Automation Boosts Productivity and Worker Well-being at Martin GmbH

Martin GmbH, a subsidiary of Huppenkothen, manufactures approximately 20,000 excavator attachments annually, including quick-change systems and hydraulic couplings. To keep up with this high production volume, Martin has been focused on improving efficiency at every stage of its manufacturing process.

In the past, workers at the company’s Ludesch, Austria facility manually removed slag and ground surfaces using angle grinders, a labor-intensive and physically demanding task. The components weighed over 50 kg, requiring employees to endure long hours of repetitive, strenuous work. With sick leave frequently disrupting operations, the company faced challenges in maintaining a steady workforce for these heavy tasks.

Teqram Automation System Optimizes Production Process

In response to these challenges, Martin GmbH adopted Teqram’s automated EasyGrinder system, a decision that came after discovering the technology at EuroBLECH 2022. This robot-based system fully automates the deburring and shotblasting process, improving both productivity and worker comfort.

The EasyGrinder system efficiently handles the removal of slag, edge grinding, and the creation of a 2-mm radius on parts. After these processes, the Rösler rotary table system automatically takes over for shotblasting. The Teqram robot uses 3D vision sensors to identify the contours of workpieces, even without CAD drawings, and selects the appropriate grippers based on material and geometry. It can flip parts for processing on both sides, ensuring seamless automation.

The system’s automation of the deburring and shotblasting steps means Martin GmbH can now process small to medium batch sizes with minimal manual intervention. This shift has significantly improved production efficiency and created a more attractive work environment for employees by alleviating physical strain.