Industrial Manipulators and The Plastic Industry: How They Work Together

The manufacturing industry as a whole is still dealing with the fallout of COVID-19, with individual sectors working to bounce back. The plastic industry is no exception.

It’s been reported that the global plastic market had a decline in value in 2020, from $1008.5 billion in 2019 to $987 billion. But, unlike other unluckier industries, the plastics sector seems to be back on the rise in 2021.

Plastic consumption and orders – especially recyclable, bio-degradable and sustainable plastic – are increasing. The construction, electrical and automotive sectors, in particular, are ramping up their demands, and plastic manufacturers are working hard to meet their expectations. That’s why global markets like plastic bottles and containers are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2021-2026.

The world is asking a great deal of the plastic industry, and they’re working to increase their efficiency while keeping both their employees and consumers safe. That’s why industrial manipulators are the perfect tool to help this market achieve its goals.

Here’s how:

 

AUTOMATION IS TRENDING 

Automation has been one of the many new trends making waves in the manufacturing industry. Warehouse owners and leaders are looking for ways to help their facility work smarter, not harder. That includes transitioning over to “smart” technologies and warehouse methods.

Smart technology uses automated tools or machinery to improve their process, inventory management and employee tasks. These new methods have helped warehouses reduce both error rates and overall warehouse risk.

One of the more popular products to be implemented is the industrial manipulator. These material handlers are frequently used when:

• A product is too heavy for a person to move manually.
• A product must be moved to a location that is not easily or quickly accessible for a person to reach, like a very tall shelf.
• A person will be put at risk for injury if they move a product manually.
• A person will quickly fatigue from moving products manually.
• A high volume of product must be moved in a timely fashion.

Industrial manipulators have been a welcomed addition to plastic warehouses as they look to level up their warehouse process and invest in the right tools to help them succeed.

 

BOOSTING EFFICIENCY 

The plastic market is fielding a diverse array of demands. For example, plastic orders from the automotive industry are increasing as car companies focus on decreasing vehicle weight and becoming more sustainable. Additionally, projects like major public infrastructure repair have caused the construction industry to need more plastic products as well.

These are just two reasons why plastic warehouses are now focused on improving their production numbers and looking to see where their process could be improved.

Plastic facilities staying ahead of the game are asking questions like:

• Are there areas of our facility experiencing backups or delays?
• Are there tasks that involve manual lifting or physical contact with products that could be replaced?
• How effective are our current workflows?
• How accessible are our current storage systems for our employees?

For many warehouses, the answer to their productivity problems has been adding material handlers that can streamline processes, improve workflow efficiency and keep their employees safer.

Industrial manipulators aren’t one-size-fits-all, either. Different plastics facilities have different needs, and material handlers can be customized to fit their unique process. For example, Dalmec manipulators come in several styles, including pneumatic or mechanical gripping styles and either column-mounted, overhead fixed or floor trolley mounted configurations.

 

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND SATISFACTION

Right now, sectors in the manufacturing industry are experiencing a job surplus. There are fewer people on the floor to do necessary tasks, meaning warehouse employees could be pressured to move faster, carry heavier items, and put their safety at risk.

This is an unacceptable environment for both current employees and potential candidates.

Plastics News reported that 2020 would be a candidate-driven market for the plastic sector.

They stated:

“Plastics industry companies can expect that leading candidates will have multiple options for landing a job and need to make sure to focus on speed, efficiency and the candidate experience in their hiring processes.”

With multiple job offers potentially on the table, a new candidate will undoubtedly choose a warehouse environment that cares about their health and safety. Likewise, unhappy current employees could also be tempted by other companies that value their wellbeing.

Warehouse injuries are incredibly common, especially in facilities with high-demand products. This makes industrial manipulators the perfect choice for the plastics industry. These material handlers reduce excess human power and bodily strain while helping to streamline product transportation and storage.

Industrial manipulators help reduce the likelihood of common warehouse injuries like ergonomic strain, taking away the pressure on your employees’ bodies and creating a smoother production process in general. These machines help keep your employees safe while maintaining the necessary efficiency you need for sustainability. 

 

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Studies have shown that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 through surfaces is small. But this may not be enough to persuade consumers that their packages and deliveries are safe from any contagions.

Industrial manipulators help create an additional barrier between employees and the products they work with. These material handlers do the majority of the moving and interacting with warehouse products, creating a safer environment for employees and the package recipients.

 

LEARN HOW INDUSTRIAL MANIPULATORS CAN HELP

The need for crucial plastic products won’t be dying down any time soon. Plastic facilities will only be increasing operations, and they’ll be investing in sustainable, helpful tools like industrial manipulators to make it happen.

Dalmec’s customizable and adaptable industrial manipulators are innovative tools that your warehouse can use to help your employees stay safe and do their job effectively. If you have any questions about an industrial manipulator for your business, contact us today to learn more about the options for your warehouse.