Forum Plastics Expands Automation Capabilities

When it comes to technology, we at Forum Plastics are actively working to enhance our processes through automation. As we continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our customers, our business is transforming through the installation of targeted automation projects. These projects are intended to enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and quality of our molded, printed, and assembled components.

Our first area of expansion is in Forum’s printing department. Here we have added two flexible semi-automated, multi-head printing centers which focus on and enable pad printing quality, consistency and throughput. These machines have been custom designed for fast, lean change-overs with built-in vision inspection. By utilizing the multi-head printing technology (up to four printing heads), the accuracy and quality of the printed images is much more consistent, keeping with our customers’ growing demands for higher quality parts, shorter lead-times and continuous improvement activities.

Semi-Auto Rotate Pad Printing System

We have also added technology to the molding floor in the form of automated 100%-part inspection systems. For many of our higher volume molded parts, we have begun installing press-side systems where each of the molded parts are guided through a vision system that is programmed to target contamination and molding defects right at the molding source allowing for an immediate notification of any defect condition. The data collected from these systems will lead to continuous improvement programs, allowing for further enhancements which provide our customers with the highest level of component quality and value.

In-Line Inspection System

Through state-of-the-art automation programs, Forum is committed to being our customers’ first choice for precision injection molding, pad printing and cleanroom assembly.

Watch our new fully automated and semi-automated pad printing systems: