Many tasks in electronics manufacturing that were traditionally handled by humans, including the processes of assembling and testing devices and their components, can now be automated with the assistance of machines and software. Although the transition to automation requires a certain initial investment, it subsequently leads to a considerable reduction in costs.
Delve deeper into the topic of process automation in electronics manufacturing discussed in this article.
Benefits of process automation in electronics manufacturing
As mentioned earlier, one of the major benefits of process automation is the reduction of manufacturing costs.
First of all, minimised human involvement in production decreases the costs of labour and associated expenses, including training and supervision.
Another factor contributing to cost reduction is the ability of machines to accelerate the manufacturing process. Whether it involves tasks requiring high dexterity and force or operations with delicate components, machines can handle them with greater speed and accuracy than humans. Not only does it shorten lead times but it also minimises errors and waste.
At the same time, higher precision and enhanced consistency in electronics manufacturing are crucial for device quality, reliability, as well as compliance with industry standards and specifications.
Which processes of electronics production should be automated?
While numerous processes in electronics manufacturing can be automated, the feasibility of their automation depends on the goals and capabilities of a particular manufacturer. However, certain factors may support the decision to automate a specific process.
For instance, devices that must comply with stringent quality and reliability requirements can benefit from the enhanced consistency achieved through automation. Similarly, products experiencing high demand can be manufactured significantly faster when the production is performed automatically.
Changing specifications for a product may also be handled more efficiently by machines. In certain cases, reprogramming and adjusting automated manufacturing equipment can be faster than retraining humans.
The need to reduce operational and production costs can also be fulfilled by automating manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, instead of investing in process automation themselves, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can consider cooperation with electronics manufacturing service (EMS) providers like Poland-based Assel, which offers customers device manufacturing in a modern production facility coupled with over forty years of experience in the industry.
Process automation applications in electronics production
One common application of process automation in electronics production is industrial robotics, commonly used for tasks such as dispensing, picking, placing, screwing, soldering, testing, and inspecting. While robots are often programmed for processes requiring high precision, they are also effective in environments that may be unsuitable or unsafe for human workers.
A popular example of software used to automate processes in electronics production is Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), capable of real-time monitoring and controlling the entire production process. The primary goal of MES is to collect data from production equipment and operators and analyse it to provide real-time feedback and valuable insights to operators. Additionally, MES systems support traceability throughout the entire manufacturing process, helping OEMs achieve regulatory compliance.
Automated production with an experienced EMS provider
A competent contract manufacturer will help you leverage the advantages of automated electronics manufacturing achieving both high production speed and accuracy without costly investments. Visit https://asselems.com/en/benefits-of-process-automation-in-electronics-production to learn about the possibilities of partnering with an EMS provider offering a high level of automation in manufacturing.
