AMRC Factory 2050 Visit

by Martin | Sep 26, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

Martin Griffiths our Technical Director, visited the ARMC Factory 2050 in Sheffield organised by the Northern Automotive Alliance. He spent the afternoon viewing some of their advanced manufacturing technologies.

During the visit, he witnessed advanced robotic CNC machining; assisted assembly processes and automated vision inspection systems. These technologies are solving challenges for large manufacturing companies and SME’s.

CNC Robots

The tour started in the ARMC Factory 2050 machine shop. This houses several Kuka robots which have been modified to perform CNC machining operations. These machines are designed to give more flexibility to the machining process. They also give the ability to machine large items that would not fit into a CNC machine. Engineers in Factory 2050 are working on improving the machining accuracy of CNC robots. At the present time, this is typically lower than in a CNC machine. They are tackling this with improved control software.

Collaborative Robots in Assembly

There were several examples of small (7kg – 14kg payload) collaborative robots (cobots) that assist in the assembly processes. These are used in applications where they can improve accuracy and cycle time. However, human assistance is still needed to complete the assembly process, due to the skill required.

Collaborative Robots in Inspection

One demonstration cell showed how cobots can be used with cameras and lighting, to move around a large assembled product and perform multiple vision inspection checks. The robot starts by finding a datum point on the product. It then moves a robotic arm through a sequence, to find different components that require visual verification.

Re-Configurable Shop Floor

A re-configurable shop floor demo showed how cobots, robots and UAVs are used to automatically move components around a factory floor. As a result, custom products can be assembled in low volumes. The ability to move production machinery for low quantities of product, to new locations quickly, is essential for low quantity, high value and high quality manufacturing processes.

Guided Assembly Processes

Finally, the ARMC Factory 2050 wing assembly cell showed how complex assembly processes can be simplified, by guiding operators through each work process. Firstly, the demonstrator used work instructions projected onto the production items. Secondly, Manufacturing Execution Software selected the instructions to display the item in production. It also connected to electric nut-runner tools, selecting the correct torque cycle for the operation; collecting data and moving onto the next assembly process.

View Key Features and Results of Connected Manufacturing

Metis Automation Joins The Northern Automotive Alliance

by Martin | Sep 26, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

Metis Automation has recently joined the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA). The NAA supports companies throughout the North of the UK, that work in and also supply to the automotive industry.

Joining the Northern Automotive Alliance

This has been important for Metis Automation. We are strongly focused on software and technology for the automotive industry across OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and SMEs. Our goal is to help improve the manufacturing capabilities of all involved in the automotive industry and as a result, help bring better quality products to consumers.

Connected Manufacturing in the Automotive Industry

We are working with several Tier 1 and SME suppliers in the automotive industry, using our manufacturing control software Tascus, to improve their manufacturing processes. The suppliers are being driven by OEM manufacturers to implement Connected Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 processes in their factories. OEM manufacturers see this as important to maintain high quality standards in products supplied. They also find that product tracability helps to contain any component failures that may be found in the field.

Test in the Automotive Industry

Many automotive companies use our test software Metest and our systems, to improve time to market during R&D Validation tests. They also use Metest for functional end of production line testing. This helps to ensure that products leave the factory defect free, maintaining their brand reputation with automotive OEMs.

View Key Features and Results of Connected Manufacturing

Metis Automation Joins LCR4.0

by Martin | Jul 17, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

The North West is the largest manufacturing region in the United Kingdom. It has been selected for a new and innovative strategy to help SMEs in the Liverpool City Region, to implement Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in their companies. Metis Automation joined this programme in June 2017 and are optimistic about using LCR4.0 to expand our range of services and software, for Industry 4.0.

How Industry 4.0 is Changing the Manufacturing Landscape

The internet enables a change in shift for how manufacturers reach their customers. For example, suitcase manufacturer Trunki gets 90% of their customers directly through their website. This has allowed the company to sell their product with less mediators between customer and manufacturer.

When Industry 4.0 is implemented in a company like Trunki, orders can be placed directly by customers on their website. These get processed by a company Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. Then, commands are sent to all manufacturing equipment and production lines to schedule and manufacture the customer’s product. Implementing automated production systems like this enables more products to be produced, with lower overheads and increased productivity.

UK Government predicts a boost to UK economy of £350bn by 2030 due to Industry 4.0, because there are many business opportunities to be capitalised on.

Is the UK ready for Industry 4.0?

There is uncertainty about the UK’s preparation to implement I4.0 in SME manufacturing companies. Elevated levels of automation in Germany makes I4.0 easier, but it is more difficult in the UK. This is because many SMEs have not automated their manufacturing processes, and because many companies in the UK did not implement the 3rd Industrial revolution – automation and computerisation.

These companies need a shortcut process automation, to implement connected manufacturing. A factory changing from manual processes with paper, to connected automated processes, will result in a potential 22% productivity increase. Therefore, there is a possibility for a huge business impact by embracing Industry 4.0.

We are part of a global market with worldwide competitors. If UK businesses do not implement I4, their costs will go up and customers will eventually go to countries where Industry 4.0 has been implemented.

Barriers to Industry 4.0 Uptake

Why aren’t manufacturers implementing Industry 4.0 in their organisations:

Time it takes to implement and their lack of time to focus on it.
Cost of implementation.
Low priority for their business.

LCR4.0

Liverpool City Region 4.0 is about reducing the barriers to entry for I4.0, working with experts from Liverpool John Moores University , Sensor City, the Virtual Engineering Centre and the Hartree Centre.

LCR4.0 was launched in November 2016 and funding is secured until the end of 2018.

View Key Features and Results of Industry 4.0

LabVIEW Developer Days Manchester

by Martin | May 30, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

We will be joining National Instruments at the complimentary and informative LabVIEW Developer Days in Manchester on 13^th June 2017.

At this event, you’ll be able to improve your LabVIEW development skills with software design principles and methodologies. Network with the LabVIEW Community to share knowledge and expertise.

Our lead developer, Martin Griffiths will be presenting Test Solutions for a Connected Factory, going into detail about how tests systems can rise to the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Connected Manufacturing. It will teach you what you need to know to get the benefits of Connected Manufacturing in your next test system.

Additionally, National Instruments made an exciting announcement at NIWeek with the release of LabVIEW NXG. Gain insight into the next generation of LabVIEW and understand what you can do to stay informed and prepare for your migration in the future.

Key Highlights:

A look into the future of LabVIEW including release timelines and future versions
Hints and tips on how to master the Certified LabVIEW Developer Exam
Guest presentation from Martin Griffiths, CLA about Test Solutions for a Connected Factory
Get the inspiration, techniques and tips to create clear, appealing and modern user interfaces in LabVIEW

North West LabVIEW User Group – Monday 15 May

by Martin | Apr 26, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

Learn about LabVIEW at our User Group meeting on 15 May at John Moores University, Liverpool.

At our next session we will have Chris Jones from National Instruments giving a presentation on the NI technology Preview & next generation of LabVIEW

Martin Griffiths from Metis Automation will be discussing getting to grips with large LabVIEW apps, and Peter Whiteley will be in charge of our fun LabVIEW coding challenge.

There will also be a department tour of the university at the end of the session.

For further information and to register for the upcoming event, click here.

Connected Manufacturing Event

by Martin | Apr 26, 2017 | Manufacturing News & Events

Connected Manufacturing – Transformation Through Technology.

We’re hearing a lot about the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0 – but what does it mean in practice and how can manufacturers really benefit?

Find out at the first Connected Manufacturing event on Wednesday 17th May, 9:30am – 1:00pm at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley.

This event will give you the opportunity to hear directly from manufacturers who are already increasing efficiency and productivity, through the application of digital technologies. Confirmed participants include speakers from Naylor Industries (Barnsley), Stainless Plating (Sheffield) and Coca-Cola European Partners (Wakefield) plus the digital companies that are working with them.

You’ll hear about how these manufacturers are using digital solutions to transform their production and quality processes and drive improvement through the supply chain.

More detail on the event and the link to register is here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connected-manufacturing-tickets-33464195309

The Digital Media Centre is a 2 minute walk from Barnsley train station or a 15 minute drive from junction 37 of the M1.