Industrial automation is the use of control systems such as computer or robots & information technologies for handling different processes & machinery in an industry to enhance a human operator.  It is the second step beyond mechanization in the scope of industrialization.

There are 3 basic types of automation:

1.  Fixed or Hard Automation refers to the use of special purpose equipment to automate a fixed sequence of processing or assembly operations.  Each part of the operation is in sequential steps usually involving either a plain linear or rotational motion or a combination of the two. It is difficult to accommodate changes in the product design.

2.  Programmable or Soft Automation offers the capability to change the sequence of operations to accommodate different product configurations.  The operation sequence is controlled by a software program which is a set of coded instructions to be read & interpreted by the system.  New programs can be prepared & entered into the equipment to produce new products.

3.  Flexible Automation is an extension of programmable automation. A flexible automation system is capable of producing a variety of parts with virtually no time lost for changeovers from one part style to the next.  There is no lost production time while reprogramming the system & altering the physical set-up. This is where we normally integrate robotics.

Automation solutions add value within companies & release associates from repetitive, dangerous or dirty & low value-added jobs.  Sunshine AUTOMATION & TOOLING focuses on helping our customers move from purely mechanical & people-oriented production to automating as many processes as needed.  Let's discuss how we can apply these various types of automation to your company.