Lean automation at its best

With a simple automation solution from the German specialist in gripping and clamping, you can already run an extra shift unmanned at night or on weekends in no time. SCHUNK succeeds in this by seamlessly combining the mechanics of its chucks and clamping systems with its gripping systems. Lean automation at its best, also for SMEs.

Text: Valérie Couplez  Image: SCHUNK

With the scarcity of technically skilled personnel, every metalworker is convinced of the value of automation. But of course it must remain affordable. With lean automation concepts, SCHUNK wants to reduce automation to its essence. General manager Werner De Ridder: "Our products cover two areas: clamping and gripping. Two disciplines in which we have built up an enormous amount of expertise and know-how over the past decades. And let these precisely be the two basic components of any automation solution. Therefore, we wanted to show with a live demo how easily and quickly SCHUNK, as a specialist in the field, can present a customized solution for an SME. Placing workpieces on a clamping system with a gripper on a moving axis. It doesn't have to be more complex than that. Another product? Then only the clamping system or gripper needs to be adapted. Anyone who saw the demo was amazed at the accuracy and speed with which it can all be done." Those who missed the demo can still visit SCHUNK's website and YouTube channel to re-watch it. 

Affordable automation solution, quick payback

According to De Ridder, Lean automation is the answer to the declining batch sizes inherent in today's "high mix, low volume" production. "This presents metalworkers with major challenges, because in terms of quality and accuracy, no compromises should be made. In other words, the speed with which it is possible to switch between product batches will be crucial to profitability. By working with our standard products, but cleverly combining them with each other, we make the case that we can provide added value for many SMEs. We can present them with a solution tailored to their product and their equipment because of the wide range we have in house. Of course, they have to see which set-up pays off best. But they get a very affordable automation solution in return, one that can often pay for itself in as little as three months. Just calculate the time you save by being able to change quickly and automatically. And calculate how much profit you can make if you can do more work with the same number of employees."

Keeping threshold as low as possible

For SCHUNK, not only is this direction of combining gripping and clamping the future, the format will also increase in importance. "Through live demos, we want to minimize the threshold for metalworkers to inform themselves about what is possible in terms of automation. By not only explaining the theory to them but also showing them in practice what is possible in terms of speed and accuracy, we will even remove it completely for many companies. Our consulting function as a manufacturer has become much larger than before. Therefore, we want to address the metal sector in local language with our local specialists. In doing so, we can also benefit from the strong group behind it, with its own tech center and production floor where the applications and their added value really become clear. And with an R&D department that keeps pushing the boundaries. There are still many innovations in the pipeline. There will be no shortage of subjects for live demos in the future," De Ridder concludes with a wink.