By Rick Zettler, owner, Z-Comm LLC Talk of artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the recycling industry by storm and for good reason. When applied correctly, today’s emerging AI technologies have transformative powers, driving automation and efficiently enabling more granular sorting of complex material fractions. Much of this buzz originates from the type of ejection … [Read more...] about What’s AI Doing for the Plastics Industry?
Automation
AMR, DFM, EOAT, SCADA: Acronyms that Spell Advanced Manufacturing
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Two MAPP member companies recently have implemented new production floor innovations, employing automated manufacturing elements that work seamlessly together as important pieces of today’s smart manufacturing puzzle. Flambeau, Inc. and Hoffer Plastics each zeroed in on production lines at their plants with the aim of reducing manual … [Read more...] about AMR, DFM, EOAT, SCADA: Acronyms that Spell Advanced Manufacturing
ERP and MES: The Importance of Data-Driven Software in Plastics
By Lindsey Munson, editor, Plastics Business For plastics processors, data evaluation is crucial to the functioning properties across the entire company, and with that, there are several prominent options in data management and monitoring systems. For this article, the focus is on enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) software, and how, … [Read more...] about ERP and MES: The Importance of Data-Driven Software in Plastics
Two Plastics Companies Counter Workforce Shortage with Automation Innovations
The MAPP members that earned recognition at the 2023 MAPP Innovation Awards did so with a focus on automation. Plastics Business checked in to learn the details from two MAPP members whose innovation submissions rose, like cream, to the top. Their solutions included a diverse array of tools and technologies, including robots, cobots, feeders, funnels, hoppers and air … [Read more...] about Two Plastics Companies Counter Workforce Shortage with Automation Innovations
Automation for Employee Recruitment and Retention
By Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer, DELMIAWorks Like manufacturing in general, plastics processing is in the midst of a generational shift where the workers who have maintained operations for decades are retiring and being replaced by newer generations that have grown up on technology. These employees want access to the latest tools and technologies to maximize … [Read more...] about Automation for Employee Recruitment and Retention