Demand for 5-axis articulated robots, which provide the same flexibility as the human ram, has been building in the plastics industry, as robot manufacturers continue their push to educate processors on the benefits of these highly adaptable machines. Less flexible but fast-moving beam robots, also known as linear or gantry-type robots, have long been the first choice in automating the injection molding process, owing to their lower price and simple programming. However, making a decision on which is best for a company's bottom line often involves more than just initial costs.