In recent years, manufacturing industry has changed a lot and got new strides thanks to the development of the technology. In particular, the application of robots or the Internet of Things has been helping the manufacturers to get better productivity and efficiency, as well as higher quality products. This is also true with the plastic injection moulding industry and using robot in plastic processing is the technology’s natural progression. 

Using robots in manufacturing is to increase labour productivity, reduce cycle time, increase the product quality and facilitate the assembly of small hard-to-handle components in an easier way. Most robots are designed to become the support arms and/or high-tech tools. We are using robots to complete as many multi-tasks as possible, thereby which helps us to have more time and resources to complete other processes.

The current robots are now being programmed to perform repetitive actions without specific changes. These actions are performed in a highly accurate way and are determined by the programmed routines that specify the direction, acceleration, velocity, deceleration and distance.

The industrial robots are typically using the precise guidance and have the ability to adapt many different part-types using intelligent features. These features include vision, synergy and touch capabilities. The robot can be manufactured with specific correct levels, flexibility and automation of many functions for the lower volume applications.

Usage of robot in plastic injection moulding

In plastic injection moulding industry, the robots can be used throughout the injection moulding process. For example, during the insert moulding or over-moulding process by placing inserts or metal components into a moulding machine during the moulding process.  They can remove a moulded part or substrate from an injection moulding machine and place it into another injection moulding machine for the over moulding process.

Robots are also used for secondary operations in the injection moulding process.  Some examples of these include part-trimming, de-gating, drilling, assembly, sorting and packaging. It is essential to have the ability to measure quality-specifications using fully programmable, automated, CNC-driven quality inspection and measuring equipment. This makes it possible to verify critical dimensions on first article inspections, samples and production runs.

Using robotics is necessary for current injection moulding techniques. Through continued development and application of automated processes and robotics, your plastic injection moulder can deliver consistent results with greater speed, precision, and flexibility.