Automating Injection Molding: Expert Insights & Emerging Trends

Automating Injection Molding: Expert Insights & Emerging Trends

Molding 2020, held March 17‑19 at the Westin Chicago, Lombard, Ill., brings together industry leaders to address the most pressing questions injection molders face when integrating automation. The event promises real‑world case studies, technical guidance, and actionable strategies for deploying robotics in plastics manufacturing.

In 2019, North American demand for industrial robot units rose 1.6 % from 2018, with 29,988 units ordered, according to the Robotic Industries Association. Automotive OEMs led the market with a 50.5 % jump in orders, followed by the plastics and rubber sector, which grew 16.6 %. The International Federation of Robotics projects nearly 2 million new industrial robots installed worldwide between 2020 and 2022, underscoring the rapid pace of automation adoption.

Whether you’re evaluating whether to automate or determining the best projects to pursue, Molding 2020 offers the data and expertise you need to make an informed decision.

Key Presentations

• Choosing the Right Projects to Automate – Dino Caparco, Yushin
  • Takeaway: Identifying successful automation projects versus those that fell short.
• Where Cobots Fit in an Injection Molding Operation – Joseph Campbell, Universal Robots
  • Takeaway: Real‑world case studies addressing technical and commercial considerations.
• 3‑, 5‑ and 6‑Axis Robots: Which is Right for Your Application? – Joseph Opal, Sepro America
  • Takeaway: Clarifying robot and cobot options and their optimal application scenarios.

Explore process improvement, sustainable molding practices, the new parts competition, and more at Molding 2020.