a project, as Gary Probert, Director of Hi Tech Automation, explains: “We deliver standard and bespoke automated injection moulding systems for the plastics sector and have been a FANUC system integrator partner for over 15 years, most commonly specifying their ROBOSHOT all-electric injection moulding machine. For us reliability is key – when dealing with a new customer, it’s important
26 October 2023 | Automation
that the fi rst installation goes well as that sets the tone for the rest of the relationship. Using FANUC products means we can be sure that the project will be right fi rst time; their equipment is built to last. They’re also one of the only robot companies that manufacture every part of the robot themselves – motors, drives, everything. It refl ects badly on us if a system breaks down, so knowing the base robot is rock solid is a real advantage.” “In addition, as 90% of the systems we sell have something extra on them – for example, integrated vision or auxiliary axes – it helps that we can get it all from FANUC. There’s no need for us to go to another supplier, which keeps things simple and reduces the risk to the client,” he added.
Specialist knowledge Working with an SI helps de-risk an automation installation project; responsibility lies with one SI, rather than many of them – and SIs also bring with them sector-specifi c knowledge and expertise that a robot supplier may not have.
“For the customer, working with an SI partner that only operates within your chosen sector – in Hi-Tech’s case, plastics – is a real bonus. They will understand the challenges you’re looking to overcome, the pitfalls you want to avoid, and the advantages you expect to make from your automation installation. From FANUC’s perspective, while we’re the expert in our own range of products, we may not know everything about each sector in which our robots are employed. To ensure the customer gets the right solution, at the
right price, and that it works as intended for their particular application, dealing with an SI like Hi-Tech, who have specialist sector knowledge, is a fast-track to success,” said FANUC’s Fisher.
This works both ways, however. To ensure the customer gets the very best out of their automation solution, the SI must understand the full capabilities of any robot, machine or ancillary equipment it specifi es. FANUC treats its SI partners as extensions of its in-house sales teams and provides training for up to 30 employees from their company throughout the year. As well as ensuring they are comprehensively trained on FANUC’s entire product portfolio, it also off ers specialist courses in constantly evolving areas such as vision, safety and simulation. “We have dedicated engineering support and software support teams and a specialist integrator hotline which puts our SI partners through to FANUC technical experts within seconds,” says Fisher. “While the reliability of our products is obviously important, the real diff erence to an SI is knowing that technical knowledge and support is there, whenever and wherever they need it. When we work with a system integrator, we’re building a long-term relationship. And just as our partnership with Hi-Tech Automation demonstrates, we want to remain connected in 10 or 20 years’ time.”
CONTACT:
FANUC
www.fanuc.eu/uk/en
automationmagazine.co.uk
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