As the plastics industry moves toward increased product differentiation, suppliers of equipment and robotic solutions are stepping up to help processors separate from the field.
From an economic standpoint, the importance of automation can be seen on a global scale. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), global robotic inventory will expand to more than 2 million units over the next two years.
Plastics processors have been attracted to automation by the innovations in the robotics industry, including collaborative robots, robotic safety and a quicker return on investment.
Adding robotic automation can have other benefits, such as improving quality and reliability. The impact that automation can have on a processor is demonstrated in the growth numbers.
Robotic trends in plastics include multifunctional, reprogrammable materials-handling devices that are adaptable to a wide variety of applications.
Robots that are popular among plastics companies, especially injection molders, include robots with six-axis capability that are user-friendly, price-competitive and versatile. They can rotate 360 degrees and perform post-molding operations, such as vision and inspection, multicomponent assembly, trimming and cutting, packing and shipping.
An example of an integrated automation system for packing may feature custom conveying, which connects the shrink wrapper, heat tunnel, pressure-sensitive label applicator and an accumulation table. A key to this is the availability of a primary and secondary shrink wrap and label applicator system that keeps the line running in case of production interruptions such as roll changes.
For more information on robotics, visit these links of sizes of machines, high-speed robots, controls and special applications and maintenance.