KMWE automates an Okuma Multus B300 II with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250
Automation built for high mix, low volume, high complexity
KMWE automates an Okuma Multus B300 II with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250
KMWE in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, machines functionally critical components for the high-tech equipment and aerospace industries. Its work is high mix, low volume and high complexity, which sets high demands for automation. Since 2015, a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 has automated an Okuma Multus B300 II, chosen for its configurable table, capable standard software and compact set-up.
Key facts
- Company: KMWE Precision BV
- Location: Eindhoven (Brainport Industries Campus), North Brabant, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1955
- Employees: approx. 450 (the Netherlands)
- Industries: Subcontracting, Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals & Medical
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist 250
- CNC machine brands: Okuma
- Automated machines: Okuma Multus B300 II
- RoboJob customer since: 2015
- Key results: automation suited to high mix, low volume work; fast start-up thanks to standard software; operators keep easy access to the machine
A Brainport high-tech supplier since 1955
Founded in Eindhoven in 1955, KMWE has grown into an international supplier and partner for the high-tech equipment and aerospace industries, with sites in the Netherlands and Malaysia and a joint venture in India. It machines functionally critical components, mainly on 5-axis production cells, and assembles functionally tested mechatronic modules, for markets such as semiconductors, aerospace, healthtech and industrial equipment. Since 2019, KMWE has been based at the Brainport Industries Campus in Eindhoven, with around 450 people in the Netherlands.
Why automate: continuous improvement
At KMWE, continuous improvement is part of the company philosophy.
“Among other things, that philosophy means that we constantly try to improve our processes so we can provide our customers with an even better service. That’s one of the reasons why we started with automation. We focus primarily on high mix, low volume high complexity work for the industry. Since we, in other words, produce a very wide variety of complex parts in small quantities, it goes without saying that an automation solution needs to meet very high requirements.”
— KMWE, Eindhoven
Three reasons for RoboJob
After an extensive market study, KMWE chose RoboJob for three reasons. The smart table can be configured for very diverse workpieces and suits small quantities. The software is very user-friendly and meets many of KMWE’s specific requirements as standard, such as easy entry of spindle loading and unloading settings, so the machine starts up quickly. And the set-up is so compact that operators keep easy access to the machine to set up new programs or produce single pieces.
“After a visit to RoboJob, we were completely convinced. We have seen the various automation products in practice, and the RoboJob team was also very transparent about what was possible, but also about what was not possible. This immediately created clarity and we as well as our operators knew exactly what we could expect.”
— KMWE, Eindhoven
A Turn-Assist 250 on an Okuma Multus B300 II
RoboJob installed a Turn-Assist 250 on KMWE’s Okuma Multus B300 II multitasking machine. The installation went very smoothly, agreements were respected and the training went well.
The result: trust between people and robot
The operators were somewhat sceptical at first, but the bond between people and machine has grown: they now trust the robot and work together with it perfectly.
Frequently asked questions
Which machine did KMWE automate with RoboJob?
KMWE in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, automated an Okuma Multus B300 II multitasking machine with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2015.
Can an Okuma Multus B300 II be automated?
Yes. KMWE runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 on an Okuma Multus B300 II. IGS GeboJagema automated two Multus B300 II machines and doubled their runtime, and HP Valves automates a Multus B300. See all Okuma automation projects.
Is robot automation suitable for high mix, low volume production?
Yes. KMWE produces a wide variety of complex parts in small quantities and chose RoboJob because its smart table can be configured for very different workpieces, and its standard software meets specific requirements such as spindle loading settings, so the machine starts up quickly.
Which aerospace suppliers use RoboJob automation?
RoboJob automates CNC machines at aerospace and high-tech suppliers such as KMWE in Eindhoven, Puget Production Mécanique and Usiduc in France. See CNC automation for aerospace manufacturing.
Can operators still access the machine with a robot cell?
Yes. At KMWE, the RoboJob Turn-Assist is so compact that operators keep easy access to the Okuma Multus B300 II to set up new programs or produce single pieces.