Unplanned downtime, as a result of equipment or entire production lines going down, can be dangerous and frustrating – at the individual and business level.
Learn how to evaluate your production efficiency and keep downtime to a minimum by exploring the benefits of automated woodworking and how it reduces the risks of workplace accidents.
Evaluating your production efficiency
To determine how automation can benefit your output, begin by analyzing your current production methods. Consider the following questions:
- What tasks are done manually?
- How much time does each task take?
- Are there any safety issues associated with manual operations?
- Are there any risks related to human error?
- If so, how can these risks be mitigated through automation?
Maintenance, like cleaning and drying out glue pots – especially for industrial machines like plywood core composers that function 24/7 – can be time-consuming. If a heater isn’t working because the glue thread isn't passing directly through it, it will cause downtime for other equipment that relies on the heater to work properly.
The ability to change work programs – from production to maintenance – quickly provides employees with maximum ease of work and productivity. Industry 4.0, automation and digital production processes are the key technologies behind increased manufacturing efficiency and improved overall performance today.
Benefits of automated woodworking machinery
Automated woodworking machinery is a great tool for any company that needs to improve efficiency and productivity. The benefits of using automated woodworking equipment are numerous, including:
Improved efficiency and effectiveness: Produce more than before while reducing waste and improving quality control. Automated woodworking machines are designed to make repetitive tasks easier and more efficient.
Increased productivity (by implementing configurable automated processes): Manufacture products faster and more efficiently, with considerably less downtime. If, for example, the quality of veneer coming through the machine is not up to standard, it will still process reliably, yet at a slower rate than usual. It’s important to note that higher speed per minute does not always equate to higher productivity.
Improved scaling and customization: Woodworking machinery can be scaled down to accommodate more sophisticated, smaller needs. For example, segmenting the core composing machinery into smaller components allows for greater flexibility in coping with downsizing demands – and thus a competitive edge.
Reducing risks of woodworking accidents
To protect your operators from accidents, you need to invest in state-of-the-art safety and ergonomic features – control and monitor every step of the process. Automatic woodworking machines will make your employees more productive while reducing the risk of accidents in your workplace.
Employing smart, compartmentalized, safety features like fences, light barriers, sensors, and obstruction detection helps reduce risks of operator and machine accidents. Machinery will only function when all safety measures are online. This prevents damage to remaining parts of the machine, ensuring operator safety and significantly reducing downtime. However, it is crucial that all safety protocols are planned in conjunction with productivity targets. Intelligent safety systems minimize the risk of workplace accidents, thereby increasing productivity without any interruption in feeding and outfeeding, for example.
We prioritize communication from the design process to after sales and training. This means that every safety feature is clearly understood by your operators after all safety checks are done at our factory before shipping to you. By producing equipment that's safely, yet easily accessible at every point, you can simplify maintenance and maximize uptime.
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