Robotics and the Future of Commercial Screen Printing
Overview
The convergence of robotics and the commercial screen printing sector is set to reshape the industry in significant ways. From time and cost reductions to improved quality and easement of repetitive tasks, automation and robotics are the future of screen printing. In this guide, notable statistics highlight the promising future of robotics in the commercial screen printing industry.
The State of the Commercial Screen Printing Industry
As of now, the commercial screen printing industry is a growing sector with a current global market size of $39.3 billion, with steady growth of about 3% per year predicted till 2024. Already, companies across the globe are exploring automation and robotics as ways to streamline processes, reduce human errors, and cut costs. However, this industry has yet to fully capitalize on the potential of robotics, and the advent of adequate technological solutions could significantly advance growth.
Integration of Robotics in Screen Printing
Regarding the integration of robotics in screen printing, statistics indicate a progressive trend. Of all new robotics installations in the U.S. in 2018, about 16% were in the printing industry. People are increasingly embracing robotic automation due to its multiple benefits, like cost-effectiveness, increased productivity, and enhanced quality control. These factors significantly reduce production time and costs, thus opening up opportunities for growth and expansion within the industry.
Benefits of Robotics in Commercial Screen Printing
Robotic automation also offers multiple benefits, including high-speed processing and improved accuracy. Studies show that the introduction of robotics can lead to an efficiency gain of up to 40%. Additionally, automated systems can work for extended periods without breaks, enabling continuous production. In doing so, robotics application significantly contributes to reducing business overheads and enhancing operational efficiency.
Challenges and Solutions
Currently, a significant challenge facing businesses aiming to introduce robotics is safety and certification. Addressing these could lead to wider acceptance and implementation of robotics in the Printing Industry. Company’s such as 3Laws Robotics are providing effective solutions to these challenges.
Key Takeaways
• The global size of the commercial screen printing stands at $39.3 billion and is set to grow at 3% per year till 2024. • The adoption of robotics can lead to a 40% efficiency increase in the printing industry. • Introducing robotics to commercial screen printing can significantly reduce business overheads and enhance operational efficiency. • Addressing safety and certification challenges would pave the way for a more widespread application of robotics within the commercial screen printing industry.
3Laws Robotics: Revolutionizing Safety & Reliability in Robotics Systems
3Laws Robotics is at the forefront of the safety and certification challenge, developing innovative software solutions that enhance both the safety and reliability of robotics systems. Their software, 3Laws Supervisor, focuses on the challenge of certification - a significant pain point for robotics companies. Utilizing technology developed at Caltech, the software boasts robust safety features and provides valid evidence of system robustness, which could ease the certification pathway.
Three diverse use cases illustrating the flexibility and adaptability of 3Laws’ technology include warehouse automation, where an autonomous forklift client noted a 40% efficiency gain and a 6-month payback period, human-robot interaction, and dynamic environments. Importantly, 3Laws enables safe operation of robots near humans, a growing need for collaborative robotics solutions in today’s dynamic environments.
The software is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) and is suitable for a wide range of platforms, such as mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. Further, it is compatible with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2. 3Laws goes beyond traditional e-stop methods, featuring proactive safety measures which unlock the full capabilities of robotics, providing dynamic, predictive safety which can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 standards.