Automation: ensuring success through maximum return

July 22, 2014 6:19 pm

“In the manufacturing world, business success depends on your ability to employ your assets in a way that delivers maximum return for which automation is indispensable in today’s manufacturing environment,” says Himanshu Shaparia, Vice President-Sales, Jyoti CNC Automation.
Today automated machining processes are finding their applications in many fields on large scale.  Himanshu Shaparia talks about the same and also analyses the scope for Indian automation sector to establish itself in the said segment.
Different types of automation solutionsAutomation solutions entail a number of electronic and mechanical devices, out of which the most common types of automation are:• Feedback control, which is usually continuous and involves taking measurements using a sensor and making calculated adjustments to keep the measured variable within a set range• Sequence control, in which a programmed sequence of discrete operations is performed, often based on system logic.
Automated machining process can be performed through overhead gantry systems, robots, FMS (flexible manufacturing system), etc which can be integrated with various CNC machines such as turning centre, vertical machining centres, horizontal machining centres, 5-axis machines, etc. for all complex metal cutting operations.
Pros and consHowever, like any other process, automated machining process also has its own pros and cons. Its positive side includes:• Improved processes resulting in increased productivity and repeatability• Greater control and consistency of product quality and accuracy• Reduction in process time, resulting in higher production• More efficient use of materials, resulting in less scrap• Increased worker safety.
It is observed that the process comes up with its disadvantages as well. Some of which are:             • Lack of skilled manpower availability for running an automated process• Worker displacement stress, whose job has been taken over due to automaton• The high cost of capital expenditure required to invest in automation• Rigidity/vulnerability: An automated system may have a limited level of intelligence as programmed, and therefore cannot operate outside its immediate scope of knowledge/program • Requires a higher level of maintenance standards.
Scope for Indian marketIn the manufacturing world, business success depends on your ability to employ your assets in a way that delivers maximum return for which automation is indispensible in today’s manufacturing environment. As technology is developed to meet manufacturer’s demands, customers continue to push the limits of machining speed and precision, leading to a continuous cycle of innovation in the field of automation. In a fast developing country like India, automation seems to be the keyword today. In fact, the Indian automation industry is currently witnessing yearly growth of 20-25 per cent. Industrial automation is accelerating India’s pace in joining the list of global developed countries.                             According to a study conducted by Frost & Sullivan, as a fast growing economy Indian manufacturing industries in particular would be influenced in future by trends in automation technologies wherein industries need to build expertise in end user requirements in order to face competition and sustain growth. Therefore, the vendor should understand the end user’s need of service and sales support, his perception of mega trends, his outlook towards and need for hybrid products and his opinion on standardisation of automation products.
ConclusionTo sum up all the above mentioned trends, it is obvious that Indian automation industry has a bright and promising future unfolding within it. India’s aspiration to compete with global leaders is not far from realisation as the country embraces the latest technology in industrial automation.
The automation technologies can yield substantial opportunities to provide a growing social and economic environment in which people can enjoy a higher standard of living and a better way of life.