Popular Robotics for Sale Options in 2024
The injection molding industry is experiencing a significant shift towards automation. Robotics for sale is now a practical reality for manufacturers seeking to optimize production, improve efficiency, and enhance safety in the workplace. But with a growing variety of robotics for sale, choosing the right solution for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular robotics for sale used in injection molding.

1. Traverse Robots
Traverse robots are a fundamental component of any automated injection molding operation. These robots handle the movement of materials throughout the production process. They typically travel along a linear track, efficiently loading and unloading plastic parts from injection molding machines.
Benefits of Traverse Robots:
- Increased Efficiency: Automating material handling significantly speeds up production cycles compared to manual processes.
- Improved Accuracy: Robots ensure precise positioning of materials, reducing the risk of errors and material waste.
- Enhanced Safety: Traverse robots eliminate the need for manual handling of potentially hot or heavy materials, promoting a safer work environment.
2. In-Mold Labeling (IML) Robots
In-mold labeling (IML) allows for the integration of labels directly onto plastic parts during the molding process. IML robots play a crucial role in this process.
Functions of IML Robots:
- Label Picking and Positioning: IML robots precisely pick pre-printed labels and place them accurately within the mold cavity.
- Enhanced Design Flexibility: IML allows for vibrant graphics and complex labeling on plastic parts, opening doors for innovative product design.
- Reduced Production Costs: Eliminating the need for post-molding labeling steps can streamline production and minimize costs.

3. Cutlery Packaging Systems
For manufacturers specializing in cutlery or similar products, robotics for sale specifically designed for packaging can be a game-changer. These robotic systems automate the secondary packaging process, ensuring efficient and consistent product handling.
Advantages of Cutlery Packaging Systems:
- Increased Packaging Speeds: Automating packaging significantly boosts processing speeds compared to manual labor.
- Reduced Labor Costs: Robotic packaging systems can optimize labor allocation, allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks.
- Improved Product Presentation: Precise robotic handling minimizes the risk of product damage and ensures a consistent and professional final presentation.
4. Vertical Robots
For manufacturers with limited floor space, vertical robots offer a space-saving solution. These robots move along a vertical mast, providing increased flexibility in material handling within a smaller footprint.
Benefits of Vertical Robots:
- Space Efficiency: The vertical design allows for optimal utilization of available space, a significant advantage for factories with limited floor area.
- Faster Cycle Times: Vertical robots offer quick vertical movements, contributing to faster production cycles.
- Versatility: These robots can be programmed for various tasks beyond material handling, such as palletizing and de-stacking.
5. Side-Entry Robots
Side-entry robots, as the name suggests, enter the injection molding machine from the side. This unique approach makes them suitable for handling parts from molds with complex designs or limited to access.
Advantages of Side-Entry Robots:
- Accessibility: Side-entry robots provide access to molds with limited top space, a challenge for traditional robots.
- Reduced Cycle Times: Their side-entry design allows for faster part extraction, contributing to quicker cycle times.
- Improved Part Quality: Precise robotic handling minimizes the risk of part damage during extraction, ensuring consistent product quality.
With the wide variety of robotics for sale, the key to success lies in identifying the solution that best addresses your specific requirements. You can also consider factors like production volume, available floor space, and desired level of automation.