Nordson_EFD_7_Critical_Steps_to_Implement_Semi_Automation.pdf - 第8页
Automated Fluid Dispensing | 7 Cri tical S t e ps to Implem ent Sem i-Automation to Y our D ispen sing Proc ess 8 5. Pilot T es ting St ar t w ith ex per t a pp lic ati on te st ing Af ter all the sy stem dec ision s are…
Automated Fluid Dispensing | 7 Critical Steps to Implement Semi-Automation to Your Dispensing Process
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4. Design the System
Integrate the technologies, and don’t forget the accessories
Once you have chosen a platform and a fluid dispensing technology, it will be time to integrate the two by installing the fluid
dispensing system on the robot� Be sure to consider which necessary and optional accessories may be needed, such as:
Heed regulatory requirements
Be aware that the automation system must meet the applicable regulatory requirements of the location where it will be installed
and used, not the location where it was purchased� This means it needs to meet OSHA standards in the U�S�, CE requirements in
the European Union, CSA or TUV standards in Canada, and so on� Additional accessories or safety equipment may be required
depending on the installation location�
Estimate the cost-benefit and ROI
Now that you have a good idea what the system will look like, it’s a good time to estimate how much it can reduce cost and
improve productivity� There are a variety of automation return-on-investment (ROI) calculators freely available via the Internet, as
well as plenty of general information on how to do this� Try using an ROI calculator to determine the following:
• How much more throughput might be obtained?
• How much more productivity?
• How much time reduction?
• How much fluid savings? Nordson EFD can provide you with a basic tool that assists with fluid savings estimates�
• What percentage yield increase can be achieved?
• Regulators
• Pumps
• Reservoirs
• Safety guarding
• An emergency
stop button
• A light curtain
• Fixture plates
• Cables
• Vision systems
• Tip detectors
• Height detection
Automated Fluid Dispensing | 7 Critical Steps to Implement Semi-Automation to Your Dispensing Process
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5. Pilot Testing
Start with expert application testing
After all the system decisions are made, it’s time to let the experts test it� Successful automation of a process requires up-front
setup and testing by knowledgeable and experienced engineers� If you select a Nordson EFD system, EFD will set up and perform
the application in our lab and then provide video of the operation to you, at no charge�
Install and program the equipment
Once you know the automation works, it can be installed at your facility and integrated into your production processes� Look for
automation vendors who will install and set up their equipment for you� EFD offers guided installation for a minimal fee� Automation
can be challenging, and you will want to be sure that the process runs smoothly after installation and setup are completed and
before you run the system on your own�
Evaluate the new process
When you add automation, it is best to implement on only one assembly line at a time; this way you can evaluate the new process
and compare it to your existing processes� For example, if you hoped to achieve 50 % faster throughput, you want to make sure
that’s what you’re getting� You may need to tweak one or more variables to achieve your desired goals� This usually takes a week
or two� A good automation vendor will work with you until the newly automated process meets your expectations�
Automated Fluid Dispensing | 7 Critical Steps to Implement Semi-Automation to Your Dispensing Process
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6. Scale Up
7. Optimize the Process
When pilot testing is complete, you
can apply what was learned to formal
implementation, which includes
training your workforce, adding
additional lines, and producing
product.
Refine the automation program
There are two components to refining
your automated processes over time:
(1) correcting any problems that occur
and (2) constantly looking for ways
to make a process better or more
efficient� For example, cutting just
one or two seconds out of a process
can add up to a surprising amount of
savings�
Measure your success
Automation lends itself very well
to measurement, especially using
methodologies such as Six Sigma and
lean manufacturing� Just be sure to
choose what you measure carefully—
you want the metrics to matter� Your
automation vendor should be there to
assist you in refining your automation
program on an ongoing basis�