PECM Issue 51 2021 | Page 48

Automation works in tandem with workforce to deliver outstanding productivity

CONTROL & AUTOMATION PULLING IN THE SAME DIRECTION

FANUC
Automation works in tandem with workforce to deliver outstanding productivity
Sheet metal volume manufacture and fabrication specialists , Contracts Engineering , entered 2020 with an increasing demand for its services . In order to boost productivity and meet this rise in orders , it turned to systems integrators Cyber-Weld Ltd to help identify , install , and support its first foray into the world of welding automation .
Now , with FANUC ’ s ARC Mate 100iD / 8L a key part of its production process , and a conscious effort to generate engagement with current employees , Contracts Engineering is reaping the rewards .
2020 was a challenging year for manufacturing , as the industry grappled with the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic . However , one of the standout success stories was undoubtedly Kentbased sheet metal volume manufacturer and fabricator , Contracts Engineering Limited ( CEL ), whose savvy investment in automation enabled it to weather the storm and continue to grow .
Underpinning this growth was an increase in orders from one of its core clients , for whom Contracts Engineering fabricate their main product line sold to cities around the UK and Europe . Furthermore , two of CEL ’ s other clients had high volume welding requirements that couldn ’ t be met by manual welding . CEL needed an automated process to manage the high volumes and repetitive , tight-tolerance nature of the MIG welding .
Troy Barratt , Managing Director at Contracts Engineering , comments : “ We have a strong working relationship with this client , built over years of supporting their development and production ramp-ups across several of their products . We started having conversations back in 2018 to try and predict what volume of product we ’ d be required to deliver in the years ahead . The projections highlighted that sooner or later manual welding wouldn ’ t be able to keep up with demand , and it became clear that we needed to invest in automation .”
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS Given this would be CEL ’ s first experience of robotic automation , finding the right systems integrator was key . It meant identifying someone who would not only deliver the most appropriate solution , but also work as a partner to ensure seamless implementation .
Troy continues : “ We were quite upfront in how we went about finding the right partner . We were honest and said that this was our first robot , and while it probably won ’ t be our last , we ’ ll need some help on this . We are experts in welding , we know that side of the business , but we need expertise , advice , and training when it comes to robots .”
Troy , alongside Ross Campbell , CEL ’ s Operations Director , arranged meetings with a number of integrators , and following visits to the leading candidates identified midlands-based Cyber-Weld Ltd as the clear leader , and ultiamtely their chosen systems integrating partner . Alongside specifying the most appropriate automation solution , Cyber-Weld Ltd also ensured it was installed and set-up correctly , conducting on-site training to alleviate concerns and navigating travel restrictions during 2020 ’ s first lockdown .
Fraser Reid , Managing Director at Cyber- Weld Ltd , comments : “ First and foremost , we wanted to make sure we specified the right robot , that could meet the demands of highvolume , precise welding , and would fit neatly into Contracts Engineering ’ s production processes .
48 PECM Issue 51