Since 1987, when we evaluated our first six axis articulated robot, we have continued to pursue automation as one of the means to keep our costs down and our quality up. Each injection molding machine is attended by an ABB 2000-6000 series robot. Why? For three significant reasons. First and foremost is consistency. A consistent and repeating cycle yields consistent quality. Secondly, the robot performs mundane functions such as counting, stacking, and trimming. This allows our operators to focus on part quality and perform operational "thinking" tasks such as scheduling, ordering materials, quality evaluations, and others. This reduces our overhead and allows us to pass these savings on to our customers. Finally, programmable robots can perform functions that people can't. For example, they can touch hot parts, they can electronically talk to other equipment, they can reach twelve feet, they can lift up to 200 lbs., they can assemble at speeds not humanly possible or sustainable, and they can be precise - statistical variation of less than .003".

In extrusion the complexity and capabilities of our down stream equipment is, in many cases, remarkable. One frequently heard comment is that our products look more like they were injection molded than extruded. Bending, cutting, punching, forming, coating, marking/coding, drilling, slitting, embossing, texturing, and other operations can all be done in-line to reduce cost and add value to our profile products.

Our Advanced Technology Center houses three independent suites for product evaluation and tear down. From these exercises we propose cost reduction ideas to our customers which include part consolidation, material substitution, simplified assembly techniques, and product performance durability enhancements.

Within our company we assemble electronic devices, laser and water-jet cut, first piece evaluate on one of the largest CM machines in the Midwest, professionally maintain tooling, employ vision systems and fully automated assembly systems, statistically analyze incoming utilities for consistency, well, the list goes on.

Our non-stop pursuit of technology does not focus only on major equipment; it can't. As often as not, the quality or functionality of the part is enhanced after the part leaves the die. Complementing our core competencies with the latest supporting technologies is a continuing strategy at Bemis. Why not visit and let us show you around?

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