Industrial automation plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, quality, consistency, and productivity in the manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to plastic injection molding. Industrial automation streamlines the production of plastic components, particularly for those that require assembly or other secondary processes.
At D&M Plastics, we employ automation in various manufacturing processes, including labeling, pad printing, overmolding, and parts assembly. Keep reading to learn more about the various benefits of incorporating automation into manufacturing.
Key Benefits of Automation in Manufacturing
Using automation in the manufacturing industry streamlines the process from start to finish. Specific benefits include:
Reduced Labor Costs
Although automated technologies may require a higher upfront investment, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Because they require significantly less human intervention, automated systems help to:
- Reduce labor costs
- Limit defects
- Optimize material usage
These benefits translate into significant cost savings for our customers compared to manual processes, particularly for high-volume applications.
Faster Cycle Times
Time is money in the manufacturing world, making production speed very important. Automated systems are capable of operating 24/7 without the need for breaks or shifts, resulting in faster production cycles and reduced costs.
Fewer Defects
Automated plastic injection molding eliminates defects that may arise from human error, allowing manufacturers to repeatedly produce components with extreme precision. This level of accuracy is critical where tight part tolerances and consistent quality are paramount.
Applications of Automation at D&M Plastics
At D&M Plastics, we use industrial automation throughout our assembly, labeling, and overmolding processes. Below, we describe examples of how we use automation to improve manufacturing operations.
Assembly
D&M Plastics produces hose connectors for respiratory kits used in hospital operating rooms. Rather than using traditional manual techniques to assemble the connectors together, we use an automated process for optimal efficiency.
Our automated process employs a six-access robot, which takes the individual parts from the mold, assembles them into a single unit, and packages them for shipment. By eliminating the need for hand assembly, we can decrease assembly times, improve consistency, and minimize human intervention. Through the use of automation, we have reduced production costs for fully assembled connector parts by 40%.
Labeling
We manufacture medical connectors and disposable cartridges, which require precise label placement. Instead of manually applying these labels, we designed an automated machine capable of:
- Picking the part
- Properly positioning the part
- Placing it on a spindle
- Precisely applying the label
- Packaging the end product for shipment
By eliminating hand labeling, we have reduced production costs by 30%.
Overmolding
We often produce parts that weigh about 1/3 of a gram and require overmolding. In the past, the parts to be overmolded were set by hand, requiring more than 60 seconds to load the premold and produce the final overmolded component. In addition to it taking longer, manual overmolding is also tedious and ergonomically difficult.
To address these issues, we designed a machine that loads the premolded parts into the tool for overmolding. This allows us to consistently and precisely produce final parts in less than 25 seconds, significantly improving production speeds.
Let the D&M Plastic Experts Help With Your Manufacturing and Automation Needs
D&M Plastics utilizes industrial automation throughout various processes to enhance manufacturing efficiency and productivity. We can leverage our many years of expertise and maintain competitive part pricing by removing extra costs in the manufacturing process. The benefits of automation extend beyond the shop floor by positively impacting product quality, reducing costs, and improving workplace safety. We strive to pass these benefits along to our customers by employing automation wherever we can.
For more information about our industrial automation capabilities, or to get started on your next project, request a quote today.