Digitalization in Plastics Manufacturing

At Silac, digitalisations is part of everyday operations. It supports production, employee training, documentation, and coordination with customers.

Digital tools make processes more transparent, provide faster access to information and help preserve knowledge within the company. This is particularly important for complex plastic parts, reliable production processes, and high quality standards.

Digital tools are already used during development. 3D models, simulations, and visualisations support coordination between design, tool making, production, and the customer – before the first mold is machined.

Silac has been using the Arburg Master Control System since 2017. It enables the digital collection of production data and supports production planning and process monitoring. Silac also uses digital work instructions, training videos, machine documentation and a digital twin of the company.

Employees can access relevant information on mobile devices. This supports training and service activities and makes knowledge available across the company.

Better overview of production processes
Digital documentation of machines, processes and work instructions
Faster onboarding and employee training
Greater process reliability in ongoing production
Better coordination between development, tool making and production
Clear information for quality assurance, service and training

2017

Introduction of the Arburg Master Control System (ALS) for digital production planning and process monitoring.

2018

First use of digital 3D models and visualisations.

2021

Introduction of virtual and augmented reality for training, service and process visualisation.

2021

Digital Career Guidance for School Students.

2022

Development of a digital twin and introduction of GIRI digital work instructions, including videos and machine documentation.

2023

Digital onboarding and further training for employees using augmented and virtual reality.

Digital processes help clarify requirements at an early stage, document workflows and make technical information transparent – both internally and in collaboration with customers.

For customers, this means smoother handovers between production stages, fewer coordination loops and clearly documented processes. Important knowledge is not only held by individual employees but also embedded in the company’s systems and workflows.

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