Modernisation: Werner Schmid introduces industrial robots in mechanical manufacturing

A consistently high quality is an important factor in the competitiveness of Werner Schmid GmbH. To ensure this, the company is regularly investing in modern production lines. Recently, a new Stopp turning machine with an EGS robot has been acquired, which is the first industrial robot in the mechanical manufacturing department. This means that the metalworking department now also has robot automation at its disposal – just like the plastics manufacturing department, which already has several linear systems in use.

The new robot takes work pieces out of a palletizing cell, processes them on the turning machine and places them back in their planned position. Before the introduction of the new robot, two manual turning machines were used for this. But the increased quality specifications could no longer be ensured manually.

The requirements for the new machine were high: light, but voluminous work pieces need a large storage area, but the facility still needs to be compact. To achieve an optimal degree of capacity utilization and low standstill times, an easy placement of raw parts as well as an easy removal of finished parts had to be possible.

This does not primarily aim at a shortening of cycle times, but more at a consistently high quality as well as a reduction of human error and thereby a reliable manufacturing sequence.

Despite complex requirements regarding the facility as well as ambitious goals, the experiences are highly positive. Especially the high expectations regarding product quality were met, partially even excelled. The roundness of the finished part, an immensely important quality feature, is much better than hoped for.

The new technology creates new opportunities for Werner Schmid GmbH and its customers: in addition to forming, we can now also offer turning processes.

An option that is already in use: while the new facility initially was intended for one work piece only, we are already producing several variations today. And the new facility even has additional potential for expansion. For example, a drilling station can be integrated if necessary which would create even more opportunities for Werner Schmid GmbH and its customers.