Highly-Versatile Solutions
Automation is the technology, either added or implemented, by which a process or procedure is performed with minimal human assistance.
Custom automation offers streamlined, automated solutions for industrial functions, from low volume processes to large scale manufacturing.
PDFact’s intent is not to eliminate jobs, but rather to make users more efficient. This leads to improved process control and better maintenance of health and safety.
Many industries, like automotive and food & beverage, use custom automation to improve manufacturing, streamline processes, and optimize machinery for increased quality and output.
PDFact has developed custom automation solutions for clients in a range of industries including pharmaceutical, food processing, industrial, law firms, and medical devices.
Custom automation provides many lasting benefits including increased quality of production, more extensive yields, increased productivity and uptime, and decreases in long-term manufacturing costs.
Custom Automation to increase efficiency
Machinery and equipment can be programmed and tailored to specific user needs. In order to upgrade and modernize manual functions, you can allow machines to increase productivity which frees up manpower for other tasks.
To help you achieve greater efficiency, PDFact will consult with you about the components needed to achieve an automated solution in your environment, and detail a plan to optimize your system. The objective is to collaborate on your project so that in the end, you accomplish more.
There are flexible options available for custom automation including integrating machinery, combining equipment, or using custom-built machinery and tools to create more efficient systems.
Here are some of the ways custom equipment can improve efficiency:
- Guarantee you’re hitting a specific force
- Make sure parts snap together
- Align parts
- Achieve repetitive motion to improve human safety
- Help humans control machines more efficiently
Think of how you can optimize your systems to increase efficiencies in specific processes in your environment.
Custom automation to increase reliability
The manufacturing process comes more reliable when solutions are tailored to the user’s needs. We have the capability to design, create, test and install innovative equipment that solves highly-specific problems.
The use of assembly equipment can increase the productivity of a repetitive task, saving time and increasing yields.
Vision systems can be integrated to ensure reliability in specific functions. They can be used to measure, verify, and capture data accurately and repeatedly.
Custom automation solutions give you the option to capture a level of precision that increases the overall product quality using digital imagery and pre-programmed software.
You can use programmed and precise systems to identify component and process failure and ensure specific requirements like force, timing and positioning are being met consistently. To resolve issues, you can adjust during the process.
The flexibility of customization will allow you to optimize systems or processes based on your specific needs.
PDFact Semi-Automated Press
PDFact built a Semi-Automated Press used to assemble custom modules. User(s) load empty pallets with unassembled components. These loaded pallets are then placed into the machine.
The press provides the user with feedback regarding pallet position and component position (i.e., pallets properly placed in machine and components loaded properly)
If the pallet or component position are not correct, the equipment will indicate where failure is taking place, what the failure is, and then force the user to fix it before initiating the press
Once complete, the user can initiate the press sequences, which triggers a series of events
Learn more about the Semi-Automated Press here.
With custom automation, repetition and precision are implicit. There are many ways custom automation solutions can be applied to improve system reliability and innovative products can be utilized to solve problems in your work environment.
Custom automation to improve scalability
Experts in custom automation equipment can add significant value to enterprise systems and help companies scale systems and processes quickly.
As an automation provider, PDFact brings a process design and product development mindset to every project.
We often suggest creative solutions that may not be readily apparent and we strive to recommend concepts and plans that bring you as close as possible to your automation goal. Custom automation can help you scale your processes and your business.
The process to automation
The custom automation process requires ongoing collaboration due to the implicit variables, but PDFact will develop a strategy for scaling your systems, and implement a tailor-made custom automation plan that works best for you.
First, PDFact will learn more about the processes you have in place and what you’re trying to achieve with automation solutions.
We often work in close collaboration with engineers and project managers to first check the scheduling of equipment, and see if it is down or out of line. In cases where the equipment doesn’t exist yet, PDFact will quote a solution.
There are many factors to account for including air requirements and how data will be shared, but PDFact will ensure that every detail is taken into consideration through each project phase. Throughout the process, PDFact leads up project management of all stakeholders.
The project proposal and design
Custom automation projects begin with design including 3D modeling of the fixture and CAD drawings. At this stage, ergonomics are a key factor. PDFact will share a less refined version of the product in the proposal, based on specifications.
Once the project is initiated, designs are finalized and approved. Next, the materials (sensors, PLCs, programming, writing) are purchased.
Fabrication
The design will be proven in CAD/3D and then PDFact will start to build. Fabrication coincides with a planning logistics timeline to ensure project management and accountability. Assembly, writing, testing (electric Servo/air), and debugs verify that everything is functioning as intended.
Finally, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) will ensure that the criteria is met. Devices are assembled for testing and proof.
Project Completion
Delivery of stand-alone equipment or installation is based on contract requirements.
PDFact is available to design, modify and build complete automation systems that are reliable, efficient, and scalable.
We supply custom automation services to a range of industries and welcome small to medium-size enterprises and large firms.
Learn more about PDFact services.
Tell us more about custom automation solutions that can improve your systems and processes. Contact PDFact today.