Automated plastic production? Yes, with igus Low Cost Automation

By Christian Schafer

Efficiency and productivity are critical in the plastics processing industry. As manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce cycle times, improve consistency, and control costs, automation has become an essential part of modern production environments. Applications such as machine feeding, component handling, and pick-and-place operations help streamline workflows while supporting reliable, repeatable processes.

Practical Automation Solutions for Plastics Manufacturing

Low Cost Automation provides a practical path to automation for plastics manufacturers looking to improve efficiency without the complexity or investment often associated with traditional automation systems.

igus offers a range of automation components that can be configured into application-specific solutions for plastic component manufacturing. These technologies are not only supplied to customers but are also used extensively within igus production facilities, demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world manufacturing environments.

Supporting Production with Lubrication-Free Robotics

A variety of automation systems are used throughout the igus factory in Cologne, including robolink® multi-axis articulated robots, drylin® multi-axis linear robots, drylin® delta robots for pick-and-place applications, and maintenance-free e-chain® cable management systems.

Because these systems are lubrication-free and designed for low maintenance operation, they are particularly well suited to demanding industrial environments where reliability and uptime are critical.

Improving Injection Moulding Efficiency

In injection moulding operations, robotic automation can significantly enhance material handling and machine tending processes. For example, robolink® articulated robots are used to support machine feeding applications for overmoulded components, helping reduce manual intervention and improve process consistency.

One area where automation delivers immediate benefits is part removal and separation. Fast, automated gripping of plastic components during the injection moulding process can reduce cycle times and increase overall productivity.

The sprue picker developed by igus is currently deployed on more than 60 production machines. The system automatically separates sprues from moulded components in just 1.25 seconds, enabling faster handling and more efficient downstream processing.

Automation Across the Plastics Production Process

Automation opportunities extend far beyond injection moulding. Whether the application involves extrusion, additive manufacturing, secondary processing, or post-production handling, automation can help manufacturers improve throughput, reduce repetitive manual tasks, and maintain consistent product quality.

By combining cost-effective robotics, linear motion systems, and intuitive controls, Low Cost Automation provides a straightforward way to introduce automation into plastics manufacturing operations and scale capabilities as production needs evolve.

Learn More

Looking to improve efficiency in your plastics production process? Contact an automation expert to explore how Low Cost Automation solutions can support your application and help identify opportunities for increased productivity.