Blow molding is a standard manufacturing process for producing hollow plastic parts. The process begins by injecting molten plastic into a closed mold cavity. After the plastic has solidified, the mold opens and ejects the part. The part then goes through an oven for curing.
One can significantly improve the injection blow molding process through automation and robotics. Automation helps control the injection of molten plastic, while robots can help place the parts in the oven. This combination of automation and robotics can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of the manufacturing process.
Automation and robotics are also crucial for safety reasons. They can help to ensure a correct, efficient, and safe manufacturing process. They help reduce workers’ risk of injuries and minimize scrap rates as well.
Automation and Robotics in an Injection Blow Molding Machine
One can set up an injection blow molding machine to have specific operations for robotics, which can provide additional benefits. The equipment may program robots to extract finished products and place them on a conveyor line or in storage. This setup can help improve production efficiency and throughput.
What Robot to Use for Blow Molding
A robot used for injection blow molding must reach the part and have the payload capacity to hold the mold. The robot’s size must match the part’s size and the type of machine. There are a lot of applications that require different sizes and payload capacities for robots.
For small parts, a desktop robot may be sufficient. Desktop robots are ideal for light-duty applications, such as assembly or testing.
One may need a floor-mounted robot if there is a heavier payload. Floor-mounted robots are great for injection blow molding because they have the reach and payload capacity to hold large molds.
Automated Workplace Safety
As automated and robotic work cells become more complex, so do the safety concerns associated with their use. Larger cells present a greater potential for accidents, as do the increasingly sophisticated robots in these systems. Injection blow moulding machines are one example of a component that can be dangerous if not correctly operated.
Cell designers must consider many factors to ensure the safety of both operators and equipment:
- The cell layout must allow easy access to all machine parts.
- All safety devices must be properly installed and functioning correctly.
- Everyone working in or around the cell must undergo appropriate training to operate it safely.
Learn More About Injection Blow Molding Equipment with Pet All Manufacturing Inc.
To automate your blow molding process or to learn more about it in general, contact Pet All Manufacturing Inc. We are an industry leader in manufacturing injection blow molding machines in Canada. Contact us today if you’re interested in equipment and other blow molding resources.
