Plastic injection molding is part of the bedrock of global manufacturing, supplying essential components and finished goods to multiple industries. Summit Engineered Automation is a pioneer in the adoption of cutting-edge automation technologies to accelerate manufacturing. Manufacturing efficiency, precision, and quality can all see enhancements with the addition of automation and robots.
Professional plastic molders employing high-tech, automated equipment can produce high-quality plastic parts or components in record time because of the sophisticated machinery and automation technology used in the production process there is a high degree of accuracy and repeatability in the molded parts.
This article will examine in detail how custom machine automation and the use of injection molding robots contribute to enhanced productivity and quality.
Consistency in High Standards and Accuracy
With the help of automation, manufacturers can count on each and every molded component to be of the highest possible standard. Automation in plastic injection molding guarantees that the end product consistently meets or exceeds the necessary quality requirements by reducing human-induced errors. Industries, such as medical or automotive, where precision is of the utmost importance place a premium on consistency.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
A significant increase in production efficiency is one of the main benefits of plastic injection molding automation. Rapid operation is a hallmark of injection molding, and this is especially true when paired with robots and automation. The greater throughput that results from this faster pace allows factories to produce more finished goods in less time. Total output is further boosted because robots and automation can work unattended and around the clock.
Increased Production Adaptability
Modern plastic injection molding robots are adaptable and can be easily trained to take on new jobs. Because of its flexibility, factories can quickly switch between making products in different lines or meeting fluctuating demand. Automating the production process makes it easier to increase output or make adjustments, allowing companies to respond quickly to changes in the market.
The Advantages of Plastic Injection Molding Automation Over Conventional Methods
It is well established that robotics is expected to significantly alter the face of future enterprise processes. By 2030, the global robotics market is expected to be worth $214.60 billion, up from $50.96 billion in 2022. It is no surprise, then, that there is an ever increasing demand for plastic injection molding automation solutions.
There are several advantages to automating injection molding processes beyond those that can be seen in just the finished product. Material handling once molding is completed is a significant part of the difference between manual and automated injection molding. Freshly manufactured components are easily deformed because of their fragility.
Robotic systems equipped with custom end of arm tooling may safely and securely retrieve the finished pieces. Robotic automation can also handle products that require insert molding, overmolding, or additional secondary processing. A look at some of the most common applications for robotics in automation will help further illustrate this ever increasing use of automation technology.
Common Plastic Injection Molding Automation Applications
Various industries can benefit from the efficiency and effectiveness of automated plastic injection molding. Automated procedures are typically used for the following purposes:
Stacking, Sorting, and Assembly
After the molding process, robotic systems can finish difficult jobs without a drop in quality. Inspecting parts or features, assembling multiple components, Ultrasonic Welding assemblies together, arranging components for kits or packing, and other similar activities are examples of this. These features expedite the order fulfillment process while simultaneously lowering the possibility of human error.
Transportation of Goods
Manually loading and unloading plastic injection molding equipment can require human interaction and can take up a lot of space. When it comes to loading and unloading machines, robots eliminate the potential for human error and offer an optimal working environment, even in confined spaces.
Secondary Operations
Secondary processes, like ultrasonic welding, assembly, inspection, degating, decorating and labeling, are common for molded goods. Robotic automation used either online with the molding press or offline after the parts are molded, can be used to complete these secondary operations swiftly and precisely, all while decreasing overall production time and labor required, which increases ROI.
Quality Assurance
Automated plastic injection molding eliminates some of the human error that has always plagued the manufacturing process. Robots can be calibrated to maintain constant force, speed, and accuracy throughout each cycle of production. Vision systems or other automated metrology equipment can also be integrated into the automated systems. This allows for automated inspection of critical features on the molded parts or assemblies. The product’s dependability is improved, the number of product recalls is decreased, and customer satisfaction is increased thanks to the high degree of consistency. Inspection equipment that are commonly part of industrial automation systems further enhance quality assurance.
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Finding the Best Plastic Injection Molding Automation Partner
Automation has had a profound impact on the manufacturing industry and offers numerous advantages to the Injection Molding sector, including increased productivity, greater reliability, lower costs, and greater adaptability. When it comes to plastics automation, Summit Engineered Automation is at the forefront of innovation, giving businesses the edge they need to thrive in today’s dynamic manufacturing landscape. Our team of experts regularly works with manufacturers to custom design the appropriate automation equipment for their unique applications.
Contact Summit today to start your next plastic injection molding automation project.