intricacies of both the chemistry and the dispensing technology , manufacturers are more likely to invest in an optimal combination of technologies for their application — and get better results . Your supplier should also be able to integrate the dispenser with the robot and configure and customise the system with holding tools and fixtures , benches , and safety enclosures . The last piece of the puzzle is installation and training , to ensure that you are up and running right away , and that your team understands how to operate the equipment to get the best from it .
REDUCING THE RISK
To help de-risk the investment further , check that the supplier has been validated by a third party . Do they have a number of case studies that show successful robot installations ? At Intertronics , we also offer customers the opportunity to visit our Technology Centre in Kidlington , Oxfordshire , where we can support with trials and tests to establish how the equipment will perform in your application .
In many cases , the upfront cost of dispensing robots is not as high as some manufacturers think — it might even be less than the Managing Director ’ s new car ! At Intertronics , we often see our customers achieve a payback period of six months-to-a year , although it may take up-to two years in some applications .
With the UK lagging in its robot uptake , it ’ s time we focus on the rewards of robots : improved productivity , efficiency , output , quality , and flexibility . In applications like dispensing , which lend themselves so well to automation , manufacturers have a lot to gain and very little to lose .
For further information , please visit www . intertronics . co . uk / 2022 / 08 / dispensing-automation-an-roi-story .
Issue 60 PECM 67