![[Translate to English:] Anwenderbericht Power Hydraulik](/fileadmin/user_upload/images/header/Anwenderbericht_PowerHydraulik.png "[Translate to English:] Anwenderbericht Power Hydraulik")
Power-Hydraulik GmbH has been an established manufacturer of hydraulic control blocks for many years. Nevertheless, the company was faced with a challenge that would lay the foundation for future growth: How to reduce production costs while increasing efficiency and flexibility? Together with SOFLEX as the general contractor for automation and control technology, a comprehensive automation solution was developed that not only solves existing problems, but also forms a future-proof solution.
The challenge
Power-Hydraulik set from the beginning the following objectives:
- Automation of workpiece clamping on hydraulic clamping towers.
- Ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 production operation.
- Space-saving integration into an existing workshop without compromising on functionality.
The goal was a comprehensive automation solution that would largely replace all manual activities such as clamping and unclamping as well as workpiece transport between different machines. At the same time, production costs were to be consistently reduced and processes standardized.
A customized automation solution - the DST (Dynamic Storage Tower)
With the development of the “Dynamic Storage Tower” (DST), SOFLEX has provided a compact and innovative answer to the needs of Power Hydraulic. This achievement was made possible thanks to SOFLEX’s extensive expertise and deep know-how in the field of automation. SOFLEX is not only an expert in control technology, but also in the automation of the entire production process in the machining industry.
This DST solution implemented by SOFLEX enables Power Hydraulik to sustainably reduce costs, increase production output and expand the level of automation.
The main components of the project:
- Dynamic Storage Tower (DST): two flexible storage buffers with capacities for approx. 11,000 raw and finished parts, which act both as workpiece storage and as a decoupling element between manual and automated processes.
- Automated clamping system: robots take over the automatic clamping and unclamping of parts on hydraulic clamping towers and ensure standardized and reliable process execution.
- Integration of four processing machines: the project concept allows seamless supply of four machines and prevents production bottlenecks.
- SOFLEX control system: a software solution that plans orders, controls the workpiece flow and efficiently provides operating resources such as tools, NC data and fixtures. Networking with ERP, CAD/CAM and PDM systems ensures a fast flow of information.
This project constellation not only significantly reduces production costs, but also delivers a massive increase in efficiency and precision.
Successful project implementation through intensive planning, workshops and close collaboration
The implementation of the project began with an intensive planning phase, including numerous workshops, in order to reveal all requirements and define a technically and logistically optimal solution.
Despite some challenges in time management and technical details - such as the use of findings from other projects or the complexity of some individual software solutions - the project was very successful. Thanks to the close cooperation between all partners and regular meetings, the project was able to progress in a structured and timely manner.
The result: competitiveness of the production site in Germany
On completion of the project, Power-Hydraulik was able to successfully automate production and achieve its goals. The most important results were:
- A trouble-free 24/7 operation thanks to modern workpiece storage and automated clamping processes.
- Reduction of production costs and optimization of resource utilization.
- Improved efficiency, precision and flexibility, which not only bring competitive advantages, but also set the course for future growth.
The management of Power-Hydraulik was enthusiastic about the cooperation with SOFLEX. According to Managing Director Patrick Schlagenhauf, this step not only represents a technological advancement for the company, but also a major gain for the competitiveness of Germany as a production location.
Compact automation solution for Industry 4.0
Automation with the Dynamic Storage Tower from SOFLEX marks a turning point for Power-Hydraulik GmbH. The seamless integration of automation solutions and close cooperation with an experienced partner like SOFLEX have made it possible to transform production processes sustainably and meet the requirements of Industry 4.0.
This project shows how important competent partnerships and innovative technologies are in successfully mastering the future challenges of modern production.
The switch from manual clamping to an automated system with workpiece storage represents an important milestone for our future and for Germany as a business location. By automating and networking our production processes, we can significantly increase our efficiency, precision and flexibility. Working with an experienced partner like SOFLEX enables us to successfully shape this transformation and fully exploit the benefits of Industry 4.0.
Our regional ties and shared vision of a smart factory form the basis for a successful collaboration.
Patrick Schlagenhauf
Managing Director
