Process control is a key component in any manufacturing operation. In order to maintain plant efficiency and product consistency, a high priority must be placed on the monitoring and control of the variables which directly effect them. Process control has evolved from simple product monitoring functions to advanced planning, controlled implementation, review and refinement of significant processes throughout the organization.

EuroPlast has implemented process control in all departments of its organization. Below are some of the key areas and methods of implementation.

• Manufacturing Resource Planning

  EuroPlast has implemented a plant wide network of computer hardware and software resources to continuously monitor all aspects of its operation. The integration of real-time production monitoring, production scheduling, purchasing, inventory transactions, warehousing, labor and work order management, and preventive maintenance, combined with process costing, quoting and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), allow for seamless communication and reporting between both internal EuroPlast departments and its customers.

• Environment

  The entire shop floor, including the warehouse, is air conditioned to control the levels of temperature, humidity and dust. In addition, every injection molding press that is running an engineered plastic which requires moisture removal is outfitted with a microprocessor controlled material dryer.

• Production, Quality and Safety

  Apart from the numerous policies and procedures, EuroPlast has incorporated additional features into its operation to attain a higher level of process control.

  • A centralized material loading system to increase efficiency and eliminate potential safety issues and dust accumulation.
  • Automated statistical data collection which allows analysis of product related data to increase product quality and evaluate trends and variances to minimize scrap, decrease cycle time and to predict potential production problems.
  • Microprocessor controllers for plastic injection presses to monitor machine variables and molding conditions.
  • Automation of manual work intensive operations to increase throughput and eliminate injury caused by repetitive motion.
  • Hot runner controllers to give customers the advantage of hot runner molds to reduce material usage.