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Intuitively and often through firsthand experience, injection molders understand the myriad benefits of automation. From repeatability and precision to enabling production scaling and worker safety, the broader question of why to automate is reasonably self evident. A focused workshop at PTXPO (March 18-20; Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, Illinois) will feature leading injection molders talking about the when and the how.

Automation leaders and experts from Plastikos, AIM Processing and Hoffer Plastics will each present as part of the on Tuesday March 18. The event will happen alongside the PTXPO and run 1–3 p.m., including a panel discussion involving the presenters for the final half hour.

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John Williams, molding manager at Plastikos, Erie, Pennsylvania, will present “A Real User’s Experience in the Advancing Automation Age.” Williams will specifically look at the when, why, what and how to automate through case studies, noting that not all automation projects are based on new products and how to gauge return on investment in automation beyond the efficiency gains.

Jon Gelston, president at customer injection molder AIM Processing, Longmont, Colorado, will present on a decision framework molders can use when they’re selecting automation projects. This will go beyond ROI and consider automation’s potential impact on operational capabilities and strategic advantages. Here to, Gelston will share real-world examples and a more nuanced evaluation process that captures quantifiable benefits and strategic advantages of automation.

Jim Stoffel and Adam VanMeter of Hoffer Plastics will discuss “Cobots & AMRs: Boosting Productivity While Empowering Employees.” This presentation will highlight Hoffer’s investment in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (cobots), and how these systems have significantly enhanced part inspection, filling, palletizing and box transportation. Hoffer’s use of cobots and AMRs have helped it realize annual savings of more 20,000 hours of manual labor and eliminated more than 4.5 million pounds of manual lifting annually.

and today.

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