Leading OEM Drives Energy Efficiency With FANUC ROBOSHOT Machines

“Known for our high-end service and global delivery, we are an expert in the production of adhesive applicators for the chemical industry,” states Blaž Hostnik, Sopi’s Founder, CEO and Director. “Importantly, we place special emphasis on the ecological and rational use of plastic materials.”

Investment in the latest manufacturing technologies is critical at Sopi as the company knows that smart, precise and reliable solutions ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction across industries. However, there is a caveat to all new investments: the need for class-leading energy efficiency.

“The dramatic increases in electricity costs over the past few years have proved particularly challenging,” he says. “Together with our ongoing requirements for process stability and repeatability, we had to find a solution. The approach of FANUC with its ROBOSHOT injection moulding machines met these challenges. Indeed, the ROBOSHOT machines surprised us - in a very positive way - with their energy efficiency.”

In total, Sopi has eight FANUC ROBOSHOT all-electric injection moulding machines on site at its state-of-the-art production facility in Slovenia. FANUC’s long-standing ethos of designing and manufacturing all-electric machines such as the ROBOSHOT helps manufacturers to meet their environmental responsibilities and emissions reduction targets. 

This positive outcome is important to Sopi, a company committed to preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact. Through sustainable practices and the use of eco-friendly materials, the business contributes to a more sustainable future.

Sopi is currently integrating ROBOSHOT-LINKi2 into its MES (Manufacturing Execution System), which will deliver better control of processes and protect against errors. ROBOSHOT-LINK𝑖2 - which improves overall efficiency by monitoring, analysing and optimising ROBOSHOT machines - will also support Sopi’s preventative maintenance strategies and help the business make easier decisions on future investments.

Other FANUC technologies on site at Sopi include ROBODRILL CNC machining centres and various industrial and collaborative robots. 

Says Hostnik: “We achieved our biggest savings with the development of a packaging unit for carton assembly, where we used a FANUC 6-axis industrial robot and delivered ROI [return on investment] in just two years.”