The idea of automation has long been associated with large industrial operations, leaving smaller machine shops to wonder if it’s something they could ever have. But the landscape is changing. As Industry 4.0 advances, integrating physical systems and cyber physical systems, automation is becoming more accessible and economically viable for smaller machine shops.
Over the years, one of the biggest barriers to automation has been the prohibitive upfront costs to buy and install such advanced machinery. However, the more affordable and scalable solutions that have come recently. For example, collaborative robots (cobots) such as those manufactured by Universal Robots and FANUC are user friendly, compact, and inexpensive — making them a good fit for smaller operations.
In addition, there are more solutions to the financing problem and leasing programs are more common, so that smaller machine shops are now able to procure automated equipment without a big capital outlay. Small businesses can implement automation in their workflows with the help of companies like Siemens and Mitsubishi Electric, who provide different financing solutions.
Automation as a solution to Workforce Challenges
The shortage of skilled labor is one of the biggest problems facing small machine shops. This problem can be mitigated by way of automation through the task automation of repetitive and mundane work freeing skilled workers to focus on more complex and value added activities.
For example, automated machining centers can do many things at once, for example milling, drilling and turning, without needing permanent human supervision. It also increases productivity, enabling skilled machinists to focus on more value – added tasks such as programming, setup and quality control.
In addition, automation can also help to train and up skill the existing workforce. With the use of advanced simulation software and virtual reality tools, new machines or processes which employees may have never used before could be better trained, decreasing learning curve and improve overall efficiency.
Conclusion: The Future of Manufacturing
Finally, automation is not a luxury for big industrial enterprises anymore. Industry 4.0 and affordable, scalable automation solutions have enabled small machine shops to profit from automation, improve efficiency and resolve workforce challenges.
With the manufacturing sector changing, small machine shops need to keep up with the curve by adopting these technologies. This allows them to better compete in the global market and ensures their own long term sustainability and growth.
