Durwen Maschinenbau automates a Mazak QT 350 and a DMG Mori DMU 50 with RoboJob
Recurring turned parts, produced profitably: up and running within a week
Durwen Maschinenbau automates a Mazak QT 350 and a DMG Mori DMU 50 with RoboJob
Durwen Maschinenbau in Plaidt, Germany, is a family-owned manufacturer of forklift attachments. To produce its recurring turned parts profitably, Durwen automated with RoboJob in 2020: a Turn-Assist Essential on a Mazak QT 350 MA, ready within a week, and a Mill-Assist Essential on a DMG Mori DMU 50.
Key facts
- Company: Durwen Maschinenbau GmbH
- Location: Plaidt, near Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Founded: 1947
- Employees: approx. 235
- Industries: Machine construction (forklift attachments)
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist Essential, Mill-Assist Essential
- CNC machine brands: Mazak, DMG Mori
- Automated machines: Mazak QT 350 MA, DMG Mori DMU 50
- RoboJob customer since: 2020
- Key results: recurring batches of 100 to 500 parts produced profitably; first cell ready within a week, including door automation; production started immediately
Forklift attachments from Plaidt since 1947
Durwen Maschinenbau is a medium-sized, third-generation family business, founded in Plaidt, near Koblenz, in 1947. Since the 1970s, it has manufactured forklift attachments such as fork positioners, clamps and rotators, sold through a worldwide dealer and service network. Durwen has always kept a high level of in-house value creation, with a well-equipped machining department that delivers high-quality components with excellent delivery times.
Why automate: recurring turned parts
“We manufacture various series of turned components for our own products. We wanted to automate these recurring turned components, which are manufactured in quantities of 100 to 500 pieces. This is the only way to profitably produce these parts. That’s why we started looking for solutions for the automation of our lathe.”
— Klaus Durwen, Managing Director, Durwen Maschinenbau
Why RoboJob: simple programming, fast changeover
Durwen’s production manager for turning found RoboJob online. RoboJob’s sales engineer visited Durwen together with the Mazak representative, so the right people were at the table from the very first meeting. A visit to RoboJob’s factory in Belgium followed.
“We were highly impressed with the robot’s simple programming. When switching to a new component, we were amazed just how easy and fast it was possible. RoboJob’s software is very user-friendly and logical.”
— Klaus Durwen
Ready within a week
Durwen automated its Mazak QT 350 MA with a RoboJob Turn-Assist Essential. RoboJob, Mazak and Durwen stayed in close contact throughout, even during the coronavirus crisis. Mazak installed a robot kit for the communication between robot and lathe, and within a week the robot was ready, including the door automation. Later, Durwen added a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential on a DMG Mori DMU 50.
- Mazak QT 350 MA with a Turn-Assist Essential
- DMG Mori DMU 50 with a Mill-Assist Essential
“What impressed me the most is that we were immediately able to use the robot and start production. I know this is often promised, but RoboJob really made it possible. Actions speak louder than words.”
— Klaus Durwen
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did Durwen Maschinenbau automate with RoboJob?
Durwen Maschinenbau in Plaidt, Germany, runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist Essential on a Mazak QT 350 MA and a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential on a DMG Mori DMU 50. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2020.
Can a Mazak Quick Turn 350 be automated?
Yes. Durwen Maschinenbau runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist Essential on a Mazak QT 350 MA. URMA automates a Mazak QT 350 MSY with a Turn-Assist 270. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can a DMG Mori DMU 50 be automated?
Yes. Durwen Maschinenbau automated a DMG Mori DMU 50 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential. Gerhard Schubert does the same on a DMU 60 eVo. See all DMG Mori automation projects.
Is automation worthwhile for batches of 100 to 500 parts?
Yes. Durwen Maschinenbau automated its recurring turned parts, made in quantities of 100 to 500, because automation is the only way to produce them profitably. Easy, fast changeover between parts makes this possible.
How long does it take to install a RoboJob Turn-Assist?
At Durwen Maschinenbau, the Turn-Assist Essential was ready within a week, including the automation of the machine door. Mazak installed a robot kit for the communication between robot and lathe, and production started immediately.