Biezepol automates three Mazak machines, including the first Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI
A double first: the very first Pallet-Load Integrated, with vision and AI
Biezepol automates three Mazak machines, including the first Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI
Biezepol Metaalbewerking in Heerjansdam, the Netherlands, has worked with RoboJob since 2020 and runs three RoboJob systems on Mazak machines. One of them is a double first: the very first Pallet-Load Integrated at a customer, and the first with vision and AI, loading a Mazak QT 350 MSY directly from standard wooden pallets.
Key facts
- Company: Biezepol Metaalbewerking
- Location: Heerjansdam, South Holland, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1963
- Employees: approx. 40
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist, Mill-Assist, Pallet-Load Integrated with vision technology and AI
- CNC machine brands: Mazak
- Automated machines: Mazak QT 250 MSY, Mazak Variaxis J 600, Mazak QT 350 MSY
- RoboJob customer since: 2020
- Key results: the very first Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI; loading directly from standard wooden pallets; operators deployed where they add most value
A specialist in customer-specific parts
Founded in 1963, Biezepol Metaalbewerking is an established name in Dutch precision machining, with a team of around 40 people. As a supplier to the high-end manufacturing industry, the company develops and produces customer-specific parts for shipbuilding, machine building, vibration and noise control, and internal transport equipment, alongside its own products.
Production manager Sander Keesmaat has been with Biezepol for more than 18 years and knows the challenges first-hand.
“The challenge? Varying batch sizes, tight delivery times and the need to keep working efficiently despite the scarcity of skilled workers. To meet these challenges, we decided to take the step towards advanced automation.”
— Sander Keesmaat, Production Manager, Biezepol Metaalbewerking
Three RoboJob systems on three Mazak machines
Biezepol started working with RoboJob in 2020. Today, three Mazak machines are automated:
- Mazak QT 250 MSY with a Turn-Assist 200
- Mazak Variaxis J 600 with a Mill-Assist Essential
- Mazak QT 350 MSY with a Pallet-Load Integrated with vision technology and AI
A double first: the Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI
For the Mazak QT 350 MSY, Biezepol was looking for a system that could load and unload the machine directly from standard wooden pallets. RoboJob’s Pallet-Load Integrated was the answer, and Biezepol became the first customer to receive one. It was also the first Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI technology: a double first.
“We were looking for a solution that would not only increase efficiency, but also offer flexibility and ease of use. The Pallet-Load Integrated perfectly met our requirements,” says Sander Keesmaat.
“Thanks to the integration of vision and AI technology, the robot can recognise and position workpieces independently, which not only increases production speed but also minimises the risk of errors. Now we can process without a care in the world, both large runs of our own products and small runs for our customers.”
— Sander Keesmaat
The result: machines used more efficiently
According to Sander Keesmaat, Biezepol’s machines are now used more efficiently and its operators are deployed where they add most value. The user-friendly interface lets operators switch quickly and easily between jobs, which makes production considerably more flexible.
The combination of automation and smart technology makes Biezepol even more competitive, without compromising on quality. Read more about the launch in our article Double first for Biezepol.
Sander Keesmaat on video
In the video below, production manager Sander Keesmaat talks about his experiences with the Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI, and you can see the system at work on the Mazak QT 350 MSY.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did Biezepol automate with RoboJob?
Biezepol Metaalbewerking in Heerjansdam, the Netherlands, has worked with RoboJob since 2020 and runs three systems: a Turn-Assist 200 on a Mazak QT 250 MSY, a Mill-Assist Essential on a Mazak Variaxis J 600, and a Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI on a Mazak QT 350 MSY.
Where was the first Pallet-Load Integrated with vision and AI installed?
The very first Pallet-Load Integrated at a customer, and the first with vision and AI, was installed at Biezepol Metaalbewerking in Heerjansdam, the Netherlands, on a Mazak QT 350 MSY. The vision technology lets the robot recognise and position workpieces independently.
Can a robot load a CNC machine directly from wooden pallets?
Yes. The RoboJob Pallet-Load Integrated at Biezepol loads and unloads a Mazak QT 350 MSY directly from standard wooden pallets. With vision and AI, the robot recognises and positions the workpieces itself, so both large runs and small batches can be processed.
Which supplier can automate a Mazak Quick Turn 250 MSY?
RoboJob has automated the Mazak QT 250 MSY at several customers: with a Turn-Assist 200 at Biezepol, with a Turn-Assist 200 i at Boers & Co, and at URMA SARL. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can a Mazak Variaxis J 600 be automated with a robot?
Yes. Biezepol Metaalbewerking automated its Mazak Variaxis J 600 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential.