Scaling up production , fast
The IHS Markit / CIPS Manufacturing Purchasing Managers ’ Index ( PMI ) value for May 2021 demonstrated that UK manufacturing is growing at its fastest rate in almost 30 years . Manufacturers must increase production to capitalise on the record growth in new orders . However , scaling up production quickly without additional floor space and workers can be challenging . Here Dave Walsha , sales manager at precision drive system supplier EMS , explores how expanding automation holds the answer .
In the PMI , any reading above 50 indicates growth . The value announced for May 2021 was 65.6 — the highest reading since the survey began in 1992 . The easing of lockdown has unleashed pent-up demand , causing a steep increase in production volumes .
The plentiful market provides hope for manufacturers to bounce back after the pandemic by using the high demand to make up for lost profit . To make the most of this opportunity , manufacturers must quickly ensure their facilities are ready to accommodate the influx of new orders .
ACCELERATE AUTOMATION
Scaling up production requires investment in high quality equipment . The benefits of automation are widely known , and most manufacturers aim to incorporate it into production to some degree . However , many of these targets have so far only resulted in plans , pilots or small scale automation projects .
In fact , research conducted earlier this year by supply chain specialist Balloon One found that the UK lags behind ten other nations with similar levels of manufacturing , including Sweden , USA and Italy , for robot density . The investigation also found that the UK falls behind in productivity levels , which is arguably due to lower levels of automation .
Investing in automated equipment is an efficient way to increase production , as it doesn ’ t require the company to hire a large number of extra workers . In addition , it ’ s possible to increase manufacturing productivity in the same floor space .
SELECT RELIABLE COMPONENTS
In order for UK manufacturers to profit from growing demand , they must widely rollout automation across the supply chain . However , not all automated machines are built equal , and the components engineered into their systems play a large role in their overall performance . Manufacturers must remember that automation is an investment , that must be thought through with care .
When scaling up production , it ’ s important that manufacturers and design engineers don ’ t look for quick fixes . The new machines implemented should be not only able to accommodate the recent rise in orders , but also continue to benefit production in the long run .
Therefore , it ’ s important that automated machinery components , particularly their powering motors , are selected for reliability . An unreliable motor can ultimately lead to failure , but it ’ s important to note that , before it even reaches that point , a motor can cause inefficiency . In fact , an inefficient motor can result in electricity running costs that account for 97 per cent of its lifetime costing .
Automated equipment should be designed with dependable motors , such as the DMN range of brushed motors , which are renowned for their high quality and long life , while remaining a cost effective solution .
The motors have an optimised brush design that allows intermittent operation over one million cycles , and a continuous operating life of 3,000 hours . This long life cycle is achieved while still delivering a high output due to the range ’ s enhanced heat dissipation and resistance .
UK motor supplier EMS has a selection of sample stock of the DMN brushed motor range available for express delivery to accelerate development of automated equipment . EMS also has a selection of complementary gear heads , reduction ratios and encoders available to suit a variety of manufacturing applications .
After the challenges of the pandemic , the UK manufacturing sector is now seeing a sharp rise in demand . Manufacturers must prepare their factories to accommodate the increased volume of orders . Facility managers who widely implement automated equipment designed with reliable and cost effective components can quickly scale up production to meet rising demand .
www . ems-limited . co . uk / blog
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