Collaborative Robots for Plastic Production: How Automation Has Improved 

Automation has been making its way into nearly every industry over the last few years, and the plastic injection and structural foam molding industries are no different. The implementation of collaborative robots for plastic production has offered many benefits, including reduced error in production and more efficient production. Let’s explore what collaborative robots are and how they have improved many plastic production processes.

What are Collaborative Robots for Plastic Production?

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are industrial robots that safely operate alongside humans in a shared workspace. These robots use mobile technology, AI, machine vision, cognitive computing, and touch technology to perform various tasks safely in close proximity to human workers. They are equipped with software-controlled sensors that give them the ability to detect objects, people, and collisions.

What Do Collaborative Robots Do For Plastic Production?

Collaborative robots can do many things to ensure processes run smoothly and safely while reducing human error. Some common applications of collaborative robots for plastic production include:

• Loading and unloading polymers, materials, and parts
• Quality control by orienting parts and utilizing sensors to determine if there are any dimensional errors
• Assembling, sorting, and stacking, including welding to build assemblies and arranging parts for kitting or packaging
• Secondary processes such as decorating and labeling

Benefits of Collaborative Robots in Plastic Manufacturing Processes

Rapid Production

Automated machinery works faster and longer than human workers in many processes. This allows the machines to create more products in a shorter timeline, and they can work longer hours to meet demand faster than traditional manufacturing methods.

Reduced Costs

Utilizing automated processes reduces the risk of error in the production processes, including fewer mistakes, less warpage, and less damage. Additionally, automated robots can take the place of human employees, reducing the cost of labor, and manufacturers can pass these savings on to their customers.

Improved Sustainability

Since automated machines produce parts and products with fewer errors, there is no need to rerun production processes, reducing the amount of inaccurate or warped products. Additionally, with improved fabrication efficiency, less energy can be used during production. Overall, the process reduces the amount of waste produced and energy used during the manufacturing process.

If You Are Interested in Using Collaborative Robots for Plastic Production, Contact Port Erie Plastics

Since 1953, Port Erie Plastics has been providing high-quality structural foam molded and injection molded products to customers in a wide range of industries. Not only do we provide traditional manufacturing services, but we also offer automated injection molding services to streamline your manufacturing.

When you partner with us, our team will match you with one of our skilled plastics engineers to help ensure your products are properly designed for the manufacturing process you choose. We will then create your tools and molds with our in-house tooling capabilities and begin manufacturing your products.

Once your products are created, we offer secondary operations, including assembly, decorating, fabrication, welding, and more. Then, our team can warehouse your products for you based on your timeline and can even help with distribution.

Contact our team today to learn more about what we can do for your projects.