by Liz Stevens, contributing writer Plastics Business The new worker on the production floor at Metro Plastics is a real go-getter: punctual, tireless and precise. The Metro crew might be excused for resenting this new wunderkind. But, since the manufacturing area now is decluttered and quality inspection is taking place in record time, the crew at Metro Plastics instead … [Read more...] about Collaborative Robot Cleans House at Metro Plastics
Automation
Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
by John Berg, director of marketing Sussex IM Costing, designing and developing a robust and repeatable manufacturing process, regardless of the application or industry, is a daunting task. In the plastics industry – specifically injection molding – the challenge can be amplified by tight tolerances for form and fit, meticulous surface finishes, the individual processing … [Read more...] about Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
Implementing Cobots: Working Collaboratively with Robots at Wisconsin Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor Plastics Business It's a common joke at parties and a worry among laborers: robots taking over the world. But, employees of all levels at Wisconsin Plastics Inc. (WPI), located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, have embraced change by working in harmony with robots for one year. The contract injection molding company began taking steps to … [Read more...] about Implementing Cobots: Working Collaboratively with Robots at Wisconsin Plastics
The Path to Zero: Intertech Medical Develops Automated Work Cell
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer Plastics Business Integrated process control, automated quality inspection and reduction of bio-burden – that is what injection molder and contract manufacturer Intertech Medical, Denver, Colorado, set out to accomplish with the development of its latest machine-side, automated work cell. "We incurred three customer complaints … [Read more...] about The Path to Zero: Intertech Medical Develops Automated Work Cell
Successful Automation Implementation
by Dino Caparco, engineering operations manager Yushin America, Inc. Ensuring success for an automation project or initiative starts before the project is selected. Many organizations select projects that may not make sense or may not be within the capabilities of their support staff. This could lead to a failed attempt or a return on investment that is just a fraction of … [Read more...] about Successful Automation Implementation