{"id":30147,"date":"2022-12-06T11:43:34","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T01:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/?p=30147"},"modified":"2023-01-05T08:57:01","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T22:57:01","slug":"man-vs-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/man-vs-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"Man vs Machine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Presented by Complete Machine Tools<\/a><\/p>\n

Is automation the solution to the skilled operator shortage?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The metal fabrication and engineering sectors are now showing the effects of the skilled machine operator shortage in a post covid world.<\/p>\n

According to the Australian Government National Skills Commission, the demand for future skilled sheet metal trade, structural steel and welding trade workers is projected at a 38% increase over
the coming 2 years with the current shortage of skilled personnel in these sectors already at 15% or more and climbing.<\/p>\n

Everyday it becomes clearer that business owners all over Australia are looking for ways to alleviate the pressure on current staff and their work loads, by introducing more efficient and less labour intensive methods of fabrication. In order to compensate for the growing demand the manufacturing sector is still experiencing, businesses are considering automation as a viable solution.<\/p>\n

Now that doesn’t mean everyone is spending millions of dollars on fully automated production lines and a row upon row of robotics. What we are seeing though, is a shift toward utilising the latest technology available in sheet metal, metal engineering and fabrication machinery, in order to create more efficiency in the manufacturing process. This is so that fewer skilled technicians are required to achieve the same if not a higher rate of production to meet demands and reduce operating costs.<\/p>\n

The Latest Technology<\/h2>\n

\"\"The 7+ Axis Press Brake. Source: Supplied.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Increased interest and purchase of new hybrid technology, 7+ axis press brakes is due to their increased production capability, easy-to-use interfaces and affordability. The EuroMaster Series Press Brakes from Accurl are designed for exactly this purpose. There is also a very clear shift in manufacturers moving toward in-house laser or plasma cutting rather than outsourcing. This is done to minimise delays and increase quality control. One common factor that is driving this trend toward more automated fabrication processes is speed.<\/p>\n

Let’s use the Press Brake as an example. New Hybrid Servo technology, 7+ Axis press brakes operate incredibly fast, and the constant improvement of operating software on the controllers is getting more user-friendly.<\/p>\n

The Features<\/h2>\n

\"\"Features on the new hybrid servo press brake. Source: Supplied.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

When compared to some older press brakes, Hybrid Servo technology provides increased productivity of up to 40%. This is the result of several factors.<\/p>\n