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Robotic workcell boosts output

A new workcell improves injection molder Mar-Lee’s production efficiency and provides benefits for its customers.

Supply magazine provides labels to six-axis robot.
Supply magazine provides labels to six-axis robot.

A robotic workcell from Automated Assemblies Corp. (AAC) started up in May 2004 at Mar-Lee Companies, Fitchburg, MA, injects additional capacity and efficiency into the company’s operations. Using two robots, the workcell provides automated in-mold labeling (IML) for injection-molded hinged lids used for containers of baby wipes.

The workcell operates 24/7 in conjunction with a new high-speed injection-molding machine, applying the labels before it loads the decorated IML lids into corrugated containers.

“The workcell started up without a hitch, it runs great, and everyone’s happy,” says Stan Bowker, director of molding operations. “This was a nice joint effort with AAC to get automation right where we needed it. AAC was responsive and very engineering savvy.”

The 5”x3” hinged lids are molded of polypropylene resin provided by at least three suppliers, says Bowker. Lid pigments include white and other colors, depending on the private label brand being produced.

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