Trendgineering
"We were convinced by the flexible system concept with its undockable automation cell"
| Petra Rehmet
Three questions for KDK Plant Manager Andre Winkelmann
Surface specialist KDK Automotive in Lennestadt opted for two identical IMD systems from KraussMaffei. The CX 160, which is the core of the production cells, takes up less floor space than almost any other machine model in this clamping force range. The automation cells can also be undocked.
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What is important to you when making a decision on new suppliers? What qualifications do they need to have?
Andre Winkelmann
We didn't have any KraussMaffei machines at our location here, so it was a really big step for us to introduce a new supplier into our production. However, they impressed us with the flexible system concept of dockable automation cells. The build of the machine also played a role. The CX is ideally suited for fabrication using film, since the free-standing clamping unit offers lots of space for the integration of peripherals.
Flexible Automation
Thanks to dockable automation, use of the injection molding machine – with or without automation – is just as possible as relocating the cell to another site of production. Thus, maximum flexibility when changing products or molds is provided.
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In IMD production, changing film rolls is always a criterion. For you specifically as well?
Andre Winkelmann
Ergonomics and safety are very important to us. Production employees are enthused about the new concept and embrace it. It integrated well, due to the KM machine design. Of course, that was a critical point in the selection of supplier.
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Everything from a single supplier – is that always an important point?
Andre Winkelmann
Yes, that is also a basic requirement for us. We want to have total CE marking for the system. However, a supplier's support of all of their components was also very important here.
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