From cottage industry to industrial toolmaking

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Tebis Technische Informationssysteme AG Pressestelle

Adjusting to automation

"Of course we could not implement automation overnight,“ says Töpfer. "We introduced partial automation as early as 2002, so that our staff could gain experience with it and be slowly steered toward automation. You have to engage your staff in such a project, or it won't work. They must know that they will not be replaced by robots, but rather that their tasks will shift for example to preparatory work, and that they will actually gain additional valuable expertise."

Ruhla developed the manufacturing cell together with experts from GF Agie Chamilles and Erowa. In its final development stage, the system consists of a milling centre, two die-sinking EDM machines, a measuring machine, a Fanuc robot, 500 electrodes, 24 pallet stations and a setup station. The special feature of Ruhla's solution is that the robot is mounted on the ceiling. "Thus the floor remains unobstructed and is easier to clean and the machines are accessible,” explains Töpfer.

The cell has now been in operation for almost six years and has paid off: At constant staffing levels, the company’s EDM capacity increased by about 30% annually. Quality and process reliability were also increased – both are essential for a successful switch to industrial toolmaking. "We are currently making tools with up to 96 cavities,” says Töpfer. "Without automated processes, you would not be able to manufacture them all in exactly the same precision." ETMM

(ID:43869117)

Automation

From cottage industry to industrial toolmaking

Adjusting to automation