A look at automation technologies helping plastics processors improve efficiency, consistency and productivity. From robots and cobots to automated molding cells, part pickers and end-of-arm tooling, these solutions streamline production, reduce manual labor and optimize plant-floor performance.
3DT LLC
262.253.6700
www.3dtllc.com
3DT LLC, Germantown, Wisconsin, designs and manufactures custom automation and product handling systems that improve efficiency and profitability across a wide range of industries. With 35 years of experience as an equipment manufacturer, the company has a track record of delivering innovative, reliable machinery with a strong focus on customer service. Because no two manufacturing lines are the same, 3DT engineers each system based on a customer’s part size, material, speed, floor space and production goals. The company’s capabilities include robots, powered roller conveyors, feeders, vision sensors, PLC/HMI programming, intuitive controls and more.
Absolute Robot, Inc. (ARI)
508.792.4305
www.absoluterobot.com
ARI, Worcester, Massachusetts, supplies full-servo 3-, 5- and 6-axis top-entry robots, 6-axis FANUC robots and sprue pickers. It’s a FANUC authorized system integrator specializing in the plastics industry. Not all robot integrators are familiar with injection molding. ARI’s applications engineers design full automation cells, including robots, end-of-arm tooling, custom downstream equipment and other molding equipment. The company works with all brands of molding machines to automate insert molding, large part removal, trimming, inspection, palletizing, packaging, labeling and more. ARI has grown as a result of the quality and performance of its robots and its unmatched level of aftermarket support.
AEC
262.641.8600
www.aecinternet.com
AEC, New Berlin, Wisconsin, provides a complete portfolio of material handling, process cooling, size reduction and temperature control systems, and offers the VacTrac® ATLAS Series control platform for railcar unloading and high-throughput bulk material transfer systems. The modular platform manages vacuum or pressure pumps, diverter valves and inventory devices through a single interface. An Allen-Bradley Micro850 PLC and 10″ color touchscreen enable operators to set parameters and monitor conveying performance. Users can view pump and valve status, silo fill levels and available capacity in real time. Remote connectivity options support integration with SCADA systems. Customizable component labels, role-based password protection and optional alarms, remote displays and data analysis tools simplify operation and improve process visibility.
ARBURG, Inc.
860.390.1516
www.arburg.com
ARBURG, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, delivers fully integrated automation solutions that combine its ALLROUNDER injection molding machines, robotic systems and turnkey production cells from a single source. The company’s portfolio includes linear robots, 6-axis robots, pick-and-place systems and custom automation for handling, assembly, packaging, quality inspection and insert molding applications. By seamlessly integrating robotics with machine controls, ARBURG enables faster setup, greater process reliability and higher productivity. Its turnkey expertise lets manufacturers implement complete, scalable production systems tailored to demanding applications across the automotive, medical, packaging, electronics and consumer goods industries.
ASYST Technologies
262.857.2244
www.asysttech.com/automation
ASYST Technologies, LLC, Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a global manufacturing company with more than 30 years of experience helping customers design, develop and produce advanced plastics injection-molded components and automation systems. Since 1996, ASYST has partnered with manufacturers across a wide range of industries, providing expertise in product development, precision molding, assembly and factory automation. With a global network of engineering, manufacturing, and automation resources, ASYST delivers integrated solutions that improve productivity, enhance quality and streamline production. Capabilities include injection molding, robotics, cobots, EOAT, automation cells, material handling systems, conveyors, vision inspection, assembly and packaging automation, machine monitoring and more.
Chase Machine and Engineering, Inc.
401.821.8879
www.chasemachine.com
Chase Machine and Engineering Corporation, West Warwick, Rhode Island, offers a comprehensive line of laboratory and pilot scale film and sheet downstream extrusion equipment designed to meet the process requirements of polymer research, product development, material testing, quality control and narrow web production. Chase partners with industry-leading extruder and tooling manufacturers to provide complete extrusion systems. Chase also maintains a wide range of custom-designed web handling equipment, including unwinds, rewinds, slitters, laminators and accumulators.
Globeius
305.889.1782
www.globeius.com
Globeius, Miami, Florida, a supplier of equipment, machinery and technical support to the plastics, agricultural and industrial manufacturing sectors, offers Crizaf conveying, separation, filling and storage systems designed to help plastics processors reduce labor, save space and improve production efficiency. Conveyor options include linear, inclined, adjustable-angle and Z-belt configurations to accommodate different plant layouts. Roller, spiral and drum separators automate part separation. Filling and storage solutions include automatic box changing, multi-level storage and carousels for boxes or bags. Weighing and shaker options support efficient filling, while consistent components across the product range simplify maintenance. Globeius helps processors select Crizaf equipment suited to their applications, with technical support and readily available replacement parts to keep production running.
Krevera
617.417.1919
www.krevera.com
Krevera, Boston, Massachusetts, powers humanless manufacturing for injection molders with physical AI, vision, robotics and data. The autonomous molding vision system inspects every shot in real time with greater than 99.98% accuracy, catching flash, short shots, sink marks, burns, splay and weld lines. Krevera monitors more than 300 variables per cycle, feeds that data back into the molding process, adjusts machine settings on its own and inspects the next shot to confirm the fix. The system delivers 90% scrap reduction, 80% quality-control labor savings and 30% more uptime. Krevera is part of Sequent, the autonomous manufacturing platform built to reindustrialize America.
Plastixs
888.792.2223
www.plastixs.com
Plastixs, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, manufactures and distributes equipment, custom assemblies and ancillary supplies for the plastics processing, medical, food, semiconductor and industrial manufacturing sectors, and offers the Mouldpro Flosense 2.0 Digital Flow Monitoring System integrated into its manifold assemblies for injection mold cooling. The system monitors flow and temperature, with optional pressure sensing, across up to 48 cooling circuits. Real-time data helps molders identify blocked water lines and uneven cooling before they cause scrap, extended cycles or unplanned downtime. A 7.1″ touchscreen displays cooling performance, while customizable alarms alert users when flow or temperature limits are exceeded. Performance data supports faster mold setups, changeovers and process optimization. Plastixs offers standard and custom manifold assemblies in stainless steel and aluminum to suit production requirements.
Sepro Group
412.459.0450
www.sepro-group.com
Sepro Group, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, provides robotic and custom automation solutions for plastics injection molding. Its 3-, 5- and 6-axis robots integrate with new or existing molding machines to automate part removal and downstream processes. Sepro also designs complete automation cells that incorporate end-of-arm tooling, conveyors, assembly, inspection and packaging equipment. The new Visual 4 control platform simplifies programming and coordination of robots and peripheral equipment within a production cell. Sepro’s tailored solutions help manufacturers improve productivity, consistency and efficiency. Sepro also provides customer training and industry-best 24/7 parts and service support.
Shibaura Machine Company
847.709.7000
www.shibaura-machine.com
With decades of experience manufacturing injection molding machines and industrial robots, Shibaura Machine Company, Elk Grove Village, Illinois, understands the unique challenges of integrating automation into the molding process. Backed by North American-based engineering teams, comprehensive automation solutions extend beyond part removal to include process integration, quality inspection, downstream handling and packaging. By automating repetitive tasks and connecting operations, molders can reduce dependence on hard-to-fill production positions while allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. By combining proven technology with application expertise, Shibaura Machine Company, America, offers integrated solutions that help manufacturers improve productivity, consistency and reliability throughout the molding process.
WITTMANN USA
860.496.9603
www.wittmann-group.com
WITTMANN USA, Torrington, Connecticut, offers a wide range of high-performance robots for injection molders, from simple pick-and-place applications to complex automation. At the heart of WITTMANN’s robot technology is the R9 robot controller, which provides advanced capabilities with an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The R9’s QuickNew Program Wizard makes robot programming easier than ever, allowing users to create programs in minutes by simply answering a series of straightforward questions. Whether programming a basic application or a more complex sequence, including insert molding, the QuickNew Program Wizard helps make robot programming fast, simple and accessible.
Yushin America, Inc.
401.463.1800
www.yushinamerica.com
Yushin America, Inc., Cranston, Rhode Island, focuses exclusively on robotic automation for the plastics molding industry, offering both individual robots and fully integrated automation solutions. The Yushin Solution helps plastics injection molders improve productivity, reduce cycle times, enhance quality and address labor challenges. With in-house engineering, assembly, testing and support capabilities, Yushin America delivers customized systems for a wide range of molding applications. Yushin is known for innovations such as high-speed servo-motor drive systems and advanced, easy-to-use touch-screen controls in take-out robots, which improve speed, accuracy and usability. n