Robotized assembly cell for injection-molded components
The assembly line developed for a client in the plastic injection molding industry is an advanced automated solution that combines multiple processes into one integrated robotic cell. It is connected to the injection molding machine and enables fully automatic processing of parts—from removal from the mold, marking, flipping, assembly, to final inspection and output.
Initial challenge – Manual handling of injection-molded parts, including flipping, inserting buttons, and marking, was time-consuming, physically demanding, and prone to errors.
Result – Automation provided a reliable and repeatable process, reduced operator workload, and increased the overall efficiency of the assembly line.
Solution description
The robotic cell is based on an ABB IRB 2600 industrial robot with a triple vacuum gripper that enables precise manipulation of plastic parts. The robot picks parts from the injection mold and moves them between various stations:
- printing station with a fixed INKjet head for printing datamatrix codes,
- flipping station that rotates parts 180°, allowing gripping on the opposite side,
- measuring station for optical inspection of internal elements using laser measuring photoelectric sensors,
- pallet system (FMS) with two conveyors, lifting-cross modules, and centering modules for precise pallet positioning,
- button insertion, where the robot places buttons using a specialized gripper,
- control station to verify correct insertion and functioning of buttons,
- measuring drawer for manual in-process product inspection,
- protective enclosure with doors for personnel access inside the cell,
- integration of the injection molding machine safety system with the entire robotization process.
Položaj v obračalni napravi za preprijemanje prenos kosov
Advantages for the client:
- fully automated process without manual intervention,
- integration of molding, marking, assembly, and inspection,
- high repeatability and reduced risk of human error,
- modular design for easy adaptation to future changes.
Check out more examples of our plastic product manufacturing solutions.
Vstavljanje gumbov z dvojnim vakuumskim prijemalom
Operation steps
1. Removal of parts from the mold using the vacuum gripper.
2. Printing the datamatrix code with a fixed INKjet head.
3. Flipping parts for re-gripping.
4. Optical inspection of internal housing elements.
5. Placing parts on the pallet, which moves to the next station.
6. Automatic insertion of buttons with a double vacuum gripper.
7. Verification of correct button insertion and operation.
8. Handling of good products to the output conveyor.