VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik automates a Mazak Integrex i-400S with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250
Longer production times, shorter delivery times
VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik automates a Mazak Integrex i-400S with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250
VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik in Hude, near Bremen, Germany, machines precision parts for tool and machine builders. Since 2014, a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 has automated its Mazak Integrex i-400S, extending production into unmanned night shifts and shortening delivery times.
Key facts
- Company: VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik GmbH
- Location: Hude, near Bremen and Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Founded: 1995
- Employees: approx. 40
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist 250
- CNC machine brands: Mazak
- Automated machines: Mazak Integrex i-400S
- RoboJob customer since: 2014
- Key results: longer production times through unmanned night shifts; shorter delivery times; no more crane loading of heavy parts
From one-man business to a modern subcontractor
Volker Maaß founded VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik in 1995 as a one-man business. Today, more than 40 people work in a 1,500 m² hall in the Hude business park, between Bremen and Oldenburg. The company’s modern machine park includes lathes, milling machines, turn-mill centres, CNC grinding and EDM machines, and 3D laser processing. VM CNC also assembles modules and takes care of surface treatment and finishing.
Why automate: more production time, less simple loading
Volker Maaß had known Mazak dealer Mager & Wedemeyer since his apprenticeship. When he saw RoboJob at a trade fair and at Mager & Wedemeyer’s in-house exhibition, he realised he could no longer ignore robot automation.
“In order to considerably extend the possible production times and relieve the highly qualified personnel from the simple insert work, I opted for automation. Owing to the extra production times gained, short delivery times can be achieved.”
— Volker Maaß, Owner and Managing Director, VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik
RoboJob convinced him with its simple, fast operating concept.
A Turn-Assist 250 on a Mazak Integrex i-400S
VM CNC bought the RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 together with a new Mazak Integrex i-400S turn-mill centre. Installation and commissioning took only a few days, so the team could start working with it right away.
In the first nights of unmanned production, the safety system sometimes stopped the cell. Useful functions were then added so that staff are automatically notified when production stops. Since then, the system has run steadily and reliably.
The result: a new colleague for monotonous work
The employees took on the robot as a challenge, and even aim to let it run for an extra hour or two in the evening on very small batches. The robot has become a new “colleague” for simple, monotonous loading, and heavier workpieces no longer need to be loaded with a crane.
“We’ve been working together in many areas for many years now. This long cooperation confirms mutual trust. We still believe in the spoken word.”
— Volker Maaß, on the cooperation with Mager & Wedemeyer
Frequently asked questions
Which machine did VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik automate with RoboJob?
VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik in Hude, near Bremen, Germany, automated a Mazak Integrex i-400S turn-mill centre with a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2014.
Can a Mazak Integrex i-400S be automated?
Yes. VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 on a Mazak Integrex i-400S. AMT Group automated an Integrex i-400ST with a Racks system, and Gedro Metaal an Integrex 400-IV S with a Turn-Assist 250. See all Mazak automation projects.
How do you make unmanned night production reliable?
At VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik, the safety system occasionally stopped the cell during the first unmanned nights. Functions were added that automatically notify staff when production stops. Since then, the RoboJob Turn-Assist has run steadily and reliably.
Can a robot take over loading of heavy workpieces?
Yes. At VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik, the RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 loads the Mazak Integrex i-400S, so heavier workpieces no longer need to be loaded with a crane.
Can you buy a RoboJob cell together with a new CNC machine?
Yes. VM CNC-Zerspanungstechnik bought its RoboJob Turn-Assist 250 together with a new Mazak Integrex i-400S through Mazak dealer Mager & Wedemeyer. Installation and commissioning took only a few days.