FOCUS ON SURFACE FINISHING
( From left ): Markus Lindörfer ( Teqram B . V .); Lorenz Lamparter ( Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH ); Vasili Schaermann ( Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH ); Andreas Brauner ( Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH ); Robert Piesche ( Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH ) and Stefan Sauter ( ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH ).
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a widely diversified product programme . The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world . It also provides highquality , user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas . The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents . In 2023 , it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros . Under the slogan ‘ 75 years of moving forward ’, the Group is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024 .
An eye on quality and efficiency
The Bavarian company , Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH , supplied the wire belt blasting system for descaling , paint stripping , derusting , roughening and cleaning the metal parts . This delivers all-round reproducible blasting results .
The system for deburring and edge rounding ( the EdgeBreaker ® 9000 LINE ) was manufactured by ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH , based in Baden-Baden , Germany .
“ This is designed for efficient slag removal , deburring and rounding of metal parts in one single pass through the machine . Compared to single-sided machines where parts pass through several times , this system cuts [ processing ] time by fifty per cent and increases productivity ,” confirmed ARKU .
“ Liebherr consciously chose European manufacturers not just because of the quality of their products , but also because of comprehensive customer service . This strategic decision reflects Liebherr ’ s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality and operational efficiency ,” it added .
The partners voiced their enthusiasm during a tour of the finished installation .
“ We are pleased that our system for slag removal , deburring and edge rounding offers a suitable solution for economical line production that meets the highest quality standards ,” said Stefan Sauter , International Sales , ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH .
Vasili Schaermann , Global Sales Expert , Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH , added , “ Our blasting system fits perfectly into [ Liebherr ’ s ] production process and delivers impressive results .”
The shortage of skilled labour was also a key point of discussion during the tour .
“ At a time when skilled labour is in short supply , our robot technology can be a crucial component in closing this gap and making work steps more efficient ,” added Markus Lindörfer , Automation Specialist , Teqram B . V .
Liebherr was finding it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified employees for this area . The deburring line was planned over an extended period , with the reduced need for labour considered early in the process . Ever since implementation of the machines , employees have been able to take on other roles at the production site in Biberach .
This project reflects Liebherr ’ s investment in its Biberach site despite difficult economic conditions . The three manufacturers have already worked together several times in various ways , which has had a positive impact on the project outcome at Liebherr .
“ Communication between the companies involved has been outstanding . Everyone was considerate [ and accommodating ] so we were able to achieve progress quickly ,” concluded Robert Piesche . The system went into operation in May this year and has been running ever since . n
www
. liebherr . com
www . arku . com
About ARKU
ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH was founded in 1928 as a family-owned company . It is a global specialist in roller leveller and press feeding technology with nearly 60 years of experience . It offers an extensive range of high-capacity and precision levellers , as well as deburring and edge-rounding machines plus parts handling solutions for levelling and deburring machines . With its headquarters in Baden-Baden , Germany , and ISO-certified facilities in Cincinnati ( USA ) and Kunshan ( China ), the company operates in more than 30 countries worldwide .
www . rosler . com / en /
https :// teqram . com / en /
A second robot at the end of the deburring line stacks the finished components for onward transport within the plant .
102 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024