First step, big impact

Challenges

With its machinery in Brandenburg, FBT Feinblechtechnik focuses on laser cut parts, edge parts and welded assemblies made from stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass of up to 5 mm. In order to be able to respond more flexibly to customer orders and produce more quickly in the future, FBT dared to take the first step towards a Smart Factory - with TRUMPF as their partner.

Solutions

The Smart Factory experts examined all process steps within the machine shop, starting with the inquiry and order confirmation through to production planning, programming and dispatch. The first optimisation measure at FBT was quickly identified: a new shop layout would ensure an optimal process flow. This "lean management" means designing processes so that they run with as little waste as possible, i.e. cutting transit times or eliminating searching times. 

Implementation

TRUMPF consulting focuses on helping people to help themselves. This means that consultants therefore propose solutions that are examined, discussed, developed and finally implemented together with the customer. At FBT, machines that no longer match the production profile or were too old were sold to make space. Along the process steps, other machines were installed in a U-shape within the production shop. This has enabled everything to be optimally located immediately, with processes running according to specified standards. The company now completes external cutting in one day instead of 15 by using its new TruLaser 3030 programmed with the TruTops Boost software.

Forecast

Increasing system consistency is among the next steps that the Smart Factory experts at TRUMPF want to achieve. But FBT does not want to change too much all at once. "Step by step to a Smart Factory – working together with TRUMPF as a partner". That is the company's motto, and the process is underway.