Ekomachines (1) – With the Future in Mind
Ecology has become one of the most frequently discussed topics in modern public debate.Politicians, entrepreneurs, and scientists all discuss it. Our daily lives also confront us with this topic when we sort waste, try to save water, and conserve energy. Industrial production may seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. The word “industry” often automatically conjures images of smoking chimneys, massive energy consumption, and extensive use of raw materials and water. However, various industrial sectors are increasingly focused on reducing the ecological costs of their operations.
Don’t Throw It Away, Use It!
When introducing a new product reference into production, one of the key decisions is whether to build a new line or refurbish an existing one. This is particularly challenging in the current supply chain crisis. It is worth opting for an experienced provider of production lines and machines with extensive know-how in automation and robotics equipment and their integration. Such a provider often has a strong team of specialists—designers, mechatronics engineers, automation experts, and programmers—who can effectively and optimally utilize existing line components for modernization or to complete a new production line. A provider’s in-house machinery park is an additional advantage, allowing for the regeneration or modification of mechanical elements and the quick production of entirely new parts if necessary. Production line owners are often surprised at how extensively existing components and devices can be reused. The result is simple: significant cost reduction for new production introduction, reuse of components instead of their disposal or storage, reduced waste, and decreased raw material consumption for new components.
Avoid Disposable Solutions
When ordering a new production line, especially in industries where new references frequently appear, it is worth considering various aspects for future production. It is difficult to precisely determine the parameters of future references, but design patterns that extend the line’s usability can be defined during the specification and design stages. Again, choosing an experienced line and machine manufacturer who can accurately identify potential challenges and effectively solve them is crucial. One aspect is modularity—the modular construction of the production line allows for flexible reconfiguration in the future or the replacement of a single module instead of the entire line. Modularity is achieved through appropriate mechanical solutions, standardizing dimensions, and elements that facilitate transport. Another important aspect is reconfigurability—features embedded in the mechanical design, connection structure, and programming that enable the line or machine to be used for future product references. This makes the entire body and its infrastructure universal, with only the tool package being replaced for specific references. Reconfiguration must be intuitive, quick, and safe. This is achievable through mechanical solutions like ergonomic handles, grips, or hooks, connection solutions such as coded quick connectors, and design patterns in the software. All these factors make future modifications of the line or machine cheaper, easier, and environmentally friendlier.
If you are looking for a manufacturer of complete robotic production lines and assembly stations, feel free to contact us. ELPLC S.A. is a team of over 160 specialists: designers, programmers, mechatronics engineers, automation experts, and operators. We have our own R&D department, a digitized production system, and a design studio. Our production capacity is defined by approximately 4200 m² of production space and our own park of 26 machines, including 8 modern CNC centers, 9 conventional milling machines, 3 lathes, and 6 grinding machines.
