HP Valves automates its Okuma Multus B300II and LU-400M with RoboJob Turn-Assist
High-pressure valves for power plants worldwide, from a factory that runs 24/7
HP Valves automates its Okuma Multus B300II and LU-400M with RoboJob Turn-Assist
HP Valves in Hengelo, the Netherlands, makes high-pressure valves for power plants and the petrochemical industry worldwide. Since 2012, RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 cells have automated its Okuma Multus B300II and Okuma LU-400M, helping a factory that runs 24/7 get the most out of its machines.
Key facts
- Company: H.P. Valves Oldenzaal BV (HP Valves)
- Location: Hengelo, Overijssel, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1981
- Employees: approx. 140 (the Netherlands)
- Industries: Machine construction, Energy
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist 250 (2×)
- CNC machine brands: Okuma
- Automated machines: Okuma Multus B300II, Okuma LU-400M
- RoboJob customer since: 2012
- Key results: more output from expensive machines; compact, easy-to-program cells that operators like to work with
A valve maker with roots in 1879
HP Valves traces its roots back to Dikkers in Hengelo, which started producing valves in 1879 and built a strong reputation for quality and technical knowledge. In 1981, HP Valves was founded as an innovative spin-off, combining that knowledge with modern, flexible production.
Today, more than 140 people in the Netherlands design, produce and sell high-pressure valves and accessories used in power plants and the petrochemical industry around the world, for contractors and OEMs such as Siemens and GE Power. Strong growth led to a move to the High Tech Systems Park in Hengelo in 2016. Production runs 24/7 to keep up with demand.
Why automate: getting the most out of expensive machines
“Some years back we already began to think about automation within our production department. The cost of personnel is so high in the Netherlands that in order to remain competitive we have to work very efficiently. Obviously our machines also cost a lot of money, and therefore we want to get the most out of those machines.”
— HP Valves, Hengelo
Two Turn-Assists on two Okuma machines
HP Valves first saw RoboJob at the Technishow in 2012 and automated an Okuma Multus B300II multitasking machine with a Turn-Assist 250 that same year. A second Turn-Assist 250 followed on an Okuma LU-400M lathe.
- Okuma Multus B300II with a Turn-Assist 250
- Okuma LU-400M with a Turn-Assist 250
The result: compact, easy to program, liked by operators
“We saw them for the first time at the Techni-Show in 2012, and were immediately impressed with their solutions. It is a very compact unit and moreover, easy to program. Our operators were quickly on their way and also like to work with it.”
— HP Valves, Hengelo
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did HP Valves automate with RoboJob?
HP Valves in Hengelo, the Netherlands, automated an Okuma Multus B300II and an Okuma LU-400M with RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 cells. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2012.
Can an Okuma Multus B300 be automated?
Yes. HP Valves runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 on an Okuma Multus B300II. IGS GeboJagema automated two Okuma Multus B300 II machines, doubling their runtime, and Strautmann Hydraulik runs a Turn-Assist on an Okuma B300W. See all Okuma automation projects.
Can an Okuma LU-400M lathe be automated?
Yes. HP Valves automated its Okuma LU-400M with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250. Other Okuma LU references include Smelt Drunen (LU-15M) and Strautmann Hydraulik (LU 3000).
Which manufacturers for the energy industry use RoboJob?
HP Valves, which makes high-pressure valves for power plants and the petrochemical industry, automates two Okuma machines with RoboJob. In France, FMO uses a RoboJob Mill-Assist and won a new customer in the nuclear industry.
Why automate CNC machines in a high-wage country?
For HP Valves, high personnel costs in the Netherlands and expensive machines make efficiency essential: automation gets the most out of every machine. NEXTec+ Fertigungstechnik in Germany even won orders back from China after automating.