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If you have any questions about our machines, or interest in setting up a new machining process. Our expert team are more than happy to help.
Automation was a leap - we’ve made it a step
Why automate?
For many of our clients, automation is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. When established correctly, automation reduces product cost and maximises profitability. In the long run, adopting automation in some form is an inevitability if businesses wish to remain competitive.
• Reduce operating costs
• Increase competitiveness
• Increase capacity
• Boost profitability
• Maximise machine utilisation
Objections to automation:
Automation is for volume work, but I only produce small batches
Consider: With carefully designed loading, unloading and running processes, automation can allow machines to produce batches with maximum spindle utilisation and minimal operator intervention. Kingbury will always look to increase pallet runtime through multi-tasking operations or multi loading components, maximising the differential between load time and run time. In this way, small batches of multiple component designs can be produced with the machine running in the day, night or over weekends.
My operation can’t run unmanned
Consider: Self-monitoring technologies have developed significantly in recent years, to a point where a machine can make informed and intelligent decisions about a part or process. As part of a well-planned process, operators can prepare machines to run unsupervised, confident that the machine will use proven monitoring solutions and self-checks to keep a part accurate and prevent stoppages.
It’s too expensive and high risk
Consider: Kingsbury performs productivity analysis for each production scenario, delivering crystal clear pros and cons. This means you can more accurately assess ROI and make an informed decision before you invest.
How do we make automation work?
For us, automation is about processes, not machines.
We deliver successful automated solutions to our customers because we take a holistic approach, ensuring a reliable, predictable and repeatable process.
We educate, not sell
Deciding to invest in automation can be challenging, but adopting the technology is not as challenging as it once was. We do everything in our power to make it a step, not a leap.
This means a consultative approach that builds an optimum solution tailored to your needs and production scenario.
Our automation is safeguarded
Many of the primary risks associated with automation can be nullified with a self-checking, self-cleaning, and self-managing process. Proven technologies such as probes, lasers, swarf management systems, ID chips, and monitoring software prevent and manage problems that could arise.
When coupled with Kingsbury’s unmatched support, we can train your manufacturing engineers and operators to implement process safeguards that will maximise utilisation and reduce the risk of human error. Our aim is to develop the capabilities of your key people as well as those of your production processes.
Where could you automate?
Batches
Batches, even as small as 1, can be automated effectively as long as they repeat in the near future. Our goal when automating batch work is to increase pallet run time, maximising the difference between setup time and run time.
When optimised, automation provides huge benefits for batch work:
- Run batches overnight or at the weekend, meaning increased capacity through extended operating hours.
- Maximise the utilisation of the machine, reducing the hourly rate.
- Minimised human error, scrap, rework and labour costs.
High volume
While unmanned production machines do cost more than their single table equivalents, their ability to run for extended periods without supervision reduces hourly rate and maximises machine utilisation.
Automated loading and unloading processes mean that a machine’s loading system can pick up raw material and put away finished parts. This creates massive efficiency benefits:
- After stacking raw materials, operators can confidently leave the machine running and pursue other tasks
- Fewer machines are needed overall
- Lower cost-per-hour for machines