The plastics industry continues to evolve with customer demands for additional value-added processes, and new processes such as 3D printing. And collaborative robots from Universal Robots are helping meet those challenges. Powerful intuitive software allows UR cobots to be quickly deployed and moved to new applications as needed. With UR cobots handling the repetitive tasks, skilled operators are freed up to take on more complex tasks.
Plastics & Polymers
Collaborative robots in Plastics & Polymers
Injection and blow molding operations don’t make money unless the mold is closed. But loading and unloading machines is dull, repetitive, and injury-prone work that is challenging to staff. That makes it ideal for automation. UR robot arms are available in a range of reach and payload capabilities. They can be integrated into existing facilities with high-mix, low-volume production that can’t be cost-effectively automated with traditional, larger robots.
Flexible cobots can also be redeployed throughout a plastics manufacturing facility to automate many other processes. Those include secondary processes such as degating, grinding, sprue removal, and polishing, as well as applying labels or decals to plastic parts. Cobots can also handle assembly and packaging and palletizing processes, working safely alongside operators after a risk assessment.
Case stories
Kal Plastics
Parts come straight from the mold, to rough cut, to finish trimming without needing to be moved and stacked up waiting for different processes throughout the facility. That helps cut production time and reduces the chance of parts being damaged or workers being injured.
AIM Processing
Since the company’s first cobot deployment, AIM Processing has launched more than a dozen specific applications, having the UR5e tend injection molding machines, stack trays, and pick parts off conveyors.
2K Trend
The company had difficulty staffing the task of tending the injection molding machine and instead deployed a UR10 for the job. The cobot now handles the entire cycle, delivering optimized production while also solving the labor shortage issue.
Cobot automation in injection molding
Cobots are transforming injection molding in plastics manufacturing by automating tedious tasks such as machine tending, part placement, and quality checks. Cobots like the UR5e and UR10 ensure consistent cycle times, reduce scrap rates, and enhance efficiency. Their flexibility allows manufacturers to switch between high-mix, low-volume production lines without downtime, significantly boosting throughput.
Mobile cobots for flexible production in plastics
Mobile cobots, such as the UR5 and UR10, are revolutionizing plastics manufacturing at companies like EVCO Plastics. By handling tasks like assembly, packaging, and machine tending, cobots enable 24/7 production. Their mobility allows for flexible deployment across various processes, improving production efficiency.
Precision automation for high-mix, low-volume production
For companies with high-mix, low-volume production needs, cobots are ideal for handling repetitive tasks such as picking parts off conveyors and assembling components. Their ability to be easily reprogrammed makes them perfect for applications requiring frequent changeovers, boosting productivity in operations like injection molding at AIM Processing.
Ergonomic automation for heavy-duty manufacturing
In industries like plastics, polymers, ceramics, and glass, where workers often face physically demanding tasks, cobots provide ergonomic relief. Cobots automate the handling of large, delicate items like glass sheets or molded plastics, improving worker safety and increasing productivity by operating continuously without fatigue.
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Choose the right collaborative robot for your applications
A range of Universal Robots models are available to address automation needs from precision tasks to long reach and high payload requirements.
Why Universal Robots?
Tried. Tested. Trusted.
Universal Robots has deployed over 100,000 cobots into every manufacturing industry. Companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 giants to local contract machine shops, are leveraging our 6th generation cobots to increase productivity and quality and improve job satisfaction for their manufacturing teams.
Flexible
UR cobots meet the demands for flexibility head-on with industry-leading ease-of-use, intuitive programming, and a powerful back-end for OEMs and developers to add value and meet specific needs. UR cobot-based systems generate ROI that is usually measured in months, not years.
Worker-safe, worker-friendly
Universal Robots has developed the most complete set of safety tools and functions in the industry. Our 17 safety protocols can be configured to meet the varied safety requirements of your plant or facilities and your application risk assessment, letting your manufacturing team work safely side-by-side with UR cobots.
Get in touch
Thousands of businesses rely on UR collaborative robots to...
· Increase productivity
· Adapt to changing product demand
· Improve employee well-being and retention
· Staff through labor shortages
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- Universal Robots USA, Inc
- 27175 Haggerty Road, Suite 160
- 48377 Novi, MI
Contact us: +1 844-462-6268
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