Injection molding is an essential manufacturing technology in many industries, including automotive components, consumer electronics and medical equipment. However, a serious problem has emerged in recent years: the number of personnel supporting this important technology is decreasing year by year. This is not only a domestic but also a global phenomenon. Considering what kind of approach is needed across the injection molding industry to address this situation is crucial for the future healthy growth of the industry.
This article will first analyse the reasons for the decline in the injection molding workforce and then discuss how the industry should respond in the future
▸ Reasons for the decline in the number of personnel working in injection molding
There are several main factors contributing to the shortage of human resources in the injection molding industry
1. ageing population and lack of young human resources
The ageing of Japanese society as a whole is well known, and this phenomenon is having a serious impact on the injection molding industry. Many injection molding technicians are veterans with many years of experience and face the danger of losing their skills and know-how as they approach retirement. At the same time, the problem of a lack of new, younger talent entering the industry is also becoming apparent.
One of the reasons why the younger generation is not interested in the manufacturing industry, especially in specialised professions such as injection molding, is the persistent 3K image of the industry as dirty, hard and dangerous. In addition, advances in digital technology have made IT-related occupations more attractive, while manufacturing is seen as old-fashioned, which is also a contributing factor.
2. increasing complexity of technology and high skill requirements
Injection molding technology is constantly evolving, with advances in materials science and increasing product complexity demanding higher skills from engineers. A great deal of knowledge and experience is required to accurately reproduce complex designs and to adjust molding conditions while being familiar with the properties of resins. It takes time to acquire these advanced skills and it takes time to develop new talent.
In addition, to master the latest machines and software, knowledge of programming and data analysis is increasingly required, as well as traditional forming techniques. This increases the pressure on technicians and is one of the factors preventing new personnel from entering the market.
3. relocation of production sites abroad
In the context of increasing globalisation, many companies are relocating their injection molding production sites overseas in order to reduce costs. As a result, demand for injection molding in Japan has decreased and fewer companies are investing in the training of craftspeople. This reduces employment opportunities in the country and at the same time limits the opportunities to pass on skills.
4. the impact of environmental regulations and the move to reduce plastics
Concerns about the environmental impact of plastics have increased in recent years, and there is a growing global movement to reduce plastics and promote the use of renewable materials. In particular, the problem of marine plastics and environmental pollution from microplastics has become a major social issue, and governments and companies are taking action. This has led to stricter regulations on plastic products, affecting the traditional injection molding industry
▸ Approaches for the future of the injection molding industry
In the face of these challenges, several new approaches are needed if the injection molding industry is to continue to grow sustainably in the future.
1. developing young talent and presenting attractive career paths
First of all, it is essential to communicate the appeal of injection molding technology to the younger generation. This requires industry-wide activities to promote the ‘joy of manufacturing’ and the ‘depth of the technology’: it is necessary to dispel the 3K image and emphasise the appeal of being exposed to cutting-edge technology and the ability to acquire precision manufacturing skills.
It is also important to enable young engineers to envision their own career path. Showing them a path to management, development or technical leadership after gaining experience in the field can help them to have a long-term career vision. The development of industry-wide certification and training programmes is another effective means of encouraging technicians to improve their skills.
2. promoting digitalisation and automation
Another important approach in the injection molding industry is to promote digitisation and automation: the introduction of smart factories that utilise IoT and AI can make the operation of molding machines more efficient and reduce the burden on technicians. This is expected to enable even inexperienced technicians to perform advanced molding, bridging the skills gap in the field.
In addition, technologies for optimising molding conditions and predicting the causes of defective products through data analysis are advancing, enabling the production of high-quality products without having to rely on human senses and experience. These innovations will partly reduce the skill requirements of engineers and facilitate the training of new personnel.
3. improve working conditions and introduce flexible working practices
Improving the working environment is essential to attract young talent and retain technicians for longer. Injection molding is often carried out in high temperature environments, so a comfortable working environment must be created. Reducing physical strain by strengthening air-conditioning and automating work sites is key to protecting the health of technicians and ensuring long-term employment.
Furthermore, introducing flexible working arrangements that take into account work-life balance is also important. Although remote working is difficult in the manufacturing industry, it is necessary to create an environment that allows working styles tailored to individual needs, for example by introducing shift systems and shorter working hours, or by reducing the burden by digitising work content.
4. adapting to eco-friendly materials
The injection molding industry needs to adapt to new materials such as bioplastics, recycled materials and even biodegradable plastics, as well as traditional petroleum-based plastics. To master these new materials, it is essential to update the knowledge and skills of engineers, as they are required to optimise the molding conditions and processes.
This could also create new markets and demand, revitalising the industry and encouraging the entry of new personnel. If environmentally friendly product manufacturing becomes socially valued, the injection molding industry may once again become an attractive profession.
SUMMARY.
The injection molding industry faces a serious shortage of human resources, despite the fact that this is an essential technology for the manufacturing industry. A combined approach is needed to address this problem: training young talent, promoting digitalisation and automation, improving the working environment and strengthening cooperation with educational institutions.
As technology evolves, injection molding is moving into a new phase. It is precisely in this era of change that the industry as a whole needs to work together and strengthen its efforts to develop the next generation of human resources. Overcoming the shortage of human resources will be a major step towards the future of the injection molding industry.
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