Lemmens Metaalbewerking automates a Victor V-Turn 26 lathe with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 180
A robot is not a threat, but a tool
Lemmens Metaalbewerking automates a Victor V-Turn 26 lathe with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 180
Lemmens Metaalbewerking in Bergeijk, the Netherlands, supplies complex machined components and assemblies. Since 2016, a RoboJob Turn-Assist 180 has automated its Victor V-Turn 26 lathe, working together with a bar feeder. For Lemmens, the key was making operators see the robot not as a threat, but as a tool.
Key facts
- Company: Lemmens Metaalbewerking BV
- Location: Bergeijk, North Brabant, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1985
- Employees: approx. 40
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist 180
- CNC machine brands: Victor
- Automated machines: Victor V-Turn 26
- RoboJob customer since: 2016
- Key results: stable, proven automation from day one; loading combined with a bar feeder; operators embraced the robot as a tool
An established supplier since 1985
Founded in 1985, Lemmens Metaalbewerking is an established name among Dutch suppliers. The company produces turned and milled components and assemblies in aluminium, technical plastics, steel and stainless steel, mainly for machine building and the semiconductor industry, with a focus on low-volume, high-complexity work.
In a tough and competitive market, Lemmens aims to make the difference with the right processes, continuous improvement, motivated people and a safe working environment, and it keeps investing to stay competitive.
Why automate
“Although Lemmens Metaalbewerking has been around for over 30 years, we can’t just rest on our laurels. Indeed, the competition isn’t doing that. In order to remain competitive, we have to automate. That much is clear.”
— Lemmens Metaalbewerking, Bergeijk
With this first project, Lemmens wanted to gain experience in automating its turned components. Because it is a big investment, choosing the right solution and the right supplier was crucial. In RoboJob, Lemmens found an accessible, proven concept: a stable solution without teething problems, from a supplier that clearly knows what it is doing.
A robot is a tool, not a threat
Automation is a big change for the people on the shop floor. They have to be ready for it, and see the robot as something that gives them time for other projects and processes.
“If you succeed in removing people’s fear, then you considerably increase the chances of success. RoboJob was able to help us in doing this: the interface of their products is so simple and intuitive, and our employees were able to experience just how easy the operation is.”
— Lemmens Metaalbewerking, Bergeijk
A Turn-Assist 180 on a Victor V-Turn 26
RoboJob automated the Victor V-Turn 26 lathe with a Turn-Assist 180. The robot loads and unloads workpieces and also works together with a bar feeder: if required, it breaks off the finished part and places it in a tray. Thanks to good cooperation between RoboJob and the machine supplier, the installation went smoothly and quickly, and the operators could start working with it right away.
The result
Since the installation, the Turn-Assist has done exactly what Lemmens expected of it: a stable, reliable step into automation, embraced by the people who work with it.
Frequently asked questions
Which machine did Lemmens Metaalbewerking automate with RoboJob?
Lemmens Metaalbewerking in Bergeijk, the Netherlands, automated a Victor V-Turn 26 lathe with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 180. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2016.
Can a Victor lathe be automated with a robot?
Yes. Lemmens Metaalbewerking runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 180 on a Victor V-Turn 26. See the Victor automation page.
Can a robot cell work together with a bar feeder?
Yes. At Lemmens Metaalbewerking, the RoboJob Turn-Assist loads and unloads the Victor V-Turn 26 and also works with a bar feeder: if required, the robot breaks off the finished part and places it in a tray.
How do you take away operators’ fear of automation?
Lemmens Metaalbewerking presented the robot as a tool, not a threat, and let its employees experience how simple the RoboJob interface is. Lenord+Bauer involved its operators early and started with a three-month trial; afterwards, they did not want to give the robot back.
Which Dutch suppliers to machine building and semiconductors use RoboJob?
RoboJob automates CNC machines at Dutch suppliers such as Lemmens Metaalbewerking in Bergeijk, Nossin in Beek en Donk, Van Trierum Metaalbewerking in Lunteren and Heemskerk Fijnmechanica in Waddinxveen.