b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Robotics ResultsEVALUATING OPTIONS FOR AUTOMATIONBy Craig ZoberisM ost manufacturers, particu-larlymachineshops,have been familiar with automation for many years. The more that it has advanced in recent times, however, the more options that have come onto the market, making evaluating what is right for a specific business more challenging as there is much more to consider. Assuming that a company already has been taking advantage of some type of auto-mation or has made a business case that justifies moving into an initial automation project, then the next step is determining the correct se-lection for the firm. Here are threeEquipment make:RoboJob-USA CNC machine model:VF-4SSkey considerations. Equipment model:Mill-Assist Essential CNC machine model year:20211. How purpose-built is the au- CNC machine make:Haas Automation Inc.tomation solution for my applica-tion? As technology has advanced,signed and built to an applicationthan a DIY.automation solutions have multi- can save substantial time and ef- 2. What is the technical sup-plied. Many come in the form offort on implementation and pro- port? Whenever something is im-more generic hardware that thenvide long-term reliability. Althoughplemented on a production floor, is customized to fit one of a widethey might come with a somewhatthere will be hiccups. Over time, the range of applications. This customi- higher initial price tag, these solu- demands of any manufacturing op-zation often presents as a significanttions leverage the expertise of ap- eration will create challenges and amount of software programmingplication engineers who really un- wear and tear on equipment. Hav-or bespoke accessories or support.derstand the distinct needs anding an experienced technical sup-While using one of these more gen- demands of a field and build prod- port team available is critical. Know-eralized do-it-yourself products mayucts to suit itnot a broader mar- ing that an initial phone call will be appear to have lower costs upfront,ket. The result is better reliability,answered by someone with intimate experience has shown that identi- greater ease of use, lower overalltechnical knowledge of the auto-fying an alternative specifically de- costs and longer-term satisfactionmation is invaluable. This should be about the authorctemag.comCraig Zoberis is founder and pres- To view a video of this robotic ident of Fusion | RoboJob-USA inautomation at www.ctemag.com, Burr Ridge, Illinois. For more infor- scan the QR code with your smart-mation about CNC automation andphone or enter this URL on your web integration services, contact info@ browser: qr.ctemag.com/1bophfusion-robojob.com or visitwww.robojob-usa.com.12OCTOBER 2022RoboticsResults.indd 12 9/20/22 12:48 PM'