So, You've Bought a Work Cell... Now What?

The benefits of adding a robotic work cell to your production line extend far beyond its four walls. 

Automating with a work cell is an exciting transition from traditional manufacturing practices to high-speed, high-productivity methods of production. 

If you’ve bought a work cell with NRTC Automation, you can see profits grow in areas outside of its safety barriers by implementing three practices into your company. 

Learn more about the benefits of a robotic work cell below. 

Automate with a Work Cell 

Benefits of Automating with a Work Cell 

With a robotic work cell, manufacturers can easily begin the automation journey without spending time finding equipment, installing and connecting industrial equipment into the production line, and learning how to use each piece of equipment individually. 

A work cell is an all-in-one unit that can complete the job you need it to do within its own walls. The logistics of engineering and design are taken care of so you can start increasing productivity and growing your revenue. 

Plus, if you get a work cell with refurbished equipment, the end product is more affordable than a brand-new work cell and works just as well. 

If you’re considering buying a work cell to automate your production line, visit NRTC Automation. We’ll work with you to design a custom work cell that will cover all your desired automation functions according to your manufacturing needs. 

If you’ve taken the leap into automation and have a work cell in your facility, then follow the steps below to optimize your manufacturing process and increase your profits. 

What to Do After Purchasing a Work Cell 

1. BEGIN ANALYZING YOUR PRODUCTION DATA. 

The fastest way to improve your manufacturing process is by analyzing your production data. 

When you use industrial computers like human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), you have access to all the data that your industrial robot and equipment produce during the workday. 

That data provides you with the opportunity to make shifts and tweaks in your production line to enhance your efficiency and save money on downtime. 

When you turn data into action, that can lead to massive chains of improvement that will provide your company with the boost it needs to grow. 

2. DETERMINE WAYS TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY IN OTHER PARTS OF THE PRODUCTION LINE. 

Now that you have a fully functional robotic work cell in your facility, you can observe other parts of the production line to see what’s lacking. 

Perhaps you can automate another job that is monotonous and requires high repeatability with an industrial robot. Alternatively, maybe a portion of your production line would benefit from an additional employee to manage and operate the line. 

A robotic work cell—plus its data—provides perspective on the productivity and efficiency of the rest of your production line. You can make informed decisions on how you want to alter and enhance your manufacturing process with the knowledge that your automation offers. 

3. TRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEES IN ROBOTICS. 

Training your employees in robotics may seem unnecessary, especially if you outsource your technical issues. However, an education in robotics will improve the efficiency of your entire company. 

When your employees understand how automation applies to their jobs and the rest of the company, they can make changes to their own workflow systems to become more productive. 

Plus, if you have a technical issue, you will be able to solve it in-house as opposed to bringing in a technician to solve it. 

Training your employees will also support their career advancement and boost their confidence. Confident and educated employees tend to be happier and stay with their companies longer. 

So, not only does robotic training increase productivity, but it reduces turnover by keeping happy employees within your company. 

Employee training is a worthwhile investment for your company. Consider training with NRTC Automation for a personalized program that matches your needs. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing industrial automation and manufacturing services to customers across North America. We are the trusted partner of t...

Improve your production line with a work cell today. 

NRTC Automation offers affordable automation solutions so you can reap the benefits of high productivity and minimal downtime. 

We also provide financing for companies that want to automate while maintaining their monthly budget. Our quick and easy application is sent to the nation’s top lenders, and you can choose the best plan for your account. 

Learn more about financing with NRTC Automation on our website. 

CONTACT NRTC AUTOMATION FOR YOUR INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING NEEDS. 

NRTC Automation is a trusted partner providing comprehensive industrial automation and manufacturing services. After delivering our services to top automobile manufacturers across the world for more than a decade, NRTC Automation is the destination for tear out services and robotic solutions. 

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can assist you in your automation journey. Visit us today at www.nrtcautomation.com. 

4 Key Components of a Successful Automated Production Line

Create an effective plan for your production line according to your manufacturing needs with these four basic components. 

The process of automating your production line can be both exciting and intimidating. On the one hand, you are making the effort to grow your business (and your revenue) exponentially with industrial equipment. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have the experience or know-how to automate, it can seem like an insurmountable climb. 

That’s when NRTC Automation steps in to help. Along with our sister company, iGAM, we will help you develop your production line with iGAM’s online industrial marketplace and our comprehensive automation services.

To begin automating, learn more about the anatomy of a great manufacturing line below! 

Anatomy of a great manufacturing line 

A manufacturing line can be broken into four basic components: people, robots, industrial equipment, and data. With a deeper understanding of these four pieces, you can seamlessly connect them and create a production line that works for you. 

People

First and foremost, the people who work with and around your production line are the most important part of success. 

Having a team that is dedicated to constant improvement is crucial to the success of automation, since automation is, at its heart, designed to improve. 

Educate your employees on the processes of automation if they aren’t directly involved in it, and hold weekly and monthly meetings with your technicians, operators, and other manufacturing workers to discuss ways to optimize the production process. 

Above all, ensure that your employees feel that they are necessary for the success of your company. Their confidence and motivation will lay the foundation for a productive and expanding business. 

Robots 

The next component of a successful automated production line includes industrial robots. 

We recommend choosing KUKA robots, FANUC robots, ABB robots, or Yaskawa Motoman robots. They are trusted name brands that have hundreds of thousands of installations worldwide. 

Select an affordable used robot arm that has a high level of repeatability, a payload to carry your specific materials and products, and the correct reach to perform the work you need. 

Also, consider the applications you need for your industrial robots. Do they need to perform arc welding jobs, or will they be a part of packing and palletizing your items? The applications you need will determine the end of arm tooling, or EOAT, you need for your robot. Learn more about common EOATs here. 

Once you have selected your robots, you can move on to the industrial equipment that will support the production process. 

Industrial equipment 

Industrial robots naturally require other manufacturing equipment to run an effective production line. 

Choose industrial machinery that improves energy efficiency, such as servo motors, and protects your equipment from overheating and fires, such as contact blocks and circuit breakers. 

Also, consider adding automatic tool changers to your used robotic arm to speed up the production process and minimize expenses due to downtime. 

While it is not directly related to industrial robots, NRTC Automation also suggests using access equipment such as platforms, stairs, and ladders to prevent injuries from falls in your manufacturing facility. Safety is our priority; it improves worker confidence and productivity while protecting workers from dangerous workplace accidents.

Data 

Last but not least, data is incredibly important to the health of any production line. By tracking and analyzing data, you can trim unnecessary events and optimize your manufacturing process. 

There are several tools you can use to track, view, and manage your data: 

• Human-Machine Interfaces 

• Programmable Logic Controllers 

• Productivity Displays 

Click on the links for each tool to learn more about how these industrial computers will allow you to improve your production line with data. 

All-in-one work cell 

If you want the benefits of automation without the work it takes to set it up in your facility, consider adding a robotic work cell to your production line. 

Robotic work cells are all-in-one automation units that can easily start working on your products shortly after installation. 

We can help you automate your production line with a robotic work cell by designing, building, and engineering a custom cell according to your specific needs. 

Visit our website to learn more about how NRTC Automation can create a customized robotic work cell for your company! 

Watch our YouTube video below to learn more about our automation services. Subscribe to us on YouTube here!

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing industrial automation and manufacturing services to customers across North America. We are the trusted partner of t...

SET UP YOUR MANUFACTURING LINE WITH NRTC AUTOMATION. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrating your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.

FINANCE WITH US!

NRTC Automation offers financing so you can automate your production line without breaking the budget. Simply fill out the short application and choose the best financing plan from top lenders in the nation. Don't let an upfront investment keep you from growing your company; finance with NRTC Automation today.

Schedule a free consultation with NRTC Automation to learn more about how we can help improve your efficiency, production rate, and revenue growth.

5 Reasons to Consider a Work Cell for Your Facility

Automation doesn’t have to be difficult. With a robotic work cell, manufacturers can automate their production lines specifically designed for their manufacturing process. 

Work cells are an all-in-one solution to automate your company. No matter if you want one robot or five—NRTC Automation can build it for you. 

Need some encouragement? We list 5 reasons why you should consider adding a robotic work cell to your manufacturing line. Read more about work cells and how they can benefit your company below! 

Robotic Work Cells for Manufacturing 

What is a robotic work cell? 

A robotic work cell is a self-contained unit consisting of one or more robots, a turntable, a controller, and other equipment as needed, such as an HMI or automatic tool changer. 

Work cells are an excellent way to automate your business without having to pick and choose equipment down the production line. A work cell will complete one or more tasks as directed and only require maintenance and repair when necessary. 

Are work cells pre-manufactured or custom-made? 

There are work cells that are already manufactured that you can buy and make changes to the design to suit your company. 

Alternatively, you can have a customized work cell made specifically for the needs of your company. NRTC Automation can design, build, and engineer a work cell for you all from our warehouse.  

Our work cells are covered under our NRTC Assurance Warranty Coverage. This means you’ll receive technical support and repairs for free with our warranty coverage. We aim to give you peace of mind over your purchase and allow you to automate with ease. 

5 Reasons to Consider a Work Cell for Your Facility 

We believe that a robotic work cell is a cost-efficient and simple way to ease into automation, especially for small- to mid-sized businesses. 

To prove it, we’ve listed 5 reasons why you should consider adding a work cell to your manufacturing facility. 

1. COST-EFFICIENCY 

A work cell is cost-efficient for several reasons: 

• It replaces expensive labor that is difficult to find. 

• A work cell works quickly and produces more product. 

• Work cells are less expensive than buying new equipment individually. 

You can save money by adding a work cell to your production line and let the robots do the work for you. 

2. IMPROVED PRODUCTION RATE 

As mentioned above, work cells work quickly. They improve your production rate by seamlessly doing each job with high repeatability compared to labor with human error. 

With an improved production rate, you can satisfy your customers with more and higher-quality products, retaining your customer base and increasing your revenue over time. 

3. REDUCED DOWNTIME 

A robotic work cell reduces downtime by increasing productivity with constant workflow.  

If you get a work cell with automatic tool changers and more than one end of arm tool, the robots will be able to quickly change applications and move on to the next part of the production process without delay. 

Since downtime can cost an average of $260,000 per hour in manufacturing, cutting down wasted production time with a work cell is essential. 

4. BETTER-QUALITY PRODUCT 

Robots produce a better-quality product because of their high repeatability and precision. A work cell contains your product within one unit while assembling, welding, dispensing, and more. 

With a well-planned robotic work cell designed to fit your production needs, you can enhance your product quality. 

5. ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION 

Last but not least, a robotic work cell is an all-in-one solution to your automation needs. From one robot to many robots, you can design your work cell according to your manufacturing process and automate with ease. 

How to Order a Work Cell for Your Company 

For small- to mid-sized manufacturers, a work cell is a painless and effortless way to automate your company. 

If you want to order a custom-built work cell, contact NRTC Automation. We will discuss design plans and deliver a quote to you. Once you are happy with the design, we will build and engineer the work cell to meet your demands. 

NRTC AUTOMATION IS YOUR SOURCE FOR AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to find out how we can help you automate your business. 

5 Reasons Why You're Failing at Automation

Automating your company is a complex operation, but with the right tools and mindset, you can develop a robotic production line that boosts your efficiency and revenue. 

As Industry 4.0 takes off, companies without automation will fall behind. Even small- to medium-sized businesses are taking advantage of robotic systems to enhance their manufacturing processes. 

Automation should be implemented with care, however. If you simply add robots and industrial equipment to your facility without taking the necessary steps to integrate them, you’ll end up with expensive equipment that isn’t helping your business. 

NRTC Automation lists the top 5 reasons why you might be failing at automating your business and how you can take action for successful automation. 

5 Reasons Why You’re Failing at Automation 

Check out these reasons that can cause automated lines to fail. If you match one or more of these scenarios, you may want to consider reassessing your strategy to automate your company. 

1. End goals aren’t clear.

Knowing the end goal in your intention to automate is necessary to have a functional robotic production line. Are you automating just to stay on par with similar companies in your industry? If so, that will lead to a lack of foresight needed to know what needs to be automated (and what doesn’t!). 

These are some questions that relate to clear, actionable goals that necessitate automating: 

• Do you want to cut down on time and reduce production waste? 

• Are there tasks in your business that are highly repetitive and would benefit by adding a robot, thus reducing human error? 

• Do you want to standardize your production process? 

By taking the time to consider why you want to automate in the first place, you can understand what parts of the production process needed to be automated and how it will integrate into your workplace. 

2. Not enough human labor is incorporated in your production line.

Humans are integral to automation. When we work with automation, we can learn what is or isn’t working and improve our processes. 

Automation is excellent for businesses because it produces data on your manufacturing process. You can find out where energy is being wasted, which tasks are time dumps, and more. 

Have an employee or a team that checks on the status of your automation and data. They can come up with ideas that can save you time and money as your company grows. 

3. The production line is incomplete.

You don’t need a production line solely worked by robots in order to have a successful automated business. You do need a production line that is airtight and doesn’t have any gaps that may cause downtime or buildup. 

Streamlining is the name of the business. When you automate, you should have a smooth production flow that has a step for every part of the process. Take the time to observe your production line in action and note what could be improved; ideally, look at the data from reason #2 and find out where you can make adjustments. 

4. Knowledge about automation is lacking.

Automation is not limited to robots. When you automate your company, there are servo drives, pedestals, end-of-arm-tools, circuit breakers and circuit protection, productivity displays, and so many other components to industrial production that you must account for. 

Each piece of equipment benefits the production line in a different way. Most of this equipment is necessary for the production line to function properly. 

If you want to automate your business successfully, then getting educated on robotics and industrial equipment is a good way to start. Learn about the anatomy of an automated production line, or read more about the connection between servo drives and motors. 

Every bit of knowledge will help you make better decisions when adding industrial automation to your manufacturing process. 

5. Teams are not on the same page regarding automation tasks. 

Last but not least, you might be failing at automation if your team doesn’t understand how it works. 

When everyone understands the effort to automate and knows how their job relates to the robot in the production room, then automation can become a collaborative effort. 

Working together to have a cohesive automated company will not only increase your chances of having a productive and efficient automated line, but it will also boost company morale and improve your work environment. 

Bring everyone together for monthly lunches and update the team on the latest automated processes to fully integrate robotics into your company. 

Automation doesn’t have to be difficult. 

As industrial automation becomes more mainstream and technologies advance, the ability to automate your business gets easier. Plus, you have resources like NRTC Automation to help you build and improve your automation process so you can be successful from the beginning. 

NRTC AUTOMATION WILL WORK WITH YOU TO AUTOMATE YOUR COMPANY. 

Automating your business will allow you to be more efficient, reduce your production waste, and increase your revenue. Work with NRTC Automation, a trusted partner of top auto manufacturers around the world, to automate your company. 

NRTC offers turnkey solutions such as building, designing, and engineering customized work cells that will seamlessly fit into your production line. We also train companies in robotics, repair industrial equipment with professional technicians, manufacture service parts, and more. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you automate your business. 

How to Design Your Own Custom Robotic Work Cell

Robotic work cells are a great addition to any manufacturing line that has a specialized job. Learn more about work cells and how you can design one to increase productivity and reduce costs at your manufacturing facility. 

What is a robotic work cell? 

A robotic work cell is a complete system composed of one or more robots and a controller. A work cell may also include other equipment depending on the purpose and production method of the cell. 

How will a work cell benefit you? 

Work cells are an excellent way to improve speed and efficiency in your production line. Not only that, but increased production also means increased profit.  

If you have a job that standalone robots are unable to complete, then a work cell may be the solution. Customized work cells are pre-engineered to produce according to your specific manufacturing needs, allowing you to increase productivity and get the job done right. 

How to design your own custom work cell: 

STEP 1: DETERMINE WHAT JOB THE WORK CELL WILL BE DOING. 

The first step is finding out exactly what the work cell needs to do. Is your work cell going to be assembling a standing desk for home offices, or building doors for a sports car? Each job is unique in the programming required for a robot to complete the job. Be as specific as possible. 

STEP 2: DEVELOP AN OUTLINE OF THE TASKS. 

Like step one, you should be detailed in mapping out the tasks required to complete the job. Each task will need to be accounted for in the work cell so that the product is manufactured correctly. You’ll also need to establish the inputs and outputs for the job. 

STEP 3: CHOOSE ROBOTS WITH THE RIGHT APPLICATIONS TO DO THE JOB. 

When choosing robots for your work cell, consider the robot’s reachability, payload, precision, and EOAT. You will also want to know the cycle time of the robot. These factors will determine if you need one robot or multiple robots within your work cell. 

STEP 4: SELECT A POSITIONER TO MOVE THE PRODUCT DOWN THE LINE. 

The positioner will contain your product while the robots are manufacturing. The positioner should either be fixed or mobile, and the weight capacity of the positioner should be examined as well. You can also decide if the height of the positioner will be fixed or adjustable. 

STEP 5: CREATE A LAYOUT TO EFFICIENTLY (AND SAFELY) COMPLETE THE TASK. 

The layout is the most important aspect of the work cell and will be the key to its success. For maximum efficiency, you want to find the best placement for your robots and positioner. Some work cells complete a task in a linear fashion, some may keep the product in one place, and others may require the robots to swivel and change direction. 

Make sure you consider spacing for human workers, if necessary, and leave ample room for the robot’s base and motions. Larger work cells may have a greater cost, but ensuring the safety of your employees and protecting robots from damage is worth the expense. 

Increase productivity with a custom-designed robotic work cell. 

With the steps above, you can design a customized work cell that will improve your production line’s speed and efficiency. 

DO YOU WANT TO ADD A WORK CELL TO YOUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY? 

NRTC Automation creates turnkey flexible robotic work cells to fit your unique production line. We have over a decade of experience in providing solutions to automation and manufacturing needs for all manufacturing companies, including top automobile manufacturers across the globe. 

Contact NRTC Automation today for a quote on your customized robotic work cell.