Robotics and automation are already heavily engaged in injection molding, as they are in any other manufacturing process, and they provide significant advantages. According to data from the European Plastics Machinery Organization EUROMAP, the number of sold injection molding machines with robots increased from 18 percent in 2010 to over a third of all machines sold by an injection molding supplier in the first quarter of 2019.
However, this tendency is undoubtedly changing, with a significant number of plastic injection molders utilizing robots to stay ahead of the game.
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Benefits to using robots in Injection molding
Without question, there has been a significant rising trend in the usage of robots and automation in the plastic mold processing industry. Demand for more flexible solutions is driving much of this, as 6-axis industrial robots in precision molding, for example, are much more widespread now than they were a few years ago.
Furthermore, the cost difference between standard injection molding machines and those incorporating robots has narrowed significantly. At the same time, they’re a lot easier to develop, run, and integrate, and they have a lot of advantages.
The primary benefits that robots provide to the plastic injection molding sector will be discussed in the following paragraphs of this article.
The Robots Are Simple To Use
The robots that are utilized in injection molding operations are simple to set up and operate. The robots must first be programmed to operate with your current injection molding system, a very simple operation for professional programming staff.
After you’ve linked the robots to your network, you’ll need to program the instructions into the robot so it can start doing the task it was created for and blend into the system effortlessly.
Many businesses attempt to avoid incorporating robotics into their operations, primarily due to a lack of knowledge and a worry that the robots would be difficult to operate. Additional costs will be incurred in hiring a suitable programmer to operate the robotics.
That is not the case since once the robots have been appropriately integrated into the injection molding system, they are relatively simple to operate. An ordinary production worker with a solid mechanical background may operate them.
Work that never stops
As you may know, injection molding is a repeatable operation that aids in the production of the same or similar items for each injection. Injection molding robots are the ideal option for ensuring that this tedious activity does not wear out your personnel, making them more prone to making work-related errors or even hurting themselves.
In addition, robots eventually assist in the automation of labor, effectively removing it from human hands. As a result, the corporation may continue to produce essential items only with robots, allowing human workers to generate sales and increase income.
Return on Investment is faster
End-user should pick a robotic injection molding system for many reasons, including dependability, repeatability, remarkable speed, and long-term cost savings. In addition, many plastic component makers realize that robot-assisted injection molding technology has a reduced capital cost, making it easier to justify the investment.
Being able to produce 24 hours a day, seven days a week boosts production and, as a result, profitability. Furthermore, today’s industrial robots use a single CPU that can be readily modified to handle a new product.
The unrivaled consistency
Manual injection of plastic into molds is a time-consuming process. Furthermore, if the operation is delegated to an employee, the molten liquids poured into the molds are unlikely to be homogeneous. When this duty is given to a robot, on the other hand, you will always get the same outcomes. The same is true for almost every production level where robots are used, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of faulty items.
Multi-Tasking
Robotic automation of your clear plastic mold process is also very cost-effective. You can automate every other manual work in your business using the same robots that you use for injection molding. In addition, the robots can operate in numerous areas of the operation efficiently and successfully if they are given a set timetable.
Even the switch takes relatively little time in most circumstances, especially if the end of arm tools do not need to be changed. Allow your programming team to provide a new command to the robot, and it will continue working on the new assignment.
Time for a Cycle
Because cycle time is such an essential component of the injection molding process, automating it using robots means you’ll never have to worry about it again. Set the robot to the correct time intervals, and the molds will continuously be injected in a consistent, precise manner.
Changes in Workforce Requirements
With a scarcity of experienced people and escalating labor prices, robots may assist your firm in maintaining consistency and high quality. One person can manage up to 10 machines thanks to the power of industrial automation. As a result, you’ll be able to attain more consistent production while lowering your manufacturing costs this way.
Another difficulty is that robot adoption generates even more diverse and exciting career opportunities rather than being classed as job seekers. Robotics, for example, is pushing the need for more sophisticated technical talents in the organization.
In addition, as we go towards the age of Industry 4.0, there is a clear movement toward integrated production sites, necessitating the integration of peripheral equipment and robots.
Conclusion
Robotic automation provides various advantages for various applications, including injection molding, which should be no surprise. The wide range of reasons why injection molding companies are turning to robots is undeniably compelling, and this sector will undoubtedly continue to improve the society we live in.
Robots offer a lot of advantages over people in injection molding. Robots can work faster and more efficiently, which means less downtime for the machine during production. They also don’t need breaks or lunch hours as humans do, so they’re always available to produce uninterrupted.
This helps manufacturers increase their output without having to hire additional employees. For example, injection molders are using robots as an alternative to hiring workers who may not be reliable due to attendance issues or other factors that would make them unreliable on the job.