By commissioning the RS 1 robot system by Hermle, WILD is taking the next step towards greater flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing.

The great diversity of workpieces has always demanded maximum flexibility from WILD. To also  ensure the highest possible productivity at the same time, the company recently put into operation an automated pallet and workpiece handling system. It was linked to two HERMLE 5-axis C 32 machining centres, which are now automatically loaded by the robot. “The RS 1 robot system is a combination cell which enables both pallet and workpiece handling“, explains Christian Rabitsch, Managing Director at WILD GmbH. Three individually selectable rack storage modules with die and pallet places, as well as clamping device and gripper places ensure an optimum provision of parts. NC Grippers and automatically adjustable clamping devices can flexibly adjust to the workpiece blanks in a large and coordinated gripping and clamping range. Manual intervention is virtually eliminated, thus significantly increasing efficiency.

Another advantage is that the robot and the machining centres operate autonomously and can switch between day and night operation. Parts with short machining times are processed during the daytime, while components requiring longer machining times are manufactured during the night or on weekends. “This intelligent system is a leap forward for us. However, it also requires very well-defined processes, both for planning, work preparation, CAM-programming, as well as for finishing and quality assurance. We are currently fine-tuning those aspects so that the RS 1 can go into full operation by the end of the year“, Rabitsch explains.

FOCUS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY
WILD also recently invested in the modernisation of its compressor infrastructure. “Compressed air is a major cost factor. The new control system allows us to reduce energy consumption to a minimum“, explains Harald Gindl, Energy Officer at WILD GmbH. On the one hand, we can reuse up to 78% of the motor‘s energy through a heat recovery system for heating and process water. On the other, WILD uses
the exhaust air from the compressors to heat the adjacent storage room. Moreover, the existing galvanic line was upgraded as part of the infrastructure investment totalling EUR 1.6 million. Modern sensors and dosing containers warrant flawless waste water treatment and improve efficiency and sustainability.