Handling four plastic components, each presenting identification and orientation complexities
Case study: strategic automation of an injection molding piece assembly line, improving the workflow and safety with the integration of the FlexiBowl® 800 and Fanuc robots.
Our partner
EFFITECH designs and manufactures special machines for industrial sectors such as the automotive and food industries. EFFITECH has built on its experience to specialize in the manufacture of machines for the rubber industry, mainly for automotive sealing.
The Challenge
- Improve the workplace by simplifying manual loading operations to preserve employee health.
- Manage the handling of four distinct plastic components in a single line that are challenging to detect, separate, and orient.
- Design an optimized production line layout for de-bulking, quality inspection, precision cutting, and assembly.
- Enhance production efficiency with better performance and superior product output.
The Solution
- The solution was to centralize the handling of four different plastic components that are challenging to detect, separate, and orient, by utilizing three FlexiBowl® 800 feeders, optimized for the high-volume demands, to ensure a continuous supply of parts.
- Integration of four six-axis Fanuc robots with advanced vision systems streamlined the operations of de-bulking, quality inspection, precision cutting, and assembly within a single production line.
- Comprehensive training was provided to enable the workforce to leverage the new system effectively.
The Benefit
- Reduction of musculoskeletal strains, a significant health benefit for employees who were previously performing repetitive manual tasks.
- Productivity leap, with an increase from 300 to 400 parts per hour after automation implementation.
- Elevated quality standards in output, showcasing the sophisticated performance of the new automated system.
- Operational flexibility achieved, allowing the company to utilize the automated machinery at half capacity, opening avenues to accommodate external projects and broaden assembly offerings.
Abstract
This case study showcases Auray Plast's strategic automation of their injection molding piece assembly line, improving the workflow and safety with the integration of the FlexiBowl® 800 and Fanuc robots. The system centralized the de-bulking, quality inspection, precision cutting, and assembly operations into one efficient line, bolstering productivity from 300 to 400 parts per hour. Notably, the system also made operations safer and reduced musculoskeletal strains among employees by minimizing repetitive manual tasks. This advancement demonstrates Auray Plast's commitment to innovation and ergonomic workplace design, setting a new standard in the plastic injection molding industry.