Friedrich Daniels automates an existing Hurco VMX30i with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential
Less stress on the shop floor, because one machine always keeps running
Friedrich Daniels automates an existing Hurco VMX30i with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential
Friedrich Daniels in Solingen, Germany, makes custom surgical instruments, mainly for spinal surgery, in very small series and as single pieces. Since 2019, a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential has automated an existing Hurco VMX30i machining centre, retrofitted with an automatic door and a robot interface. The result: less stress on the shop floor, because one machine always keeps running.
Key facts
- Company: Friedrich Daniels GmbH
- Location: Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Founded: 1948
- Employees: approx. 50
- Industries: Pharmaceuticals & Medical
- RoboJob products: Mill-Assist Essential
- CNC machine brands: Hurco
- Automated machines: Hurco VMX30i
- RoboJob customer since: 2019
- Key results: existing machine retrofitted with automatic door and robot interface; less stress on the shop floor; more time for set-up and process improvement
Surgical instruments made in Solingen
Founded in 1948 by Friedrich Daniels, the company is now run by the fourth generation, brothers Armin and Bernd Daniels. With around 50 people, it has become a renowned contract manufacturer of surgical instruments, especially for minimally invasive spinal surgery. Prototypes and custom instruments, even in extremely small series or as single pieces, are its core business. In a fast-moving market, that means constantly inventing new and better production methods.
Why automate: pressure to improve, fewer operators
“As a supplier in our industry, there’s constant pressure on us to continuously improve the way we work. That’s why we regularly invest in new machines and technologies, and automation is an absolute must with this. Furthermore, we’re noticing that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find operators. The use of automation can ease the work of our people, and free up time for the preparation of other machines or for process improvement.”
— Armin Daniels, Managing Director, Friedrich Daniels
Introduced by Hurco, convinced by the software
Friedrich Daniels got to know RoboJob through its machine supplier, Hurco. It also looked at other providers, but none could match RoboJob’s software: operating the robot is easier and simpler than with any other system the company had seen.
A Mill-Assist Essential on an existing Hurco VMX30i
In the summer of 2019, RoboJob automated the Hurco VMX30i with a Mill-Assist Essential. Because the machine was not new, RoboJob also automated the door and fitted a robot interface. Despite some issues on the machine side, RoboJob solved everything, and the cell has run as planned ever since.
The result: less stress on the shop floor
“We’re also noticing now that there’s less stress on the work floor, because one machine at any rate is automatically kept working.”
— Armin Daniels
Frequently asked questions
Which machine did Friedrich Daniels automate with RoboJob?
Friedrich Daniels in Solingen, Germany, automated a Hurco VMX30i vertical machining centre with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2019.
Can a Hurco VMX30i be automated?
Yes. Friedrich Daniels runs a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential on a Hurco VMX30i. See the Hurco automation page.
Can an existing CNC machine be automated?
Yes. Friedrich Daniels’ Hurco VMX30i was not new when RoboJob automated it. RoboJob fitted an automatic door and a robot interface, and the Mill-Assist Essential has run as planned ever since.
Which medical instrument manufacturers use RoboJob?
RoboJob automates CNC machines at manufacturers and suppliers in the medical industry such as Friedrich Daniels in Solingen, IGS GeboJagema, Van Trierum Metaalbewerking and Nossin. See CNC automation for medical and pharma parts.
Why did Friedrich Daniels choose RoboJob?
Because of the software. Friedrich Daniels compared several providers, but found RoboJob’s robot easier and simpler to operate than any other system it had seen.