Digitalization of manufacturing processes: EVOMECS at Kegelmann Technik
EVOMECS
Hello Peter, welcome to the interview. Thank you very much for taking the time. Before we dive into the details of our collaboration and the EVOMECS system, could you please briefly tell us about your position and the activities of Kegelmann Technik?
Peter Blank
Of course, my name is Peter Blank and I have been working at Kegelmann Technik since the end of 2007. We specialize in the development of innovative products and the production of prototypes and small series in plastic and metal. Production takes place at the company's own site in Rodgau-Jügesheim, Hesse. Our business areas include model making and additive manufacturing. We also provide consulting services in tool design and development. Other business areas include toolmaking and injection molding. I work in the area of machining. Among other things, I am jointly responsible for NC programming and resource planning. I also supervise digitalization projects in order to continuously develop the production processes and increase our efficiency.
EVOMECS
How did the introduction of EVOMECS come about at Kegelmann?
Peter Blank
The introduction began with the full job management of EVOMECS on a Hermle cell. At the same time, we implemented EVOMECS tool management. A key point for us was the openness of the system, which makes it possible to combine different systems in a holistic approach. Incidentally, we were a pilot customer of EVOMECS and have been using the system since version 1.
EVOMECS
What advantages has the introduction of EVOMECS brought to your company?
Peter Blank
The advantages are manifold: We were able to minimize search times considerably, as all tool components are digitally mapped with their respective storage location across the entire production process. The seamless component tracking has also significantly reduced the idle times of our semi-finished products. In addition, the capacity utilization of our cells has increased significantly. EVOMECS has enabled us to automate repetitive activities. You could say that the machine operator has become the machine manager.
EVOMECS
What was the feedback from your employees about EVOMECS?
Peter Blank
The feedback was extremely positive. Particularly on the software side, our employees were enthusiastic about the opportunity to incorporate their ideas directly into the EVOMECS software solutions. The rapid implementation of the suggestions by the EVOMECS team not only led to a continuous improvement of the software, but also increased the acceptance of the employees to actively work with the system. In the area of project management, we particularly appreciated the positive cooperation with the EVOMECS employees and our regular coordination meetings. The good support and close partnership contributed significantly to the project running smoothly and meeting expectations.
EVOMECS
Can you give specific results of performance measurements?
Peter Blank
The economic factors are reflected in the benefits already described and underline the lasting positive impact of EVOMECS on the overall performance and efficiency of the manufacturing processes at Kegelmann Technik. Thanks to cost savings in tool management and optimized utilization times of all machines operated with EVOMECS, we have achieved greater process reliability. At the same time, these measures have minimized search times for tools and workpieces, which has further increased the overall efficiency of production.
EVOMECS
Are there any future plans for the use of EVOMECS at Kegelmann?
Peter Blank
Absolutely, in the medium term we are planning to equip our eroding line with EVOMECS. Our vision is to fully digitize and automate the digital process chain from design and CAM through to the milling and eroding technologies with EVOMECS.
EVOMECS
Peter, thank you very much for talking to us. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Peter Blank
I would like to emphasize that the partnership with EVOMECS is not only based on technical aspects. A long-term cooperation/partnership has developed in which the feedback from our employees is actively used to further develop the system and we can therefore also participate in the design of the system. EVOMECS has proven to be a crucial tool to remain competitive in the ever-changing manufacturing industry.
