Automation control systems are classified based on their integration level and field of operation in the manufacturing process. Therefore, different production levels and various industry sectors use different types of automation.
Also known as “hard automation,” this refers to a sequence of processing operations fixed by the equipment configuration. The sequence is fixed to perform only one set of processes with high levels of efficiency in large volumes. Usually, this system requires increased initial investment.
Discrete mass production and continuous flow systems like distillation processes, automatic assembly machines, transfer lines, and conveyors often use fixed automation.
These automated systems produce differentiated products, usually in batches, in low or medium volume. Operators must reprogram the system with another set of machine instructions and a new physical setup for a new batch. This changeover takes time, resulting in long production cycles.
A numerical-control machine (NC) is an excellent example of programmable automation. Specific mechanisms may have their computers for that purpose; such tools are computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machines. Computer numerical control (CNC) is a form of programmable automation. A coded set with numbers and symbols controls the device after its implementation on the computer.
Industrial robots are another example. In manufacturing, robots deal with a wide range of tasks, such as assembly, welding, painting, loading and unloading heavy or hazardous materials, inspection, testing, and finishing operations. They also have the unique task of operating continuously with the human workforce.
It is an extension of programmable automation that can produce with medium volume and variety. The system can create various combinations and schedules of products simultaneously. The reprogramming of the equipment in flexible automation is done off-line, avoiding the use of the production equipment itself. So, there is no need to group identical products into batches; instead, a mixture of different products can be produced one right after another.
The components of a flexible system are:
Integrated industrial automation involves the total automation of manufacturing, where all machine and data function jointly. This combination happens under the command of a single control system that coordinates every utilized technology. Integrated automation components are all those computer systems that operate in the leading three automation manufacturing systems mentioned earlier.
Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is one of these systems. An integrated computer network links several manufacturing functions. These manufacturing-related functions include:
In many ways, computer-integrated manufacturing represents the highest level of automation in manufacturing.
Automation in manufacturing has helped the global industry in countless ways. The continuous rise of production efficiency has symmetrically raised the demand and the standards of popular demand. You can find anywhere applications of automation in manufacturing. Undoubtedly, one of the industry sectors that has gained a considerable boost is the tertiary sector of the service industry.
The transportation sector has benefited from airlines, railway and urban mass-transit systems. In addition, banking and financial services, retail trade, automobile industry, appliances have been automated for the user’s benefit.
In health care, the use of automation in the form of computer systems has noticeably increased. Management, information gathering, and storing has become easier because of these systems, automating databases.
Robotics is also starting to play a role in health care. They are now able to complete routine, repetitive tasks and take part in delivery systems. The last events have more than proved how valuable the help of computerized control systems is in the medical industry.
Automation in manufacturing is a force that will likely continue to grow through the years, accelerating lifestyle changes and improving our social overview to the point where their absence becomes implausible.
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