Research
Mold design that trims parts
A mold can cut the part from its leftover plastic as it opens. Hand cutting is then not needed.
Industry source
Mold design guides published by resin suppliers
Belt with a box counter
Makers sell a belt with a counter that stops at each full box. Nobody has to count parts.
Supplier's claim
What makers of part conveyors for molding plants say of their own equipment
Picker and robot prices
A picker arm is $8,000 to 20,000 per press. A robot that takes each part out is $25,000 to 80,000.
Supplier's claim
Price ranges quoted by makers of robots for injection presses
Our own estimates
The share of hours freed is our estimate. One hour of timing at a press replaces it.
Our estimate
Our estimate