Automation FAQ & Glossary

What is cycle time?

Cycle time describes how long a defined operation takes. Record the start and finish events, the workpiece and how many pieces are handled. A pick-and-place movement and a complete load, place and return sequence may use different timing boundaries.

The Lean Enterprise Institute distinguishes machine cycle time from effective machine cycle time, which also accounts for loading, unloading and allocated changeover time. Source: cycle time definitions.

Is takt time the same as cycle time?

No. Takt time is available production time divided by customer demand over the same period. It expresses the required pace; cycle time describes the duration of a process. For an illustrative 420 available minutes and demand for 210 pieces, takt is 2 minutes per piece. This is arithmetic, not a capacity claim for our equipment.

Source: Lean Enterprise Institute, takt time.

Can I compare metres per minute with pieces per hour?

Only after defining product length, spacing and the measured process. Line speed is distance per unit time; pieces per hour counts discrete products. A machine cycle may also move multiple pieces. Send actual product lengths and arrival timing rather than converting a headline speed into promised output.

See the worked arrival-interval example and the output-claim checklist.

Does robot payload mean workpiece weight?

Do not treat a robot payload figure as the allowable workpiece weight by itself. The proposed tooling and carried items must be included in the application review. KUKA lists mass, centre of mass and inertia as load-analysis inputs; reach alone does not settle a load case.

Source: KUKA Load; FANUC payload selection. For the project information to send, use our gantry and robotic feeding comparison.

What are end tooling and a handling recipe?

End tooling / end effector

The working device attached to the handling mechanism, such as a gripper or suction tool. State its proposed purpose and the material surfaces it may contact.

Handling recipe

In these project checklists, a named set of product-specific settings: orientation, pieces per layer, layers per stack and transfer sequence. Confirm which settings the proposed controls actually store.

Interface

The handoff between equipment: for example, the receiving height, transfer position or agreed control signals. A drawing and a named equipment owner help define the boundary.

Scope of supply

The equipment, tooling and services included in a quotation. Mark unclear items as awaiting confirmation rather than assuming inclusion.

These are working definitions for our planning forms. Use the editable templates to record your own requirements.

Does automatic stacking include automatic changeover?

Ask separately about stacking and product changeover. Bradbury describes purlin equipment with different changeover arrangements alongside automated stacking. An automated downstream operation does not define how every upstream machine changes size or profile.

Source: Bradbury purlin equipment. Our profile stacking guide lists the product and outfeed details to review.

Which resource should I use next?

• For incoming insulation: rock wool feeding guide.
• For finished panels: sandwich panel handling guide.
• For an existing line: retrofit checklist.
• For files you can fill in: download centre.

Project records to download

Use these existing blank TXT forms to organise your own information. They are planning records, not equipment specifications or approval documents.

Need another process? Use the editable template centre or common quotation checklist.

Quick questions before you enquire