VDM automates a CMZ TA20-640 lathe with a RoboJob Racks system
A high buffer for long unmanned runs of large batches
VDM automates a CMZ TA20-640 lathe with a RoboJob Racks system
VDM in Geldrop, the Netherlands, turns and mills customer-specific parts in large and medium series. Since 2016, a RoboJob Racks system, the predecessor of today’s Pallet-Load, has automated a new CMZ TA20-640 lathe. Its high buffer lets VDM produce large batches for long periods without an operator.
Key facts
- Company: B.V. Van Doorne’s Machinefabriek (VDM)
- Location: Geldrop, North Brabant, the Netherlands
- Founded: 1967
- Employees: approx. 20
- Industries: Subcontracting
- RoboJob products: Racks (predecessor of Pallet-Load)
- CNC machine brands: CMZ
- Automated machines: CMZ TA20-640
- RoboJob customer since: 2016
- Key results: high buffer for long unmanned production; large batches automated with a standard product; compact footprint
A family business in precision machining since 1967
Founded in 1967, VDM (B.V. Van Doorne’s Machinefabriek) turns and mills exclusive parts in steel, aluminium and plastic to tight tolerances. Together with sister companies Kerbos in Son en Breugel and VDM sro in the Czech Republic, it forms the Van Doorne Machining Group. VDM is strong in unmanned series production, and many of its CNC machines are equipped with modern loading systems.
Why automate: quality and cost under control
“We’ve been busy with automation for a number of years. For example, we already have a number of robots, a portal system, pallet changing systems and of course, bar loaders as well. The reasons are obvious: labour costs are relatively expensive, and with automation we try to keep our costs under control without compromising on quality or flexibility.”
— VDM, Geldrop
A new production cell for a large order
When VDM won a large order, it wanted to automate the project from the start. Together with RoboJob and CMZ dealer Promas, it built a completely new production cell: a new CMZ TA20-640 lathe with a RoboJob Racks system, the predecessor of today’s Pallet-Load.
VDM compared RoboJob with other suppliers and chose the Racks system because it automates high volumes with a standard product. Instead of stacking workpieces, the robot builds towers of stackable racks with the parts laid inside. That makes the cell compact, suited to large batches and to parts that are hard to stack.
“This solution appeared to suit us perfectly: it is a robust, simple system, with a high buffer. By this I mean the amount of products we can automate using this solution, without the machine stopping. In this way we can produce for a long time without the use of manpower.”
— VDM, Geldrop
The result: delivered as promised
RoboJob met all expectations for the installation, the training and the performance of the system, and VDM’s Racks cell runs smoothly. VDM values RoboJob as a professional partner that proactively discusses each customer’s specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
Which machine did VDM automate with RoboJob?
VDM in Geldrop, the Netherlands, automated a new CMZ TA20-640 lathe with a RoboJob Racks system, the predecessor of today’s Pallet-Load. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2016.
Can a CMZ lathe be automated with a robot?
Yes. VDM automated a CMZ TA20-640 lathe with a RoboJob Racks system, supplied together with CMZ dealer Promas. See the CMZ automation page.
What is the RoboJob Racks system?
The Racks system is the predecessor of the RoboJob Pallet-Load. The robot builds towers of stackable racks with the workpieces laid inside, giving a high buffer in a compact footprint. Besides VDM, AMT Group and Weber-Hydraulik also run Racks systems.
How do you automate parts that are hard to stack?
With racks. At VDM, the robot does not stack the workpieces themselves, but lays them in stackable racks and builds towers of racks. That works for large batches and for parts that are difficult to stack.
Can large batches run unmanned for a long time?
Yes. VDM chose a RoboJob Racks system for its high buffer: the number of parts the cell can process without the machine stopping. That lets VDM produce large batches on its CMZ TA20-640 for long periods without an operator.