Owing to its prominent position in the polymer processing machinery sector in Ireland , supplier JL Goor was identified to assist with finding and installing a turnkey manufacturing solution . The recommendation was made to opt for two FANUC ROBOSHOT α-S100iA high precision electric injection moulding machines , which would in turn be the first ROBOSHOT machines to be installed in Northern Ireland1 .
Peter explains : “ This was the first time we were introducing automation into the process , so we were eager to get a reliable name to assist us with this . FANUC ’ s standing within the moulding industry , and particularly with our customers , meant it emerged as the obvious choice .
“ The ROBOSHOT has been perfect , enabling us to keep up with the increasing orders we are receiving . As our customers grow , we grow with them , and we ’ re now ramping up our production to assist in targeting global sales .”
“ It also has a compact footprint , especially when you consider the output capacities , which drastically reduces the factory floorspace required . Combined with the reduction in energy usage , this significantly minimises the total cost of ownership .”
INTO THE FUTURE The ROBOSHOT electric injection moulding machine can also be used with robotics , to automate machine tending , loading , and unloading . Crossen Engineering is already using robots to help with part removal , further increasing the productivity gains associated with the machine .
With business booming , Crossen Engineering has confirmed further investment in automation . Peter continues :
“ The FANUC ROBOSHOT has been brilliant , and we ’ ve actually just accepted delivery of a further two onto site . They ’ re currently being used to manufacture face shields , which began in reaction to the increased demand for PPE following COVD-19 .
“ We ’ re unique in Northern Ireland in that we build tools from scratch , and work closely with the customer to ensure we deliver the right product . As we grow alongside our clients and become increasingly involved in the medical product supply market , we will undoubtedly be introducing more FANUC machines , with its prestigious name proving popular amongst our customer base . For now , we intend to keep improving our injection moulding productivity with the four ROBOSHOTS we have at our disposal .”
Alongside boosting productivity , the ROBOSHOT can contribute to substantial energy savings . Michael Reynolds , Sales Manager at JL Goor , comments : “ The combination of CNC with the electric injection moulding technology ensures that the ROBOSHOT uses between 50-70 % less energy than hydraulic machines , and 10-15 % less than other electric machines .
For more information , please visit https :// www . fanuc . eu / uk / en , http :// www . jlgoor . ie and http :// crossenengineering . co . uk /
Issue 49 PECM 35