Plastics Industry Automation
Automation in the Plastics Industry involves robots, cobots, molding cells, part pickers, and end-of-arm-tooling.
ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALLWhat to Look for in High-Speed Automation for Pipette Production
Automation is a must have for molders of pipettes. Make sure your supplier provides assurances of throughput and output, manpower utilization, floorspace consumption and payback period.
Read MoreHow to Automate High-Precision ‘Micro’ Insert Molding
What does it take to automate a horizontal injection molding cell to handle micro-sized inserts and molded parts? General-purpose top-entry robots and tooling may not be up to the job.
Read MoreHow to Plan and Implement Automation in an Injection Molding Plant
There is no “one size fits all” solution in automation. When considering what it would look like in your plant, hone in on the staff, products, space, and goals that are specific to you and the automation system that you will be installing.
Read MoreAUTOMATION—PART 2 When to Consider Six-Axis Articulated-Arm Robots
Extraordinary versatility suits articulated-arm robots to a wide variety of operations, from loading inserts and unloading parts to decorating, assembly and testing. They also pair well with Cartesian robots. Many mounting options and improved speed and ease of programming add to their flexibility.
Read MoreHow to Make Your Pneumatics ‘Smart’
Emerson’s Avantics Smart Pneumatics Analyzer digitizes the analog pneumatic environment and monitors and analyzes key operating data.
Read MoreImplementing Automation Systems: How to Do It Right
If you’re thinking of putting a complex automation system for high-volume consumables into your plant, consider these tips on making sure both you and your supplier are ready to give it the best chance of success.
Read MoreLatest Automation News And Updates
Six-Axis Top-Entry Robot Debuts
NPE2024: Absolute Robot will debut the MaxCW10-1600A+B+C 6-axis top entry robot, featuring additional axes and updated control, as well as a Fanuc cobot automating a vertical press.
Read MoreRobotic Sorters With AI Technology Deployed in Fresno Recycling Center
A grant from the Recycling Partnership enabled Implementation of RecycleOS Technology from Everest Labs.
Read MoreResearch Project Probes Potential for AI-based Sorting in Postconsumer Polypropylene
Process couples vision-based sorting with efficient decontamination to separate high-value PP.
Read MoreQuickly Change Robotic End-of-Arm-Tools by Hand
ATI’s patent-pending MC-50 manual tool changer enables quick changes of robotic end-of-arm tools (EOAT) by hand.
Read MoreNew Cobot Has More Reach, Greater Payload, Same Footprint
Universal Robots says the UR30 cobot has a 30-kg payload and 1,300-mm reach with a 245-mm-diameter footprint.
Read MoreLSR Advances in Dispensing, Tooling and Automation
At Fakuma 2023, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s LSR injection molding machines showcased advances from itself and partners Reinhardt-Technik, Rico and Sepro.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Use AI, Machine Learning to Take Variability Out of Manufacturing
Variability has always created insurmountable challenges for manufacturers. However, in the last decade, impact has been more painful due to a lack of experienced workforce. By leveraging technological advancements, particularly in AI, manufacturers can gain a transformative competitive advantage in both cost reduction and workforce development.
Read MoreCobot Creates 'Cell Manufacturing Dream' for Thermoformer
Kal Plastics deploys Universal Robot trimming cobot for a fraction of the cost and lead time of a CNC machine, cuts trimming time nearly in half and reduces late shipments to under 1% — all while improving employee safety and growth opportunities.
WatchChoosing the Right Projects to Automate
What are the strategies and upfront work that go into identifying production problems that could benefit from an automation solution?
Read MoreEnsuring Repeatability: The Key to Effective Injection Molding Automation
One of automation’s key promises is repeatability: the same movement to the same location, time and time again. But to achieve that, all elements involved — robot, machine, EOAT, mold — must be in and stay in alignment.
Read MoreSystem Offers 'Lights Out' Mold-Channel Cleaning & Diagnostics
New system automatically cleans mold-cooling lines—including conformal channels—removing rust and calcium, among other deposits, while simultaneously testing for leaks, measuring flow rate and applying rust inhibitor.
WatchDrones and Injection Molding Ready for Takeoff
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are approaching an inflection point where their production volumes — and functionality — will increasingly point to injection molding.
Read MoreFAQ: Automation
How to add automation to injection molding?
There is no “one size fits all” solution in automation. When considering what it would look like in your plant, hone in on the staff, products, space, and goals that are specific to you and the automation system that you will be installing.
Automation Supplier Categories
- Rebuilt Screws or Barrels
- Other Testing/Analysis Equipment
- Automation/Systems Integration
- Speed, Drive Controls
- Recording Instruments
- Troubleshooting, Problem Solving Systems
- Technical and Trade Associations
- Machining, Routing Software
- Materials Formulating Systems
- SPC, SQC Systems
- Product & Tool Design, Analysis Software (CAD/CAM/CAE)
- Assembly Robots and EOAT
- Flow Monitoring/Control Devices (for Liquids)
- Training Programs in Plastics
- Maintenance Management Systems
- Timers
- Rebuilt Motors and Drives
- ISO 9000 Software
- Job Quoting, Cost Estimating and Accounting Systems
- Dewpoint Monitors/Moisture Analyzers
- Parison Programmers
- Spray Painting Robots and EOAT
- Scheduling, MRP, Production and Inventory Management Systems
- Pressure Controllers, Monitors
- Temperature Controllers, Monitors
- Computer and Automation Testing Auxiliaries
- Color Matching/Formulating Systems
- Temperature Pyrometers, Sensors, Thermocouples
- Design of Experiments (DOE) Software
- Motion or Position Controls
- Part or Sprue Removal Robots and EOAT
- Screw Design/Analysis Software
- Sequence Logic Controls
- Level Sensors and Controls
- Used Molds
- Closed-loop Process Control Systems
- Used Machinery
- Machine Monitoring/Alarm Systems
- Pressure Sensors, Transducers
- General Purpose Robots and EOAT