Robot system integration in the plastics sector
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS
FANUC
Robot system integration in the plastics sector
FANUC UK and Hi-Tech Automation , Stand D60 , Interplas 2023 , 26-28 September , NEC , Birmingham
System integrators ( SIs ) in the plastics sector serve as a valuable link between robot suppliers and automation end-users , providing industry-specific automation advice to help companies improve their efficiency , as well as building standard or bespoke automation systems that allow manufacturers to benefit from the latest robotic technology .
Leading robot manufacturer FANUC has worked with Hi-Tech Automation as its plastics SI partner for over 15 years , during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved . Since the introduction of the IIoT , many of today ’ s factories are smart and connected , 24 / 7 . Being able to integrate a robot into an existing line therefore requires more than mechanical capabilities ; like Hi- Tech , today ’ s SIs must also possess a high level of programming and other software skills to ensure that factory managers are able to receive a constant flow of data to enhance their manufacturing operation , as well as for transparency and reporting purposes . what is in effect a mini warehouse management system is nevertheless a crucial skill for an SI . This includes being proficient across multiple programming languages . However , while lots of engineers are software savvy , some lack traditional mechanical skills that are still essential to a successful automation installation , such welding , guarding and fabricating . For this reason , we ensure that any SI we work with not only demonstrates strong programming abilities but is also supported by a network of mechanical engineers .”
Reliability for life
The majority of automation system integrators are independent service providers , meaning they can specify robots from a variety of manufacturers . Deciding which automation company to partner with is an important choice that can make or break a project , as Gary Probert , Director of Hi Tech Automation , explains :
“ We deliver standard and bespoke automated injection moulding systems for the plastics sector and have been a FANUC system integrator partner for over 15 years , most commonly specifying their ROBOSHOT all-electric injection moulding machine . For us , reliability is key – when dealing with a new customer , it ’ s important that the first installation goes well as that sets the tone for the rest of the relationship . Using FANUC products means we can be sure that the project will be right first time . Their equipment is built to last . They ’ re also one of the only robot companies that manufacture every part of the robot themselves –
Programming prowess + mechanical muscle
Dan Fisher is the Partner Sales Manager for FANUC UK and has seen this evolution ramp up over the past few years . “ Factory managers now expect instant information on a product ’ s position in the manufacturing lifecycle . FANUC ’ s robots are known for being simple to install , easy to programme and user-friendly . But being able to integrate a robot into
FANUC treats its SI partners as extensions of its in-house sales teams and provides no-charge training for up to 30 employees from their company throughout the year .
18 PECM Issue 65