Fanuc UK and automation partners “completely transform” insert moulding process

The installation of a completely automated system at a UK plastics manufacturer has “completely transformed’ the production capabilities of the company, by increasing productivity, quality, reducing costs and minimising waste.

Derbyshire-based R A Labone wanted to install an automated system for the production of its tyre pressure sensor housings, which would meet the volume and price demands of its blue chip customer whilst enabling the manufacturing to be based in the UK.

RNA, a UK-based automation integrator, partnered with robotics and automation solutions provider, FANUC UK, to produce a fully automated system for manufacturing, insert moulding, testing and packaging. Two FANUC M10iA robots were integrated into the automated system.

The solution is said to provide a fully integrated and compact system, with R A Labone citing increased productivity, consistent product quality, reduced costs and minimised waste as benefits since installation. The system, it says, also increases precision, speed and accuracy when placing the production components into the moulding tool.

As a result of the automated system, RA Labone says manufacturing efficiency and output have met the required customer targets, with 24-hour production, five days per week.

Alan Edmonds, Head of Technical Sales at RNA, said: “The automated system has completely transformed production capabilities for RA Labone and we have had further requests for future projects off the back of this success.”