Efficient automation
with maximum flexibility
MINK optimizes production processes with robot cell from SHERPA.
August Mink GmbH & Co. KG developed from its foundation in 1845 to become the world market leader in modern fiber and brush technology; for decades, it has set standards in the manufacture of innovative brush solutions. From a range of well over 250,000 models, millions of brushes are produced annually in five production plants in Göppingen. The continuous expansion of this site and the most modern machinery in the industry enable the production of brushes of the highest quality and fast delivery, even of custom-made products.
The challenge
When designing a new production line for thermoplastics, it was clear from the outset that efficient automation was required. MINK was looking for a solution that would enable continuous production with maximum autonomy with multiple product changes every day. It was therefore essential to create a large yet flexible material storage system. This is where SHERPA’s proven robotics solution came into play.
The Solution
SHERPA offered the ideal answer to this challenge with its “Stacking” program module. Raw parts are provided stacked on pallets. The robot picks them up and loads them onto a processing machine; it then unloads the finished parts onto a second pallet, again in stacks. In close cooperation between MINK and SHERPA, it was possible to extend the stacking height to a total of ten layers by adapting the design and robot programs. The storage capacity of a pallet can now be over 1,000 parts – a decisive advance that significantly increases the efficiency of the production processes.
Manuel Fischer, Project Manager at MINK
emphasizes the constructive and flexible cooperation with SHERPA: “The project gave me great pleasure. SHERPA was able to adapt its standard system to MINK’s customer-specific requirements with small but crucial adjustments.”
Florian Andre, Managing Director of SHERPA, also stresses the company’s philosophy: “SHERPA supplies established standards for loading and unloading CNC-controlled machine tools. To a certain extent, we can respond to customer requirements as long as the principle of ‘putting the round in the square’ is maintained.”
“SHERPA provides established standards for loading and unloading CNC-controlled machine tools. To a certain extent, we can respond to customer requests, as long as the principle of ‘fitting the round into the square’ remains in place.”
More efficiency,
less personnel costs
Thanks to the robot cell from SHERPA, MINK has been able to significantly optimize the use of personnel in production. Skilled workers now concentrate more on quality assurance and value-adding processes, while the automation ensures a smooth material flow. Production now runs at maximum efficiency – around the clock.
