At Kroeplin, a length measurement technology specialist based in the German state of Hessen, Starrag has observed an amazing phenomenon: The first Bumotec machining centre s191 the company purchased is very popular with designers as it allows them the freedom to develop significantly more complex components. Thanks to the winning combination of machine and innovative strength, the order volume has continued to grow to the point where the company decided to buy a second s191 with the same additional features.
Expertise in medical technology impresses measurement technology specialists
With total of 70 employees, Kroeplin GmbH is a medium-sized enterprise that develops and produces handheld devices for measuring length at its sites in Schlüchtern, Germany and in Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic. The glass industry uses Kroeplin handheld devices for measurements such as the thickness of bottle sides in hard-to-reach positions, while medical institutes use the devices to measure folds in human and animal skin. “We chose the Bumotec seven years ago because the medical technology components manufactured on the machine were very similar to our components in terms of geometry and material”, recalls Managing Director Markus Deberle.
An increase in productivity thanks to unmanned shifts
Mr Deberle was also impressed by the option of using a bar loading magazine, as it enabled Kroeplin to run the machine during unmanned shifts at night and over weekends. Units that machine materials in unmanned shifts using oil as a coolant are also equipped with fire extinguishing equipment, as this is a mandatory requirement in the EU.
Complete machining process reduces machining time and costs by at least 30%
The range of parts also includes a small measuring probe that previously had to be produced on three different machines in a process that also involved manual tasks. The Bumotec, on the other hand, manages perform the entire cutting process for such complex components from a single piece of stainless steel bar. As no additional manual work is required, the process can also take place during unmanned shifts. A complete machining strategy has therefore allowed Kroeplin to reduce overall machining time and costs by at least 30% across the board.
Number 1 for continuous use
Kroeplin quickly hit the load limit of the Bumotec s191, with the machining centre eventually being in continuous operation for 7,200 hours a year and a total of 8,000 operating hours per year. “There was hardly any time left for maintenance and servicing”, recalls Mr Deberle.
The proven strategy of using at least two machines with the same configuration—allowing one to easily take over the work of the other—was a strong argument in favour of purchasing a second s191.
Kroeplin opts for a dual strategy
Mr Deberle therefore opted for an identical configuration for the second Bumotec in order to be able to exploit its full potential. The second machine also has linear-driven axes, turning and cutting functions and an extended magazine containing 90 tools. This is an understandable decision, since one s191 has already taken over the work of three machines.
