Injection Molding Automation Case Study: Scaling a Household Appliance Production Line

This case study describes how a household-appliance manufacturer organized a large-scale injection molding automation line with KEFAN linear robots, conveyors, and injection molding machines. The customer is presented anonymously because the available project material does not include a public case-study release or permission to publish the company name.

Project background

The manufacturer needed a repeatable way to remove molded parts from multiple injection molding machines and move them into a structured downstream flow. The factory documentation shows a production area with several injection molding machines, multiple KEFAN linear robot units, and conveyor-based handling.

For a line with many similar machines, the engineering challenge is not only choosing a robot. The layout must also keep machine access, operator movement, part flow, guarding, and maintenance practical as the line grows.

Automation scope that can be verified

• KEFAN linear injection molding robots are installed across a multi-machine production area.
• Conveyors are used to move parts away from the molding machines.
• The robots and conveyors are arranged as a connected production flow rather than isolated manual workstations.
• Haitian injection molding machines are visible in the available factory images.
• The project is associated with household-appliance manufacturing.

The project material does not provide verified public figures for cycle time, labor reduction, scrap rate, output increase, or payback period. Those results should be measured and approved by the customer before publication.

How the line is organized

Robot take-out at each machine

Each molding machine needs a robot path that matches its mold opening, part release direction, and available clearance. The robot removes the molded parts and transfers them to the defined handoff point. The EOAT and signal sequence must be matched to the part and mold rather than copied blindly between machines.

Conveyor-based part flow

Conveyors provide a visible handoff from machine-side automation to the next operation. They can help separate machine access from downstream collection and provide a consistent location for inspection, packing, or manual checks. The conveyor layout must account for part orientation, accumulation, reject handling, and operator access.

Repeatable expansion

When several machines use a common automation concept, the team can standardize control logic, operator procedures, spare parts, and maintenance routines. The actual robot model and EOAT still need to be checked for every mold and product family.

Engineering considerations for a similar project

• Injection molding machine brand, model, and clamping force for every machine
• Mold dimensions, cavity layout, runner design, and release direction
• Part material, weight, shape, and required orientation
• Robot stroke, payload, EOAT, and clearance at the mold
• Conveyor length, height, speed, accumulation, and reject method
• Machine-to-robot interface, safety circuit, guarding, and alarm handling
• Floor plan, operator walkways, maintenance access, and future expansion

Why a site-specific design matters

A multi-machine line can look standardized while still containing important differences between molds, part sizes, and downstream tasks. A site review or a complete drawing package helps the automation supplier confirm robot reach, conveyor positions, guarding, utilities, and service access before manufacturing.

KEFAN’s automation solutions can combine injection molding robots with handling and downstream equipment. For projects that need a defined robot model, review the injection molding robot range and related case studies.

Information to share for a comparable project

Send the machine list, mold drawings, part samples or drawings, expected production flow, floor plan, and any existing conveyor or packaging requirements. Photos of the mold area and the proposed robot mounting position are also useful during the first engineering review.

Discuss a similar injection molding automation project

KEFAN can help evaluate a single machine, a group of machines, or a larger production line. The recommended configuration should be based on the actual machine, mold, part, and downstream requirements.

Planning a similar line? Discuss your project with KEFAN and send the available machine and part details.