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.
What is Electronics Automation in Manufacturing Used For?
Automating electronics manufacturing means increased flexibility, higher efficiency, lower costs, better safety practices, and higher outputs for manufacturers. Due to the increased miniaturization of electronics, we are also reaching a point where humans simply cannot construct and test components with the speed and precision necessary for mass production. Automation is the only way to stay competitive in 2022.
A common concern when considering industrial automation is that human workers will be “replaced” by machines. While sometimes this is the case, it’s far more likely that dangerous, monotonous, or repetitive work will be offloaded onto automated robots. This will free up your employees to focus on safer and more business-forward aspects of your company, such as strategy and sales planning.
When considering investing in automation for your company, pinpoint your production goals, and establish exactly how automation will help you accomplish them. Increasingly, companies like Summit Engineered Automation have experts available to build customized automated electronics manufacturing technology — even when your needs are extremely specific.
How Has Electronics Automation Advanced in Recent Years?
Electronics automation has advanced rapidly over the last decade. In addition to the invention and adoption of brand-new technologies, existing technologies are constantly being refined and improved to be more cost-effective.
For example, nanomanufacturing is now able to manufacture material on a molecular level. This futuristic technology is expected to lead to higher efficiency batteries, transistors, semiconductors, and solar cells.
Further developments in electronics automation have led to the utilization of industrial robots fitted with more sophisticated measurement, sensing, and process control transmitters for delicate work and improved data tracking abilities. There are also more and more 24-hour manufacturing machines, which can perform repeatable actions without a need for breaks.
Aside from refinements, new types of automation have become increasingly practical in recent years. Perhaps most notably, the rise of 3D printing. Previously 3D printers were too large and too slow to be useful, but newer machines have made giant leaps forward and are creating novel supply chain and retail opportunities.
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.