Automation in plastics manufacturing has become a decisive driver of growth. Companies are looking for increasingly advanced technologies to raise efficiency, improve product quality and reduce operating costs. This article presents three main directions of automation that are shaping today’s and tomorrow’s industry standards.

Robots at Injection Moulding Machines – from simple tasks to complex operations

Robots that work with injection moulding machines are already standard. You will find them at virtually every machine, regardless of production volume. Their basic job – removing finished moulded parts from the tool – significantly speeds up production. And that is only the beginning of what these systems can do.

Standard robot functions:

• Part removal from the mould – the core task that enables automation of even the simplest process steps.
• Part placement – robots place components precisely on conveyors or in containers, minimising the risk of damage.

Advanced robot functions:
With technological progress, robots increasingly take over complex tasks, for example:

• Insert loading – precise placement of metal parts or other inserts into the mould before the cycle starts.
• IML – In‑Mould Labelling – applying labels directly during production; especially valued in packaging where visual quality and durability matter.

Advanced robotics deliver higher precision, shorter cycle times and greater production flexibility.

Visual inspection – the key to perfect quality

The use of machine vision systems has grown rapidly in recent years. They have become an essential part of modern production lines—particularly in plastics, where quality requirements are constantly increasing.

How visual inspection works

After the moulded part is removed from the tool, high‑resolution cameras analyse the product against technical and visual criteria.

Main inspection areas

• Surface‑defect detection – scratches, cracks, discolourations, unevenness.
• Dimensional verification – checking that tolerances are met.
• Form/geometry analysis – verifying the correct geometry of the part.

Benefits of visual inspection

• Rejecting defective products before subsequent process steps.
• Higher customer satisfaction thanks to consistently high quality.
• Lower costs related to complaints and returns.

Introducing visual inspection provides a competitive advantage in a market where quality is decisive.

Packaging automation – the future of plastics production

The most dynamic area of automation in plastics is the packaging of finished products. It streamlines processes even further and minimises manual work.

What packaging automation looks like
Once quality checks are passed, moulded parts are transported automatically to the packaging station. Robotic systems place them precisely in secondary packaging (e.g., cartons) and then prepare them for shipment.

Benefits of packaging automation

• Time savings – faster and smoother than manual work.
• Repeatability – elimination of errors that occur during manual packing.
• Lower physical strain and fewer minor injuries.

Although packaging automation is still relatively new, it is rapidly gaining popularity among forward‑looking companies. Over the coming years it is likely to become an industry standard.

Summary
Automation in plastics manufacturing continues to evolve and adapt to rising market expectations. Robots at injection moulding machines, visual inspection and packaging automation form the three pillars of modern production. Each of these areas offers significant potential to increase efficiency, improve quality and reduce costs.

If your company plans to expand automation, MATSIM will be happy to support you in selecting and implementing the right solutions. Contact us to develop a strategy that takes your production to the next level.