Global process and mold manufacturing process automation analysis

In 2005 and 2006, more than 500 Swiss GF AgieCharmilles customers invested in the workpiece automation system. This figure is higher than the expectations of GF AgieCharmilles of Switzerland and may set a sales record for automated machine tool systems for the tool and mold manufacturing and precision parts processing industries. Clearly, in these industries, automation has become a broader topic than ever before. Interestingly, on the one hand, automation is a global theme. On the other hand, the motives involved in this topic have regional characteristics.

Workpiece automation in a global context If you look at the automated processing market, you will find that the focus is in Northern Europe, North America, and Asia. In Northern Europe, reducing wage costs and wage costs of personnel is a decisive factor; in Asia's developing countries and regions (excluding Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea), what is expected is better part quality consistency and increase. Yield. In terms of motivation, North America and Northern Europe are similar, because if it is commercially feasible, the obstacles of technical solutions are more easily overcome. In Northern Europe and North America, in addition to the expectation of productivity increase and part cost reduction, people also hope to end shifts and weekend work that are unpopular due to commercial and human reasons, and also hope that the production capacity will be free according to fluctuations in the number of orders. Adjustment. Another aspect that cannot be ignored is that in addition to the actual workpiece handling, complex automation systems can also provide an information technology framework (workshop management system) that supports the transmission of data from the production environment, as well as the preparation and preparation of related work data. The above functions also increase the transparency and consistency of the production data used. These data include NC programs, measurement data and inventory quantities, etc., thus indeed reducing the risk of manual input errors, which is particularly important in the Asian market. There is a need to reduce processing and delivery time in all markets.

Therefore, it can be inferred that the main purpose of tool automation systems in North and North America in the field of tool and die manufacturing and precision parts production is to reduce production costs, while Asian developing countries mainly want to improve product quality.

Workpiece Automation Needs Professional and Successful Implementation Regardless of where the market is located and regardless of the industry, automation solutions for work piece handling must be specific to the project. Experience shows that a significant proportion of projects are completed using relatively simple and inexpensive solutions, while other projects require more expensive configurations and more investment. In the initial discussions with potential customers, it must be specifically determined which method to choose. Through Automation@GFAgieCharmilles, GF AgieCharmilles of Switzerland proposed a concept that evaluates the expectations of specific projects. In this way, expenditures, risks, costs, and possible completion deadlines can be estimated in advance, so that projects can be handled in a suitable framework. The automation solution for workpiece handling must be adapted to the requirements of each specific project.

Integrated Workpiece Automation System As the simplest automation solution, the automation concept has been incorporated into the development of machine tools and seamlessly integrated with the mechanical, electrical and control design of the machine tool. The risk of such integrated automation equipment is very small, because the customer and the salesperson have fully and clearly understood the situation of the equipment when they first contact and choose different configurations according to their own needs. The complexity of implementation, procurement costs and the responsibilities of both parties are completely transparent from the beginning.

External workpiece automation systems using standard components For projects that require greater flexibility or capability, the corresponding external components can be configured and combined into specific projects. In this case, when the customer and the sales person start the discussion, they must regard the purchase as a project and need to understand the corresponding technical specifications. It is recommended that a project manager be designated to take overall responsibility for the technical and commercial aspects. Automation@GFAgieCharmilles aims to provide project management services for this procurement, representing GF AgieCharmilles of Switzerland in charge of the entire project.

It will designate a fixed person responsible for the potential customer, who will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the technical solution and the installation, commissioning and acceptance of the system. Experience shows that clarifying responsibilities contributes to the successful implementation of the project and also clarifies the additional costs associated with project management. Of course, customers can also purchase automation systems from GF Agie Charmilles in Switzerland based on their technical needs, while other companies are responsible for the implementation of automation projects. However, the Swiss GF AgieCharmilles will not assume any responsibility for the automation solution.

External automation of project components and key projects The most flexible automation solution is considered to be an automated solution for customers, and to a large extent is formed by the context of the requirements of the project between potential customers, sales personnel and technical consultants. under. Generally, in this case, there will be significant production problems first, so it is necessary to specify suitable workpiece automation, or in extreme cases, the production process must be specified, thereby greatly affecting the selection of components and the configuration of the entire system. Automation@GFAgieCharmilles is also preparing to evaluate this type of project and implement it on behalf of Swiss GF AgieCharmilles in the context of a clearly defined rule. The importance of responsibility from project specifications to successful inspections and approvals increases the complexity of the project and requires constructive and close cooperation between all parties. Without this premise, the transparency of costs and processes and the success of implementation are unthinkable.