Efficiency and innovation for a dynamic industry
Plastic products have become an integral part of our everyday lives and demand continues to grow. Resource conservation and sustainability are also driving the issue. The constant development and innovation of new composite materials places complex demands on production systems and automation technology. The industry is thus facing many challenges.
At the same time, companies must optimize their production processes in order to remain competitive in a globalized market, and this is where B&R comes in. As a leading provider of automation solutions, we offer customized technologies for the specific requirements of the plastics industry.
With our advanced control, motion, and visualization systems, we enable precise and efficient production, and our solutions are designed to automate and network production processes to minimize downtime and maximize production flexibility. In this way, we help our customers respond more quickly to market changes and ensure their competitiveness.
Sustainability and recycling
Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the plastics industry. A key concern is the improvement of recycling technologies, both mechanical and chemical, to make plastics recyclable and minimize waste. At the same time, bio-based plastics are gaining in importance as they are made from renewable raw materials, reducing dependence on fossil resources.
Materials and technologies
The plastics industry is constantly researching and developing innovative materials and technologies to meet increasing demands. Lightweight plastics are becoming increasingly important, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries, as they help to reduce the weight of vehicles and aircraft, thereby increasing energy efficiency. In addition, "smart materials" are becoming increasingly important, opening up new applications through integrated sensors or other functional properties.
Globalization and localization
Globalization and localization are having a significant impact on the plastics industry since there is an increasing shift to emerging markets where demand for plastics is growing rapidly. At the same time, companies are optimizing their global production and supply chains to become more efficient and responsive to regional needs. These developments are also influenced by geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies that affect raw material prices and availability.
Regulatory developments
Regulatory developments are increasing as governments around the world tighten regulations on the production, use and disposal of plastics. The goal is to reduce pollution and waste. In addition, many regions are banning or restricting the use of single-use plastics, forcing the industry to find new possibilities. These changes are driving innovation in reusable and alternative materials and challenging companies to adapt to an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.
Adaptive Automation Solutions for the Plastics Industry
Seamless machine and line integration
With a complete solution, B&R offers everything needed for machine and system automation. The key is that all products work together seamlessly. This perfect synchronization results in unprecedented increases in performance and quality, providing customers with a significant competitive advantage and complete interoperability vertically, from device to cloud, and horizontally, from machine to machine.
Secure infrastructure
Secure automation infrastructures protect against cyber threats in accordance with the IEC 62443 standard for industrial systems. This includes risk assessment, system design and security controls. B&R helps companies build secure, adaptable infrastructures with strategies such as network segmentation, encryption and continuous monitoring to ensure efficiency and resilience against evolving threats.
Quality control and traceability
By integrating B&R machine vision into the plastics machines, quality checks can be performed in real time during the production process. At the same time, traceability allows for accurate production monitoring. By reducing errors and implementing real-time quality control, scrap costs can be reduced.Solution expertise and co-creation
Solution expertise and co-creation
In the plastics industry segment, solution expertise and a co-creation approach are essential. Solution expertise includes in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes and advanced technologies to provide customized solutions. For B&R, a co-creation approach fosters collaboration between suppliers and customers throughout the project lifecycle, resulting in innovative solutions that address specific needs and drive operational excellence.
Energy efficiency solutions
Our systems are designed to optimize energy consumption and promote sustainability in manufacturing. With advanced technologies and energy-efficient components, we help companies meet their environmental goals while reducing operating costs. Find out how ACOPOS drives and motors can help your business.
EUROMAP communication standard
Standardized interfaces have a long tradition in the plastics industry and have evolved over the years with the new communication capabilities in the market. The de facto standard in the industry is EUROMAP, which is based on OPC UA communication. B&R has been working with EUROMAP for many years and fully supports it. This makes it very convenient not only for connecting machines and peripherals, but also for production lines and complete factories.
Expert know-how
B&R speaks the language of its customers and has experience with PET and extrusion blow molding machines, machines and systems for the production of plastic films, plastic and rubber injection molding machines of all sizes and technologies, all types of extrusion technology and plastic recycling machines.
References & Success Stories
The Tecnomatic extruder has a new screw design for optimized production values, even with different pellet structures. The touch screen panel allows intuitive access to the machine.
At Plasmac, the film is processed directly into new material for the extrusion line without prior shredding. Integrated HMI panels allow easy and intuitive operation of the Omega machine.
Fong Kee International's extrusion blow molding machine uses 35% less energy than comparable hydraulic machines. Components such as the servo motor, drive and control system ensure higher product quality.
The SML stretch film line achieves 3500 kg of film per hour and a production speed of 750 m per minute. At such high speeds, microsecond synchronization is essential.
With the control system based on MAPP technology, LWB Steinl's machines achieve greater precision and faster movements. In addition, OPC UA provides an open communication platform to various systems.
Case studies
Convincing usability
LWB Steinl relies on innovative operating concepts and reliable control technology from B&R to realize the next generation of rubber injection molding machines. With mapp technology and a user-friendly visualization solution, LWB offers machine operation based on modern smartphones - including intuitive swipe and drag movements. The modular system makes it easy to adapt and integrate the machine control solution into various machine types, from low-cost to high-end solutions. This provides a high degree of flexibility, fast response times and improved user-friendliness, while simplifying maintenance and operation.
New possibilities
Woojin Plaimm and B&R are working together to provide innovative solutions for the highly competitive injection molding machine market. Through close cooperation and the use of B&R technology, the DL and TE series machines have been optimized in terms of visualization, operability and human-machine interface. This allows for high quality injection and precise repeatability, as well as energy efficiency and ease of use. With the expansion of production capacity and the integration of European standards, Woojin Plaimm relies on B&R as a complete solution provider to compete internationally with leading manufacturers.
Without compromise
With mapp technology from B&R, Mikrosan was able to halve the development time for a new all-electric extrusion blow molding machine. The modular software solution made it possible to quickly integrate basic functions and prepare the software for future requirements.
In addition, the ACOPOSmulti servo technology provided high energy efficiency and significantly reduced energy consumption. As a result, Mikrosan was able to develop a powerful and energy-efficient machine with an optimized user interface.
Quick configurations
In B&R, TwinScrew has found a solution for faster and more flexible machine development. With the X22 controller and temperature control in Automation Studio, extruder processes can be controlled precisely and efficiently, and adjustments can be made quickly.
Integrated remote maintenance and diagnostics via web browser and mobile devices significantly reduce maintenance costs. As a result, TwinScrew is future-proof and can easily meet even the most demanding customer requirements.
Additional contact options for B&R: Local value provider
Find a partner near you
Take advantage of our global network for end customers.
In addition to more than 200 B&R offices in over 70 countries around the world, we have a global network of value-added partners. B&R Value Providers work seamlessly with B&R to bring our products and services to your door. They combine in-depth knowledge of B&R technology with a deep understanding of your local market.