Automated fabrication technology has no doubt impacted and
improved the industrial fabrication industry, with customers reaping benefits
such as improved timelines and
cost-savings.
Along with increased efficiency and other inherit benefits
for project owners, automated fabrication technology has also impacted change
within fabrication professionals and teams.
Some of these benefits include increased safety for steel fabrication teams, and an enhanced skillset for professionals in
the metal fabrication industry.
Learn more about how automation and robotic technology is
making a positive impact in industrial steel fabrication teams:
Greater efficiency
One of the most significant ways in which automated fabrication
technology is changing industrial steel fabrication teams is by enhancing team
efficiency and output.
This is due to:
- Less time needed to complete work (up to 2 or 3
times less in most case studies), leaving fabricators time to spend time completing
adjacent work, which leads to sped-up project timelines - Shorter lead times, which allows fabricators to
complete multiple projects on-site simultaneously, whether for the same or
multiple project stakeholders
Two of many examples of automated fabrication machinery
which greatly enhances project efficiency are beam line and beam assembly technology.
Beam line technology works to speed up the cutting and
drilling of steel beams, replacing the traditional method of fabrication
workers manually measuring, cutting, and drilling steel beams – a time
consuming process. Beam assembly technology produces further efficiencies by
automatically locating and fitting attachments to beams, highly accurately and
efficiently.
Not only do these
processes enhance efficiency by speeding up the process, but they also increase
safety for workers as it requires the steel beam component to be moved less by
workers.
For more complex heavy fabrication projects, a single
component may need to be moved multiple times for all the necessary work to be
completed, often requiring the use of overhead cranes.
This enhanced
efficiency allows fabricators to spend more time focusing on the more creative aspects
of fabrication, including design, trouble-shooting, and other tasks leading
to continual improvement and increased worker satisfaction.
“Automated equipment is a successful way of reducing
production costs significantly as well as lead times, which enables fabricators
to deliver projects quickly, for less cost,” said Paul Margarit, Manufacturing
Engineer at Saskarc. “Competitiveness is a key to our future and opens new
markets and capabilities.”
Operating in multiple markets creates greater stability for fabricators, in addition to diversifying tasks.
Variety is noted as a key factor to workplace
happiness, as noted by NBC News. Feeling of happiness and satisfaction in
the workplace among workers are also noted as factors contributing to increased
productivity and output.
Increased safety
One of the greatest benefits of automated fabrication
systems and robotic technology is that it can increase safety for workers.
Automated technology
works to enhance safety for fabrication teams by:
- Removing workers from the frontline of dangerous
work procedures. This is due to the reduced need for large, heavy fabricated components
to be moved manually via forklifts or overhead cranes, leaving less chance for
human error leading to adverse safety incidents. - Responding quickly to emergencies via real-time
monitoring software, where customized actions can be programmed and sent
through a chain-of-command accordingly. - Easily updating safety protocols with a planned
course of action in the case of an adverse event with automation software.
As stated by
the World Economic Forum, robots are perfect
for physically demanding or tasks too dangerous for humans to carry out.
In addition, automated welding technology, in particular,
provides fabricators with protection from fumes, sparks, welding torch noise
and prevents strains occurring from prolonged welding positions which are not
ergonomically friendly.
Once sustained, workplace injuries can span from days to
years if serious, causing workers to suffer negative health consequences and reduced
wages. In rare cases, death can occur.
Nearly 1,000 workers lose their lives while on the job annually in Canada.
Enhanced skillset
While automated machinery is helping enhance safety for shop
workers all around, the need for skilled fabrication workers is far from dwindling.
While robotic welding machines are used for specific,
repetitive tasks, such as bending and cutting, the need for versatile welders
and fitters isn’t fading anytime soon. There is still a growing need for
welding professionals in the industrial fabrication industry, growing at a rate
of about six per cent per year.
There is a common misconception that automated/robotic
technology is a threat to fabrication professional’s job security. However, automated/robotic fabrication
technology is designed to collaborate with workers, not replace them.
Automation has disrupted the steel fabrication market and changes the way fabricators complete large-scale industrial steel projects. This disruption has proved to be very beneficial, with fabricators reaping the benefits of increased efficiency, safer work environments, and an enhanced skillset for better outcomes for both workers and project owners.
Saskarc analyzes every project to define the
critical requirements that will maximize success. We continuously invest in our
people, equipment, and facilities to provide our customer with the best
service, support, and innovative solutions to meet their requirements.
Our strict attention to material
selection, joining specifications and inspection procedures ensures that we
deliver on the highest quality projects.
Saskarc is entirely committed to
quality, customer service and on-time delivery, however NEVER at the expense of
our commitment to safety.
Due to the versatility of
Saskarc’s custom steel fabrication capabilities and project management
expertise, we are equipped to fabricate and assemble oversized modules limited
only by transportation regulations. When it comes to large projects, Saskarc is
your turnkey professional fabrication solution. Read what our customers have to
say about working with us.