How to Configure Hardware for Automated Production Lines: Key Insights to Avoid Being Misled

To reduce labor dependency and build unmanned factories, coupled with the wave of intelligent manufacturing, more companies are increasingly investing in automated production lines to ensure seamless production and improve efficiency.

However, the journey of transformation and upgrading is not always smooth. Many companies find that their automated lines do not achieve the expected "labor-saving" effect and instead become a dilemma. Due to the high and complex demands of equipment adjustment, maintenance, and repair, coupled with the need for dedicated management personnel, any delay in service response from suppliers can halt operations, turning the line into a bottleneck rather than a booster.

Why do automated lines with substantial time and financial investment have such issues? When choosing automation suppliers, manufacturing companies have two primary options. Some opt for machine tool manufacturers alongside their automation suppliers; others rely on machine tool providers and specialized automation line manufacturers for system integration. With industrial firms urgently needing automated lines, numerous automation equipment and software companies have emerged, yet their quality varies widely. Some attract enterprises with low prices but compromise on hardware, leaving companies—often with insufficient automation understanding—struggling to discern quality. As a result, firms may be tempted by the apparent cost advantages, unaware that automated lines differ from standalone software services due to their inclusion of both hardware and software, where performance often is proportional to price.

When buying a smartphone, we consider various parameters, but ultimately, system experience determines customer retention. This principle applies to automation workshops: hardware sets the baseline, software defines the ceiling, and only balanced advances in both make for a qualified automated production line.

We’ll delve into choosing a reliable automation vendor, focusing on both hardware and software aspects. Today, we address hardware considerations to guide you in making informed choices. Take note of the following key aspects!

High-Quality Essential: Ensuring Efficient Production

Focus Area 1: Opt for Brand New Robots

In automated production lines, robots (or robotic arms) execute tasks by following direct commands or pre-programmed routines, characterized by retracting, rotating, and elevating actions to precisely target points in a two- or three-dimensional space. Their significance cannot be overstated.

Industrial robots generally achieve motion accuracy below 0.1 mm in repetition and can extend several meters. To cut costs, some vendors opt for refurbished robots, which suffer from worn precision, aged electrical components, and deteriorated mechanical transmission structures. During implementation, it is advisable to use only brand-new robots to ensure high performance as a reliable assistant. Testing motion accuracy, inspecting wear, and requesting original after-sales certificates are ways to confirm the robot's newness.