Everywhere you look, manufacturing workers in the plastics container industry are being increasingly assisted by automation in a variety of ways, enabling them to improve efficiency, reduce physical strain, and focus on higher-value tasks. Automation is transforming how plastic containers are produced, from streamlining repetitive processes to ensuring quality control, and in the process, both workers and overall production outcomes reap the benefits.
Automation reduces workers’ need to perform physically demanding, repetitive tasks such as loading raw materials into machines or manually operating basic equipment. Robotics and automated systems handle these tasks with greater speed and precision. For example, automated injection molding machines can now run without direct human intervention, allowing workers to oversee the production process rather than handle the labor-intensive parts of it. This shift reduces fatigue and physical strain, enhancing worker safety and job satisfaction. AI-driven systems help optimize machine parameters like temperature and pressure for molding, increasing throughput by up to 20-30% in some cases.
Collaborative robots, also referred to as cobots, are designed to work alongside human workers in plastic container manufacturing. These robots handle tasks such as picking and placing products, packaging, and palletizing, all while sharing a workspace with human operators. Cobots free up workers to focus on more complex tasks like troubleshooting, machine maintenance, or process optimization, improving productivity without replacing the workforce. As an example, cobots assist workers with post-molding tasks in blow molding operations, like trimming excess material or quality inspections.
When it comes to quality control, automated manufacturing systems use machine vision and AI-powered image recognition to detect defects, such as cracks, deformities, or inconsistencies in plastic containers. This not only reduces human error but also ensures that workers are no longer responsible for visually inspecting every container—a time-consuming and error-prone process. Workers can now focus on overseeing the automated systems or addressing issues flagged by these systems, improving overall quality assurance while reducing the cognitive load on workers.
Automation can also lead to the creation of new roles for workers in the industry. As repetitive tasks are automated, workers are being given opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas such as operating advanced machinery, programming automated systems, or maintaining robotics. This shift helps workers transition from manual roles to technical or supervisory positions, offering career growth and job security.
By automating tasks that are repetitive, error-prone, or physically demanding, workers can also engage in more meaningful work that increases job satisfaction. Automation enhances production efficiency, reducing downtime and minimizing waste. Consequently, workers feel more productive and satisfied with their contributions, as they can focus on tasks that require human decision-making and creativity.
Summing all this up, what can a manufacturer expect to realize in terms of productivity and efficiency?
Depending on the adoption level of automation and AI, manufacturing efficiency improvements in rigid plastic container production can range from 20% to almost 50%. The exact number depends on a variety of factors such as the complexity of the production process, the scale of operations, and the level of AI integration.
Discover how CMG’s dedicated workforce and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities can create your ideal container when you give us a call at 908-218-7997 or fill out the contact form below and let’s create your ideal package.