An Automated Manufacturing System Is Only as Good as Its Connectors

Allow machines to do what they’re supposed to do

Published: Monday, October 19, 2015 - 10:13

(Mencom Corp: Oakwood, GA) -- Automation is a key part of almost all manufacturing today. Why? The many benefits include reduced costs, increased productivity, improved quality, and greater efficiency.

Reduced costs. What once took one or more people to do can now be accomplished with one robot, which contributes to significant reduction in material handling, orientation time, part inspection, and training.

Increased productivity. Automation improves the response time as products flow from operation to operation. Subassemblies can be integrated into the automation line to eliminate individual workstations. Manufacturing can now be performed 24/7 without operator error.

Improved quality. Automated product inspection and in-process testing allow the verification that the product is correct before sending it to the next operation. When automation is used to test products, the parameters must be quantified so the products are accepted or rejected according to those parameters. This eliminates the subjective decision making and potential for operator error, which is present when testing is performed manually.

Greater efficiency. Robots can be programmed to perform a multitude of tasks, and once programmed, can do the same job consistency without fatigue. This is one of the reasons automation projects are often initiated when an operation is dangerous, strenuous, or monotonous. In most cases, the productivity gained by eliminating the difficult or repetitive operation will justify the expense of automation.

It’s imperative to keep the machines in automated manufacturing facilities in top-working order to attain the benefits mentioned here. However, almost all automated machinery is connected by quick-disconnect electrical connectors for faster replacement. Without high-quality connectors, it’s all for naught.

Visit www.mencom.com for more information.

About The Author

Mencom Corp.

Mencom Corp. provides high-quality, cost-effective solutions that meet industrial electrical connector requirements yet require minimal installation time. Its highly trained staff have decades of electrical and electronic industry-related experience, which allows them to assist OEM customers in selecting the best products to meet their unique connection requirements. Mencom offers custom-made and off-the-shelf electrical connectors. Its headquarters and warehouse facilities are located in Oakwood, Georgia.