KS Metaalwerken automates Mazak and Hermle machines with three RoboJob Turn-Assists and a Tower
The robots take on the series; the operators come to work with a smile
KS Metaalwerken automates Mazak and Hermle machines with three RoboJob Turn-Assists and a Tower
KS Metaalwerken in Kortessem, Belgium, specialises in moulds and precision milling. Since 2012, RoboJob has automated its series work: three Turn-Assists on Mazak QTN lathes and a Tower on a Hermle C 250 machining centre. The robots take on the batch orders, so the operators can focus on programming and one-off parts.
Key facts
- Company: KS Metaalwerken (Kris Swerts BV)
- Location: Kortessem, Limburg, Belgium
- Founded: 2001
- Employees: approx. 12
- Industries: Subcontracting
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist (3×: 2× Turn-Assist 180, 1× Turn-Assist 200), Tower
- CNC machine brands: Mazak, Hermle
- Automated machines: Mazak QTN 200 II M, Mazak QTN 200 MSY, Mazak QTN 200, Hermle C 250
- RoboJob customer since: 2012
- Key results: series work fully taken over by robots; operators focus on programming and one-off work; very short set-up times
From a side business to a modern machining company
Kris Swerts started out as a part-time self-employed machinist. In 2001, when combining it with another job was no longer possible, he founded his own company. KS Metaalwerken started with sheet metal cutting, bending and welding, and has since specialised in moulds for punching, bending and injection moulding, and in milling work. In 2016, it invested in a new building, automation and an expanded machine park. Today, around 12 people work at KS Metaalwerken, which keeps working on structure, planning and smart manufacturing.
Why automate: series work nobody wanted
Batch orders were the kind of work the CNC operators were not exactly eager to do. That is the work the RoboJob cells took over. Since then, the operators have been able to concentrate on programming and on one-off parts, and come to work with a smile every day.
“The extremely short set-up time and easy operation of the Robojob Turn-Assist system quickly convinced me to deliberately choose this unique automation. As a young entrepreneur from a fast growing machining business, I understand only too well that automation has become a must in our industry. In RoboJob we have found a reliable partner who like me, speaks the language of metalworking.”
— Kris Swerts, Managing Director, KS Metaalwerken
Three Turn-Assists and a Tower
KS Metaalwerken started with two RoboJob Turn-Assist cells on Mazak lathes. A third Turn-Assist followed, and the company extended its automation to milling with a RoboJob Tower on a Hermle C 250.
- Mazak QTN 200 II M with a Turn-Assist 180
- Mazak QTN 200 MSY with a Turn-Assist 180
- Mazak QTN 200 with a Turn-Assist 200
- Hermle C 250 with a Tower
The result: robots on the series, people on the craft
The RoboJob cells take on the series production, while the operators do the work that needs their skills: programming and one-off parts. Short set-up times make even smaller batches worth automating.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did KS Metaalwerken automate with RoboJob?
KS Metaalwerken in Kortessem, Belgium, runs three RoboJob Turn-Assists on Mazak Quick Turn Nexus lathes (a QTN 200 II M, a QTN 200 MSY and a QTN 200) and a RoboJob Tower on a Hermle C 250. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2012.
Can a Mazak Quick Turn Nexus 200 be automated?
Yes. KS Metaalwerken runs RoboJob Turn-Assist cells on three Mazak QTN 200 lathes. NEXTec+ Fertigungstechnik automates three Mazak QTN 250 lathes. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can a Hermle C 250 be automated with a RoboJob Tower?
Yes. KS Metaalwerken automated its Hermle C 250 machining centre with a RoboJob Tower. IBAK runs a Tower on a Hermle C22, and Nossin automates two Hermle machines with Mill-Assist cells. See all Hermle automation projects.
Is automation worthwhile for a small machining company?
Yes. KS Metaalwerken, with around 12 people, runs four RoboJob cells. The robots take on the series work, so the operators can focus on programming and one-off parts. Short set-up times and easy operation were decisive in choosing RoboJob.
Which mould makers use RoboJob automation?
KS Metaalwerken, which specialises in moulds for punching, bending and injection moulding, automates four machines with RoboJob. IGS GeboJagema in Eindhoven, a maker of injection moulds for the medical industry, doubled the runtime of its Okuma Multus machines with RoboJob.