The history of automation in manufacturing dates back to the Industrial Revolution when mechanized systems were first introduced to replace manual labor. Today, automation is making a transformational impact here at American Manufacturing.

While we’re on the front lines of automation in manufacturing, it’s really historic. The development of machines and equipment that could perform repetitive tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans paved the way for a new era of manufacturing. Assembly lines in the early 20th century further revolutionized manufacturing by allowing products to be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost. The invention of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the 1960s enabled machines to be controlled by computers, making it possible to automate more complex tasks.

Since then, automation has continued to evolve, with advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies enabling manufacturers to improve their processes further and increase efficiency. Today, automation is an essential component of modern manufacturing, enabling companies to produce high-quality products with greater precision and consistency than ever before.

At American Manufacturing, we have leveraged automation to refine our processes and better serve our customers. Automation has brought big advancements in the following areas:

Improved Precision and Consistency

One of the key benefits of automation is achieving a higher level of precision and consistency in manufacturing processes. At American Manufacturing, we use advanced robotics and CNC equipment to perform material processing tasks.

Our production saws, for example, are far more precise and cut twice as fast as our previous saws, enabling us to produce accurate and consistent parts in less time. We also use robotic welding, robotic plasma cutting, and 3D plasma cutting for intricate production parts. These advanced technologies allow us to produce quality cut parts within almost any tolerance.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency

Automation can also help manufacturers increase their productivity and efficiency, enabling them to deliver products faster and at a lower cost. At American Manufacturing, we have invested in new RH 33 and MB 18 CNC vertical milling machines that allow us to create highly specific machined parts and tubes faster with more consistent quality. This has helped us to reduce costs and optimize our workflow, resulting in a more efficient production process.

Reduced Downtime and Advanced Decision-Making

By using sensors and devices that monitor equipment and produce user-friendly data, manufacturers can connect production lines and reduce downtime due to running out of stock. Automation can also track equipment performance to indicate when maintenance or failures might occur, which helps to make smarter operation decisions and schedule maintenance when it will least affect production.

Maintaining real-time data can help manufacturers understand lead times and provide more accurate estimates and timelines. Additionally, automated devices improve repeatability which can improve quality and reduce variability in production.

Enhanced Control of Lead Times

Another significant benefit of automation is the ability to reduce dependency on suppliers to deliver parts, which can lead to being in more control of lead times. We have invested in automation technologies at American Manufacturing that enable us to perform material processing tasks with precision and consistency, reducing our reliance on suppliers to provide parts. This has helped us to be more in control of our production schedule, resulting in faster delivery times and more satisfied customers.

The Future of Automation in Manufacturing

Automation is expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of manufacturing. Advancements in robotics, machine vision, IoT, and other digital technologies are making automation more accessible to a greater number of manufacturers, enabling them to change the way they operate. To take advantage of the growth in automation, it’s important for manufacturers to know their goals and what benefits each technology provides. It’s also important to follow proper engineering principles and work with vendors that provide good customer service.

We are excited to be at the forefront of this transformation at American Manufacturing. We have invested in advanced robotics and other technologies that enable us to deliver high-quality products with shorter lead times. We have served various industries such as alternative energy, automotive, distribution, military defense, and many more. We can perform 3D plasma cutting for intricate production parts and produce a quality cut part within almost any tolerance. We are also integrating our new ERP system and doing a full digital transition.

In conclusion, automation has become an essential component of modern manufacturing, offering many benefits to companies that adopt it. At American Manufacturing, automation has helped us achieve success by improving precision and consistency, increasing productivity and efficiency, reducing downtime and improving decision-making, more control of lead times, and creating a safer and healthier work environment.

Automation will continue to play a key role in the future of manufacturing, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of this transformation by continuing to invest in advanced automation technologies. American Manufacturing specializes in the high volume production of standard steel containers for Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and their suppliers. Automation in manufacturing is just one way we bring a broad level of experience for designs that work without breaking the bank. Contact us to learn more.