The precise definition of the need is the guarantee of the project's success. This expression of need translates into the development of specifications that will emphasize the strategic points of the project, the surrounding constraints and requirements.
As a general rule, a generic specification accompanies the specific specification. This dictates the rules in general for the development of a machine.
The General CDC
The General CDC outlines the points and requirements that will apply to all cases.
It is company specific, and these rules apply to all manufacturers or builders dealing with the company in question.
Here are the points that can be covered in this general CDC without detail:
The specific CDC
This document allows him to approach the heart of the subject in question. He will deal more or less in detail with the points and requirements to be taken into account for the realization of the means.
Presentation of the product concerned by the project. It will be the part or parts manufactured by the customer for which the specific means will be carried out.
These will be component assemblies, welding, vision control, etc.
It is essential to provide the overall plans, details and a 3D file of these parts.
The client also communicates the materials, mechanical properties of the parts and gives little advice on the approach to take based on his business experience.
3D printing is very important during this phase of the project, it allows rapid prototypes in the event that the product concerned is not yet industrialized.
The customer can also supply the finality of this product, to which industry it is intended, which will determine the quality requirements etc ...
When it comes to improving existing processes, the approach is more concrete, we have to deal with a product in mature phase or almost, with volumes that require automation. This was not systematically planned or at the start of the project because the client awaits market feedback. This feedback allows us to consider the product life cycle as well as production volumes.
This data will largely determine how to design the machine or the robotic island.
These are the production rate and volumes.
The customer will have determined or not the operator part assigned to the means beforehand or not.
In theory, the higher the volumes, the more we have to do with a 100% automated machine.
The rate will define the type of supply of the parts to be provided (vibrating bowl, feeder, 3D stripping, operator ...), the kinematics (Plateau, transfer, robotics, decomposition, work of the parts by 2, 4 ...), the number of post, the technologies to be used.
As mentioned above, the client must or must calculate the operator's share to be assigned to the project, which will determine all or part of the project automation perimeter.
Different cases can arise:
- Food + shaping
- Partial feeding + Partial shaping
- Partial feeding + Shaping
- Food + shaping + packaging
- Shaping + packaging…
The customer also determines beforehand based on his return on investment calculations the type of machine that will be encrypted.
The quality requirements must appear in the CDC, this will make it possible to determine the number and the type of checks to be carried out:
- Dimensional, input and output
- Aspect
- Sealing, flow
- Positioning
- Presence of components, tapping etc….
It is essential that the customer provides a precise and exhaustive defect check to the supplier in order to determine as precisely as possible the equipment to be used.
Since vision control costs are significant, it is therefore strategic that the need is precisely defined at the outset.
This is a non-exhaustive list of points to consider when developing a CDC. But be careful not to be too directive in the kinematics and the type of technology. The builder will find himself forced to meet these requirements and this will prevent him from sharing his ingenuity and experience, it is necessary to find the right balance, while leaving a share of "freedom" of design.