Monday, June 17, 2024
SACHSENKÜCHEN, a venerable company from the Dresden region, leverages the advanced technology of the IMA Schelling Group. As they expanded their automated worktop production, IMA Schelling engineered a customized solution specifically for this kitchen industry leader.
SACHSENKÜCHEN epitomizes a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Founded 115 years ago in Dippoldiswalde, near Dresden, this esteemed company has consistently embraced technological advancements, pioneering the use of laser edging in kitchen manufacturing. Their partnership with the IMA Schelling Group, which began 15 years ago with the development of laser-supported zero-joint edging, reflects this commitment to progress. Recently, when SACHSENKÜCHEN sought to upgrade their worktop production system, they once again relied on the expertise of IMA Schelling to deliver a cutting-edge solution.
“We needed a system for processing our entire range of panels, including all panel thicknesses and up to maximum dimensions of 5300 x 1200 mm,” explains SACHSENKÜCHEN team leader Maik Kulkulka. Other requirements included extremely high-quality processing of all materials and the ability to produce individual notches and cutouts for sinks and hobs.” explains Phil Koppenborg, project manager at IMA Schelling.
“In addition, two manual CNC machines had to be dismantled and the new automated system had to be brought in and installed within a short time frame. We implemented this jointly and successfully with SACHSENKÜCHEN,” concluded Phil Koppenborg.
A completely customised solution
Taking these requirements into account, IMA Schelling has developed a completely customized solution in collaboration with SACHSENKÜCHEN – right down to painting the system in the desired color. The heart of this solution is a high-performance BIMA Px80 gantry machine that can produce different complex workpieces in parallel on two processing tables.
The processing center is equipped with two milling spindles, two 18-way tool changers each and a VT 100/100 gluing unit with automatic angle adjustment up to 45°, which can process edges up to a height of 104 mm. In addition, there is a fully automatic AEK post-processing unit for flush milling, profile drawing and flat drawing with up to three profiles in one unit.
The system handles the entire edging of the components, both lengthwise and crosswise, as well as the processing of molded parts. The BIMA Px80 can also process all special variants of kitchen worktops as well as plastic worktops and cover plates in terms of shape and design.
Only one manual operation
“In cooperation with SACHSENKÜCHEN, our engineers have set up an automated process for worktop production,” says Koppenborg. The on-site system consists of a surface storage system that automatically takes the panels to a cross-cut saw, which cuts the worktop to length and width. The worktops are manually transferred to the IMA Schelling system via conveyor belts and then temporarily buffered or conveyed directly to the BIMA Px80 feeder.
The machining center then requests the corresponding panels, which are automatically placed on the machine by a separate loading portal. After processing, this portal removes the finished worktops from the BIMA Px80 and places them on trolleys provided by the customer.
Fully automatic in batch size 1
Our goal was to create a system capable of producing intricate workpieces with maximum efficiency and minimal need for operator intervention,” explains project manager Koppenborg. This requirement was seamlessly integrated into the workflow, starting from the handover of workpieces from the on-site cutting area. In a batch size 1 production setup, the system operates fully automatically, managing tasks such as buffering, feeding, processing, finishing, and stacking heavy worktops with remarkable precision and efficiency.
“The machining center has been in operation for almost a year and is working according to the requirements without any problems,” emphasises Maik Kulkulka. People in Saxony are also completely satisfied with the service from IMA Schelling.
“The remote service with a ticket system guarantees immediate processing. Planned maintenance work goes very well and emergency cases are always dealt with quickly,” explains the team leader.
SACHSENKÜCHEN is definitely planning further cooperation with IMA Schelling and the next project has already been decided: automation of the entire front production in the warehouse, cutting and edging systems with transport technology, loading portals and robot sorting systems for fronts in front of a drilling and fitting machine. The successful cooperation between SACHSENKÜCHEN and the IMA Schelling Group will continue.
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