GN Rope Fittings automates two Doosan Puma lathes with RoboJob Pallet-Load
Heavy offshore parts loaded automatically, so operators can focus on programming
GN Rope Fittings automates two Doosan Puma lathes with RoboJob Pallet-Load
GN Rope Fittings in Nieuwkoop, the Netherlands, makes mooring and heavy lifting accessories for the offshore industry. Since 2013, RoboJob Pallet-Load cells have loaded heavy workpieces into two large Doosan Puma lathes. Manual handling is now largely a thing of the past, and operators can focus on programming.
Key facts
- Company: Grofsmederij Nieuwkoop BV (GN Rope Fittings)
- Location: Nieuwkoop, South Holland, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1923
- Employees: approx. 29
- Industries: Machine construction, Energy (offshore)
- RoboJob products: Pallet-Load (2×)
- CNC machine brands: DN Solutions (formerly Doosan)
- Automated machines: Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM, Doosan Puma 700 LM
- RoboJob customer since: 2013
- Key results: heavy workpieces loaded automatically on large lathes; manual work largely a thing of the past; operators focus on programming
From village forges to offshore rigging
Nieuwkoop was once a small village where people earned their living by harvesting peat. In winter, when no peat could be cut, they made the tools to harvest it, and the village counted no fewer than 80 forges. That is where GN Rope Fittings, also known as Grofsmederij Nieuwkoop, has its roots.
Over more than a century, and partly through a merger, the family business grew into a supplier of equipment for shipping and fishing. Today, still owned by the Vossenberg family, GN Rope Fittings is known worldwide for its mooring and heavy lifting accessories used in the offshore industry.
Why automate: heavy workpieces in large machines
GN Rope Fittings approached RoboJob to load and unload heavy workpieces automatically in its large CNC lathes. After first seeing RoboJob at a trade fair in Utrecht, the company had a good feeling about both the system and the people.
Two Pallet-Loads on two Doosan Puma lathes
RoboJob automated two Doosan Puma lathes with a Pallet-Load each:
- Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM with a Pallet-Load
- Doosan Puma 700 LM with a Pallet-Load
The result: operators focus on programming
“Right from the first contact we had a good feeling about both the system and the people from RoboJob. Meanwhile it has emerged that RoboJob was absolutely the right choice: our operators can now concentrate on their creative tasks: programing. Manual work now belongs largely to the past.”
— Ton De Kleer, QHSE Manager, GN Rope Fittings
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did GN Rope Fittings automate with RoboJob?
GN Rope Fittings in Nieuwkoop, the Netherlands, automated a Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM and a Doosan Puma 700 LM with RoboJob Pallet-Load cells. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2013.
Can a Doosan Puma GT 3100 be automated?
Yes. GN Rope Fittings runs a RoboJob Pallet-Load on a Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM. Vanro CNC automates the same model with a Turn-Assist, and Buyse Metal Works Group a Puma 3100SY. See all DN Solutions automation projects.
Can a robot load heavy workpieces into large lathes?
Yes. GN Rope Fittings uses RoboJob Pallet-Load cells to load heavy offshore components into a Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM and a large Puma 700 LM. Platteau handles shafts and flanges up to 70 kg with a Turn-Assist 250.
Which manufacturers for the offshore and energy industry use RoboJob?
What do operators do once a lathe is automated?
At GN Rope Fittings, operators no longer load heavy parts by hand. Manual work is largely a thing of the past, and they now concentrate on programming.