Evaluating options for automation

Most manufacturers, particularly machine shops, have been familiar with automation for many years. The more that it has advanced in recent times, however, the more options that have come onto the market, making evaluating what is right for a specific business more challenging as there is much more to consider. Assuming that a company already has been taking advantage of some type of automation or has made a business case that justifies moving into an initial automation project, then the next step is determining the correct selection for the firm. Here are three key considerations.

Equipment make: RoboJob-USA
Equipment model: Mill-Assist Essential
CNC machine make: Haas Automation Inc.
CNC machine model: VF-4SS
CNC machine model year: 2021″ data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9741c292-edd8-4bd1-9865-98edaa6d83fc” height=”418″ src=”/wp-content/uploads/legacy/inline-images/CTE%20Article%20TN%202022-08.JPG” width=”616″ />

1. How purpose-built is the automation solution for my application? As technology has advanced, automation solutions have multiplied. Many come in the form of more generic hardware that then is customized to fit one of a wide range of applications. This customization often presents as a significant amount of software programming or bespoke accessories or support. While using one of these more generalized do-it-yourself products may appear to have lower costs upfront, experience has shown that identifying an alternative specifically designed and built to an application can save substantial time and effort on implementation and provide long-term reliability. Although they might come with a somewhat higher initial price tag, these solutions leverage the expertise of application engineers who really understand the distinct needs and demands of a field and build products to suit it — not a broader market. The result is better reliability, greater ease of use, lower overall costs and longer-term satisfaction than a DIY.