Page 52 - Plastics News - January 2024

BUSINESS NEWS

Robot System Integration In The Plastics Sector: Building A Successful
Partnership
project, as Gary Probert, Director of
Hi Tech Automation, explains: “We
deliver standard and bespoke auto-
mated injection moulding systems for
the plastics sector and have been a
FANUC system integrator partner for
over 15 years, most commonly speci-
fying 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 relation-
ship. Using FANUC products means
ystem integrators (SIs) in the plas- ager for FANUC UK and has seen this we can be sure that the project will
Stics sector serve as a valuable link evolution ramp up over the past few be right first time. Their equipment is
between robot suppliers and auto- years. “Factory managers now expect built to last. They’re also one of the
mation end-users, providing indus- instant information on a product’s po- only robot companies that manufac-
try-specific automation advice to he sition in the manufacturing lifecycle. ture every part of the robot them-
companies improve their efficiency, as FANUC’s robots are known for being selves – motors, drives, everything. It
well as building standard or bespoke simple to install, easy to programmed reflects badly on us if a system breaks
automation systems that allow manu- and user-friendly. But being able to in- down so knowing the base robot is
facturers to benefit from the latest ro- tegrate a robot into what is in effect a rock solid is a real advantage.”
botic technology. Leading robot man- mini warehouse management system Gary adds: “In addition, as 90% of the
ufacturer FANUC has worked with is nevertheless a crucial skill for an SI. systems we sell have something extra
Hi-Tech Automation as its plastics This includes being proficient across on them – for example, integrated vi-
SI partner for over 15 years, during multiple programming languages. sion or auxiliary axes – it helps that
which time the skills required to be However, while lots of engineers are we are able to get it all from FANUC.
a successful integrator have evolved. software savvy, some lack traditional There’s no need for us to go to anoth-
Since the introduction of the IIoT, mechanical skills that are still essential er supplier, which keeps things simple
many of today’s factories are smart to a successful automation installation, and reduces the risk to the client.”
and connected, 24/7. Being able to such welding, guarding and fabricat- As Gary mentions, for the customer,
integrate a robot into an existing line ing. For this reason, we ensure that working with a system integrator is
therefore requires more than me- any SI we work with not only demon- a sure-fire way to derisk an automa-
chanical capabilities; like Hi-Tech, to- strates strong programming abilities tion installation project. Responsibility
day’s SIs must also possess a high level but is also supported by a network of lies with one SI, rather a number of
of programming and other software mechanical engineers.” external suppliers – and SIs also bring
skills to ensure that factory managers Reliability for life with them sector-specific knowledge
are able to receive a constant flow of The majority of automation system and expertise which individual robot
data to enhance their manufacturing integrators are independent service suppliers may not possess. This view
operation, as well as for transparency providers, meaning they can specify is echoed by FANUC’s Dan Fisher,
and reporting purposes. robots from a variety of manufac- who states: “For the customer, work-
Programming prowess + me- turers. Deciding which automation ing with an SI partner that only oper-
chanical muscle company to partner with is an impor- ates within your chosen sector – in Hi-
Tech’s case, plastics – is a real bonus.
Dan Fisher is the Partner Sales Man- tant choice that can make or break a

52 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS January 2024
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