Automating industrial processes is the next stage of the industrial revolution. Industrial automation solutions allow factories to run through various production systems with as little human interaction as possible. For factories, automation can result in increased production, reduced human errors, and cost savings. Factories can invest in a variety of automation tools and solutions depending on what they want to achieve.
Types of Industrial Automation Tools and Technologies
There’s a range of tools and technologies to choose from when looking to automate your factory. https://tr-solution.com/en offers tools such as:
1. Industrial Control Systems
Industrial control systems (ICS) refer to the devices and protocols used to manage tasks inside a factory. They are useful for improving operational efficiency. Industrial control systems can be of different types as follows:
- Distributed control systems
- Supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA)
- Field devices
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Human-machine interfaces
- Remote terminal units
- Intelligent electronic devices
2. Industrial Electrical Drives
Industrial electrical drives facilitate the performance of your factory’s machinery. Therefore, you should pay keen attention when choosing a suitable product.
The first guiding tool is the function they’re intended for. Drivers come in either AC or DC systems and your choice depends on the desired output strength. DC drives are suitable for processes that require a high output strength.
Compatibility with other key systems in your factory is key when choosing the drive that will integrate seamlessly with your current systems. Even when you’re overhauling the entire system, the choice of a driver must be compatible with other related systems.
Finally, consider the cost and lifespan of the drive. In terms of cost, the drive should bring efficiency to your system, for instance by consuming less energy, therefore reducing energy costs. The drive should provide value for your money over its lifecycle. For instance does it have repair or replacement parts? What is the average lifecycle?
3. Industrial Electric Motors
Electric motors are what keep the machine components of a factory moving. Motors have been instrumental in the evolution of industrial operations and continue to play a key role.
Motors for industrial automation come in various types:
- DC motors are suitable for industrial processes that involved demanding, continuous, and controlled movement.
- AC motors work well for processes that require high energy and constant speeds.
- Servo motors are suitable for automating high-precision industrial operations
- Stepper motors are suitable for applications that demand accurate positioning.
How Industrial Automation Works
Industrial automation comes in different models.
The first one is fixed automation also known as hard automation. Fixed automation is hardwired into the machine component and cannot be changed from product to product. Therefore, it is best for mass production of the same product.
In programmable automation the product specification can be altered to allow for batch production of different products.
While fixed automation is suitable for specialized production, programmable automation creates a lot of unproductive downtimes, leading to a growing demand for flexible automation.
Flexible automation combines the benefits of fixed and programmable automation, allowing for a system that can produce different products, in varying quantities but with reduced downtimes and increased productivity.
Benefits of Industrial Automation
Industrial automation brings several benefits to factories. These include:
- Reduced costs
Industries that don’t automate must invest in human labor which comes with additional costs such as medical insurance, safety insurance, safety training programs.
- Reduced risks to human operators
Automating tasks can reduce the number of human operators required on the factory floor. The result is reduced accidents and injuries to your human workforce.
- Consistency and uniformity in production
Automating how your product is produced ensured its consistency and uniformity, since you only need a prototype. This can lead to reduced wastage and better quality control.
Get Assistance in Choosing the Best Automation Solutions
https://tr-solution.com/en guides you in choosing the best automation solutions that ensure increased productivity and cost savings.
