In the previous article, we addressed some of the most important consideration for manufacturers to make when considering the design and construction of custom automated assembly machines. 
The most important aspects to consider are:
- The product and how it made
- Cycle time
- Versatility in creating different final products
Beyond these considerations, manufacturers must also be aware of outside influences. The final product is the most important influence for design, but it not the only factor to consider. If you only think about your product, it is possible to create systems that do not work for your business or factory. Please consider:
The amount of floor space available- power-and-free systems are more flexible than index dial machines, but at the same time power systems take up more space. It is essential to map out the environmental factors that will play into designing machines. After determining the size, it is possible to begin calculating cycle times that are based on the total number of parts needed in a year.
Delivery time- this factor influences system design. If a product needs to be produced quickly, it is best to automate manufacturing processes. If automation components have long lead times, a designer can choose to alternative components that are implemented sooner.
Money matters- investing in new automated assembly machine can be expensive. Invest in a device that works for your price range. Indexing systems are less costly than power-and-free machines. It is common to find that performance, delivery options, and the price competing against each other. We can help map out multiple approaches for the same RFQ, which allows us to make smart and economic decisions for building and designing automated assembly machines with built-in leak testing.
