Automation in Injection Moulding Industry in India

It is a bit disheartening to note that in today’s times, when the world is talking about Industry 4.0 revolution, the injection moulding industry in India is lagging far behind. I would say we are still to catch up with Industry 3.0 revolution, what to say about Industry 4.0!

As the injection moulding industry is evolving in such a fast pace, end-user customers are demanding much higher quality and consistency on the moulded parts they intend to purchase. Injection moulding machine itself can hardly achieve such requirement without auxiliary equipments such as conveying, drying, blending, pelletizing and automation. A lot of new technologies are available to improve the quality, consistency, operation cost etc.

It is a common belief that automation is quite expensive and probably not necessary. Whereas in reality automation is more economical as it allows for mass customization, more flexibility and with much less labour. Besides, the production process is safer and more efficient.

I would like to briefly highlight some of the direct and indirect benefits of automation as below.

Direct Benefits:

· Reduced machine idle time

· Increased production capacity

· Ease of producing diverse products in small batches

· Reduced stock inventory

· Better product quality on a consistent basis

· Reduced labour cost

· Improved operator safety

Indirect Benefits:

· Increased profits for the company

· Improves company credibility

· Shortened delivery time

· More flexibility to the company to take-up low volume as well as high volume business

· Reduced labour related issues such as attitude problems, union problems etc.

· Better working environment which improves morale of the employees

· Lesser chances of accident and mould damage

Thus, contrary to the belief that automation is expensive and unaffordable, automation can actually trim down operational cost and increase profits. We are confident that the injection moulding industry in India is heading towards a revolution wherein automation would increasingly become an integral part of the injection moulding process.