Vanro CNC automates its Mazak, Doosan and Brother machines with four RoboJob systems
One robot for two machines, and four RoboJob systems since 2017
Vanro CNC automates its Mazak, Doosan and Brother machines with four RoboJob systems
Vanro CNC, a supplier of turning and milling work in Waregem, Belgium, has automated its machines with RoboJob since 2017. Today, four RoboJob systems run on Mazak, Doosan and Brother machines, including a Mill-Assist Essential that is shared between two machines.
Key facts
- Company: Vanro CNC
- Location: Waregem, West Flanders, Belgium
- Founded: 2006
- Employees: 7
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist (3×), Mill-Assist Essential
- CNC machine brands: Mazak, DN Solutions (formerly Doosan), Brother
- Automated machines: Brother S700X1, Mazak QTS 200 ML, Doosan Puma GT 2600 LM, Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM, Mazak Integrex j-200
- RoboJob customer since: 2017
- Key results: operators freed from repetitive work for one-off parts and urgent repairs; one robot shared by two machines
From side job to growing subcontractor
Vanro CNC was founded in 2006 by Rony Vanwynsberghe, at first as a side job. It soon became clear that this was his passion, and before the end of that year he went all in. The one-man business moved to a larger building, and in 2012 Vanro CNC bought a building of its own. Today, a team of seven keeps five lathes and four milling machines running.
Why automate: people for work that adds value
Good operators are hard to find, and wage costs are high. For Vanro CNC, that is a clear reason not to spend skilled people’s time on repetitive loading and unloading.
“We prefer to automate the repetition work so that we can deploy our people for other tasks. We must be able to use them efficiently for piece work as well as urgent repairs; those tasks where they really add value to the company. Moreover, they prefer to do those kinds of tasks rather than just putting pieces in and out of the machine.”
— Rony Vanwynsberghe, Founder and Managing Director, Vanro CNC
One robot, two machines
The first RoboJob system arrived in 2017: a Mill-Assist Essential that can serve both a Brother S700X1 machining centre and a Mazak QTS 200 ML lathe. Moving it from one machine to the other is a matter of undoing six bolts, rolling it over and plugging it in. In practice, Vanro CNC rarely moves it: it makes more sense to plan enough work for one machine and let the robot run there as long as possible.
Four RoboJob systems on five machines
Vanro CNC kept investing. Today, four RoboJob systems automate five existing machines:
- Brother S700X1 and Mazak QTS 200 ML with a shared Mill-Assist Essential
- Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM with a Turn-Assist Essential
- Doosan Puma GT 2600 LM with a Turn-Assist 200
- Mazak Integrex j-200 with a Turn-Assist 250
The Turn-Assist Essential on the Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM, mainly used for larger parts, could reuse all the tooling Vanro CNC already had for its first robot, which saved costs. A Turn-Assist 200 on a Doosan Puma GT 2600 LM and a Turn-Assist 250 on a Mazak Integrex j-200 followed.
The result: reliable robots and fast service
Vanro CNC’s operators now spend their time on one-off parts, urgent repairs and other work where they add value, while the robots take care of the series.
“I am also very satisfied with the Service. Even on Saturdays I can call them and immediately receive further assistance. And most importantly in the whole story: all RoboJob systems are extremely reliable. It’s just a matter of pressing the button and those robots start working. Every time!”
— Rony Vanwynsberghe
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did Vanro CNC automate with RoboJob?
Vanro CNC in Waregem, Belgium, runs four RoboJob systems: a Mill-Assist Essential shared between a Brother S700X1 and a Mazak QTS 200 ML, a Turn-Assist Essential on a Doosan Puma GT 3100 LM, a Turn-Assist 200 on a Doosan Puma GT 2600 LM and a Turn-Assist 250 on a Mazak Integrex j-200. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2017.
Can one robot serve two CNC machines?
Yes. At Vanro CNC, a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential serves both a Brother S700X1 machining centre and a Mazak QTS 200 ML lathe. Moving it takes undoing six bolts and plugging it into the other machine. In practice, Vanro CNC plans enough work to let the robot run on one machine as long as possible.
Which supplier can automate a Doosan Puma GT 2600 or GT 3100 lathe?
RoboJob automates Doosan (now DN Solutions) lathes with its Turn-Assist. Vanro CNC runs a Turn-Assist 200 on a Puma GT 2600 LM and a Turn-Assist Essential on a Puma GT 3100 LM. Other DN Solutions references include Buyse Metal Works Group, Robland – Landuyt and Mabotec. See all DN Solutions automation projects.
Can a Brother S700X1 machining centre be automated?
Yes. Vanro CNC automated its Brother S700X1 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential, which it also uses on a Mazak QTS 200 ML. See the Brother automation page.
Can a Mazak Integrex j-200 be automated with a robot?
Yes. Vanro CNC automated its Mazak Integrex j-200 with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250. Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies also runs RoboJob automation on a Mazak Integrex j-200S. See all Mazak automation projects.