Franz H. Bruder automates Mazak Integrex and DMG Mori machines with RoboJob
An unmanned third shift, without hiring extra people
Franz H. Bruder automates Mazak Integrex and DMG Mori machines with RoboJob
Franz H. Bruder in Oppenau, in Germany’s Black Forest, makes complex precision parts and mechanical assemblies. Since 2017, RoboJob has automated three of its machines. The first, an existing Mazak Integrex J-200 without automatic door or robot interface, was automated in less than a week and now runs an unmanned third shift.
Key facts
- Company: Franz H. Bruder GmbH Maschinenbau – Präzisionstechnik
- Location: Oppenau, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Founded: 1928
- Employees: approx. 100
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist (2×: Turn-Assist 180, Turn-Assist 200), Pallet-Load
- CNC machine brands: Mazak, DMG Mori
- Automated machines: Mazak Integrex J-200, Mazak Integrex i-200ST, DMG Mori CTX 450 TC
- RoboJob customer since: 2017
- Key results: existing machine automated in less than a week; unmanned third shift; more capacity without hiring extra people
A family business in precision since 1928
Franz Anton Bruder founded his mechanical workshop in 1928. Under the third generation, Kornel Bruder, the company developed into a precision parts manufacturer for machine and plant engineering, and in 2001 moved to its site in Oppenau-Ramsbach. Since 2024, Kornel Bruder has led the company together with his sons, the fourth generation. Around 100 people produce rotationally symmetrical and cubic parts and complete assemblies, from single parts to small and medium series, for industries such as machine building, hydraulics and vehicle manufacturing.
Why automate: a cell that needed a third operator
“We’ve been extraordinarily busy in the workplace in recent years, having received many high-volume orders from our customers. In our machine park we work in a cell with 3 Mazak Integrex machines, among other machines. We have tried to keep that cell working continuously in 2 shifts, each with 2 operators. However, we came to the conclusion that that wasn’t possible without a third operator, or without automation.”
— Kornel Bruder, Managing Director, Franz H. Bruder
Automation for a medium-sized supplier
Kornel Bruder used to see automation as something for large industries such as automotive, not for a medium-sized supplier with small series. Meeting RoboJob at a trade show changed that view. RoboJob’s experience with automating existing Mazak machines was decisive.
“Our Integrex J-200 is not, as it happens, a new machine and therefore had no automatic door nor robot interface. Nevertheless, RoboJob succeeded in automating this machine in less than a week. And I’m also talking about the automation of the door, the robot interface and half a day’s training for our operators. That blew my socks off!”
— Kornel Bruder
Three RoboJob systems today
After the first Turn-Assist on the Integrex J-200, Franz H. Bruder added a second Turn-Assist on a Mazak Integrex i-200ST and a RoboJob Pallet-Load on a DMG Mori CTX 450 TC.
- Mazak Integrex J-200 with a Turn-Assist 180
- Mazak Integrex i-200ST with a Turn-Assist 200
- DMG Mori CTX 450 TC with a Pallet-Load
The result: a third shift, without extra people
With the Turn-Assist, the Integrex cell runs two shifts with two operators each, plus a third shift without operators. Routine loading is gone, and operators focus on programming, work preparation and processes.
“Our new vision is that we don’t necessarily have to invest in more machines or more people, but in automation: thanks to automation, the same machines and staff can effectively increase machine uptime and thereby dramatically increase productivity.”
— Kornel Bruder
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did Franz H. Bruder automate with RoboJob?
Franz H. Bruder in Oppenau, Germany, runs three RoboJob systems: Turn-Assist cells on a Mazak Integrex J-200 and a Mazak Integrex i-200ST, and a Pallet-Load on a DMG Mori CTX 450 TC. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2017.
Can an older Mazak Integrex J-200 without automatic door be automated?
Yes. Franz H. Bruder’s Integrex J-200 had no automatic door or robot interface. RoboJob added both, installed a Turn-Assist 180 and trained the operators in less than a week. Other Integrex J-200 references include Hetschel, Torson and Vanro CNC.
Can a DMG Mori CTX 450 TC be automated?
Yes. Franz H. Bruder automated a DMG Mori CTX 450 TC with a RoboJob Pallet-Load. Other DMG Mori CTX references include Seco Tools and IBAK. See all DMG Mori automation projects.
Is automation worthwhile for a medium-sized supplier with small series?
Yes. Franz H. Bruder, a family business with around 100 people making single parts and small and medium series, once saw automation as something for large industries. Even its smallest RoboJob system made a big difference: more capacity and productivity, without extra staff.
How can you add a third shift without hiring extra people?
At Franz H. Bruder, a RoboJob Turn-Assist on a Mazak Integrex lets a cell of three Integrex machines run two shifts with two operators each, plus a third shift without operators.