Skip to main content
Home /
Case Studies
/
Leading Plastic Parts Producer Relies on Automated FANUC Solutions
AKO Kunststoffe

Leading Plastic Parts Producer Relies on Automated FANUC Solutions

All growing manufacturers need a reliable technology partner with innovative machines and solutions that can underpin success in the globally competitive market. Able to provide suitable testimony is Germany-based AKO Kunststoffe GmbH, a fourth-generation family-run injection moulding business that relies on around 30 FANUC ROBOSHOT all-electric injection moulding machines, including eight automated with FANUC industrial robots.
Injection MouldingMachine TendingAssemblingPlastics
Share
Ako Kunststoffe Case Study video: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots
Pictogram for ROBOSHOT systems (ROBOMACHINES) in black. SVG format.
Around 30 all-electric ROBOSHOT injection moulding machines, 8 with robots, boost production
Function to estimate the power consumption in advance
FANUC ROBOSHOT machines combine performance with sustainability with their all-electric, energy-efficient operation
Pictogram for CRX (Product) in black. SVG format.
FANUC CRX cobot relieves workers of monotonous and strenuous assembly tasks working in proximity with the staff
Pictogram for Commit (Organization) in black. SVG format.
The relationship evolved into a rewarding partnership that overcomes challenges together

Key Insights from Task to Result

Task

AKO Kunststoffe GmbH wants its provider of automation solutions to meet three key criteria: energy efficiency in line with the company’s environmental awareness and sustainability ethics; reliability to meet the critical metric of on-time customer deliveries; and innovation to help overcome new production challenges.

Solution:

FANUC automation provides the pathway to success at AKO Kunststoffe GmbH. The company has approximately 30 all-electric ROBOSHOT injection moulding machines on site, including 𝛼-S130𝑖B models offering state-of-the-art CNC precision. Eight of the ROBOSHOT machines are automated using FANUC high-performance, ultra-reliable industrial robots. The company is also using a FANUC CRX-10-𝑖A/L collaborative robot (cobot) in strenuous assembly tasks.

Result

AKO Kunststoffe GmbH says FANUC ROBOSHOT injection moulding machines offer energy efficiency, low maintenance and high reliability: “They just run and run.” In addition, the company’s FANUC CRX cobot is increasing both productivity and safety in assembly operations at this forward-thinking plastic parts manufacturer. According to AKO Kunststoffe GmbH, its relationship with FANUC has evolved into a rewarding partnership. Working in close liaison, the company has discovered “there is nothing that cannot be solved”.

About AKO Kunststoffe GmbH

Founded in 1956, AKO Kunststoffe GmbH has today evolved into a leader in the field of thermoplastic injection moulding. Based in Hoffenheim, Germany, the 170-employee company handles the entire moulding process for its customers, from development and in-house toolmaking to series production, downstream finishing and assembly. Carrying accreditations that include ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management) and ISO 50001:2018 (energy management), the family business has a legacy of success in sectors such as commercial vehicle, sanitary, motor vehicle, electrical and capital goods.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AKO KUNSTSTOFFE
Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots

Moulding Specialist Gains From FANUC Energy Efficiency, Reliability and Innovation

Mara Kolb, Corporate Communications, is a fourth-generation member of the family management team at AKO Kunststoffe GmbH after her great-grandfather founded the business nearly 70 years ago. This progressive plastic injection moulding company has seen many changes over the years, not least in the manufacturing technologies housed at its state-of-the-art facility in Hoffenheim, where production today relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots.

Among recent investments is a FANUC CRX-10-𝑖A/L collaborative robot (cobot) with 10 kg payload and long 418 mm reach.

Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots
Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots
Testimonials quote

Mara Kolb

Corporate Communications

As a family business, AKO Kunststoffe GmbH thinks conscientiously about future generations, attaching great importance to environmental awareness and sustainability. The company has been able to reduce the amount of energy required per kilogram of material processed by 20% since 2019. FANUC ROBOSHOT injection moulding machines contribute to environmental initiatives with their all-electric, energy-efficient operation (no hydraulics), combining performance with sustainability. 

Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots

Today, the headquarters and manufacturing facility of AKO Kunststoffe GmbH is home to around 30 FANUC ROBOSHOT CNC injection moulding machines equipped with electric drives. Eight models also feature automation in the form of a FANUC industrial robot.

Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots
Ako Kunststoffe Case Study picture: plastic parts production relies on advanced FANUC ROBOSHOT machines and robots
Testimonials quote

Stefanie Kraus

Application Engineer

At first, the company simply bought machines from FANUC, but the relationship soon evolved into a rewarding partnership that overcomes challenges together.

“Working in close liaison with FANUC, we have discovered there is nothing that cannot be solved,” says Stefanie Kraus. “For instance, we collaborated on the development of integrated deposit, path and conveyor belts that the robot recognises directly via a special connector. It allows our robots and ROBOSHOT machines to work in perfect unison.” 

Stefanie concludes: “Our co-operation with FANUC is proving ideal and I hope we will continue finding great solutions together moving forward.”

Get Behind the Technology: Discover Related Products

The FANUC Roboshot α-S130iB takes state-of-the-art CNC precision technology and applies it to electric injection moulding.

FANUC ROBOSHOT 𝛼-S130𝑖B

Engineered to excel in connector businesses, automotive manufacturing, electronics production, medical device fabrication, and consumer goods manufacturing, this machine is the cornerstone of effic...
Tonnage
1300 | 130 kN | tonf
Tie bar spacing, H×V
530x530 mm
View product
Test Description
Collaborative Robots

CRX-10𝑖A/L

The CRX-10𝑖A/L Collaborative Robot, with its 10 kg payload, 1,418 mm reach and unique underflip motion, is the perfect solution for medium- and small-sized businesses as well as automation beginner...
Robot Payload
10 kg
Robot Reach
1418 mm
Axes
6
View product
The FANUC LR Mate/10-11A is a compact 6 axis robot ideal for process automation in many industries.
Articulated Robots

LR-10𝑖A/10

The LR-10𝑖A/10, a compact 6-axis robot, excels in machine tending and diverse picking tasks, commonly found in warehousing and logistics. Perfect for space-constrained facilities, its slender arm a...
Robot Payload
10 kg
Robot Reach
1101 mm
Axes
6
View product

Get Inspired

Select more options here
Case Studies
Applications
Industries
FANUC Success with Robots, ROBOSHOT and ROBODRILL - Erkul Cosmetics in Turkey benefits from FANUC's variety of products in order to improve quality and efficiency.

FANUC Case Studies

Explore our comprehensive range of factory automation solutions, showcased in detailed case studies, and designed to optimise and streamline any manufacturing process.

Roboshot Alpha SiB series Detail of Injection Unit

Injection Moulding

Injection moulding is a highly efficient manufacturing process that enables the production of complex, high-quality plastic components with precision and consistency. Utilising advanced automation and robotics, this technology is essential for industries requiring large-scale production, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on the integrity or performance of the final product.
READ MORE
FAKUMA 2023. LSR for opticals. M-20iD/25 ROBOSHOT α-S150iB LSR

Machine Tending

Automate machine tending with robots to significantly enhance your production by providing superior accuracy and continuous operation, unlike manual tending. Increase efficiency, achieve consistent output, and reduce labour costs and add substantial value to your entire production process.
READ MORE
Close-up of circuit board at production line. 1170628756 Microchip and microprocessor assembly with automated robotic arm factory equipment, electronics and component installation on circuit board

Assembling

Automate assembly processes with robots to achieve significant advantages over manual methods. Ensure unparalleled precision and consistency, reducing errors and guaranteeing high-quality output. Increase production speed by enabling continuous operation without fatigue, which boosts throughput. Elevate efficiency, quality, and safety, making automation a strategic investment for any manufacturing operation.
READ MORE
several plastic parts as an example for the plastic industry

Plastics

Discover FANUC solutions for more efficient plastics and rubber manufacturing processes.
READ MORE