More electronics manufacturers have been adopting automation technology to reduce labor costs in the past few years. Yes, robots don’t need dinner breaks, nor do they come into work late and leave early for doctor appointments. But the benefits of electronics manufacturing automation go far beyond reducing labor costs.
Electronics manufacturers use automation and robots to fabricate and assemble components, apply adhesives, pick and place, test, pack and more. According to industry surveys, electronics manufacturers account for about 22% of total robot shipments. The automobile industry is the biggest user of industrial robots.
Automation improves product quality and uniformity
Automation increases electronics manufacturing quality by processing the same tasks repeatedly with identical uniformity and at a much faster speed than workers are capable of. Manufacturers are thus able to reduce defects, material waste and product returns.
Automation also helps manufacturers get their goods to buyers much faster, crucial in the electronics industry. You often provide just-in-time parts and sub-assemblies to large OEM manufacturers. Manufacturing speed impacts every touchpoint in the supply chain, improving every partner’s timing and performance.
Automation provides more manufacturing flexibility
Robot arms are lightweight, flexible, compact and easy to reconfigure for many electronics manufacturing production requirements. At the same time, prices have been dropping on robots and other automation tools, making it easier for small and midsize manufacturing businesses to automate their operations fully.
Automation improves shop safety
Automated machines and robots can improve safety on the manufacturing floor by dipping and treating electronics into hazardous chemicals. Additionally, larger robots can lift heavy items and equipment, which frees workers from mundane, stressful tasks to complete more complex tasks and processes.
Conveyor belts and order-picking bots can also be used to safely move parts and items across large distances within expansive warehouses, and this is just one valuable aspect of effective electronics manufacturing automation.
Level up your automation to improve output, lower costs
For electronics manufacturers eager to level up their manufacturing capabilities with leading-edge automation machines and processes, Summit Engineered Automation is here to help.
Innovative electronics manufacturing automation is one of the specialties that has set us apart from other automation companies for years. Our machines and systems help companies improve manufacturing quality while simultaneously increasing output and productivity. This allows more companies to meet their growing demand while maintaining high-quality levels.
Take, for example, a flexible electronics printing machine we designed for the University of Minnesota. This capable machine could index forward to complete first-pass printing and curing, then return to start and print over the existing layer while holding consistent five-micron accuracy.
The demand for custom electronics automation and other industrial automation solutions is only increasing and is expected to achieve a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. Now’s the time to level up your automation to improve output and quality while lowering costs.
Check out case studies spotlighting several electronics manufacturing automation projects.