The Role of Automation in Modern Plastic Injection Molding

injection-molding-machine-robotic-arm

In the plastics manufacturing industry today, automation is the name of the game if you want to be competitive. Automated injection molding machines, robotic part handlers, automatic loading/unloading systems… In fact, automated manufacturing technology has become increasingly common throughout the American manufacturing sector as a whole. Essentially, these newer technologies help US manufacturers operate as lean, efficient and productive as possible, thus meeting the new demands of onshoring while remaining cost competitive to the global marketplace.

While we’re certainly not the largest injection molding company in the nation, AIM Processing is amongst the most innovative and capable plastics manufacturers embracing these latest production technologies. By integrating state-of-the-art injection molding systems along with advanced automation features, we have substantially increased both our capacity and capabilities.

What Automation Offers to the Modern Injection Molding Process:

Automated Injection Molding Systems

Overall, automated injection molding systems have revolutionized the production process. By minimizing the need for human intervention and machine tending, automation minimizes the labor costs on your end and creates a safer work environment on ours.

Crucially, automated injection molding machines can work around the clock, providing us with “lights-out” manufacturing. For just-in-time projects (JIT), ongoing production runs, and any mid- to high-volume products, our “lights-out” injection molding process gives you the increased capacity and rapid turnaround the market demands.

More Than Just Labor Savings

Labor avoidance is probably how every business case for automation begins, but that’s only the start. Other benefits come in the form of (a) increased plant capacity, (b) improvements to part quality and consistency, and (c) operator safety. Automation equipment can enable a molder to run machines during unstaffed hours when normally the machine would be shut down. By using automation for part removal and trimming, a more consistent machine cycle is maintained which leads to less variability in the inputs and outputs. Lastly, using robots to remove parts and trim parts helps reduce the potential for repetitive motion injuries – less reaching, less hand strain.

Robotic Part Handling and Packaging

Automation extends out into the factory beyond the injection molding machines themselves. Robotic part handlers are increasingly common, automatically loading components into the tool (insert or overmolding) as needed and/or unloading finished parts from the mold. Various new forms of highly advanced end-of-arm tooling have substantially increased these robotic capabilities over the last decade. Later secondary operations, such as trimming and packaging, have been integrated to press-side production. Not only does this reduce labor content, but it streamlines production in the leanest manner possible.

Automating the Quality Control Process

Automation is intricately woven into the quality control process as well. Automatic inspection equipment, either in-process automated inspection or offline image/pattern measurement systems can improve delivered quality by simplifying or eliminating some labor-intensive inspection.

Quality Injection Molding Services Enhanced Through Automation

AIM Processing has remained one of the Denver region’s leading injection molding companies since 1993. By employing advanced injection molding process controls and automation technology, we ensure our customers receive the highest quality products possible – manufactured to their specifications and delivered on time.

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