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| | Metzner Maschinenbau GmbH delights its Canadian customer thanks to Allen-Bradley technology |
| | Customer: | | Metzner
Neu-Ulm |
| | Country: | | Germany |
| | Industry: | | Material Handling, OEM |
| | Services: | | None |
| | Products: | | Drives, I/O, Motors, Networks & Communications, Programmable Controllers, Push Buttons, Safety Solutions, Software, Switches |
| Metzner Maschinenbau GmbH delights its Canadian customer thanks to Allen-Bradley technology
Flying-knife cutting machine combines maximum throughput with short learning curve
Challenge
With customers in the automotive and medical sector, speed and quality are primary attributes of the machines that Metzner produces. From rubber car window profiles to silicone medical tubes, the machines have to keep pace with the modern manufacturing plants they are used in.
Solutions
Allen-Bradley solution was installed, which included:
- CompactLogix L43 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
- Kinetix 6000 Motion servo solution
- PowerFlex 4 drive
- PanelView Plus 600 HMI
- Compact I/O modules
- RSLogix 5000 Programming Software
- Various LV components including Fused Disconnect Switches, Safety Relays, Push Buttons, Pilot Lights and Proximity Sensors
- FactorTalk View ME
Results
- Shorter learning curve for Metzner than that from incumbent supplier
- Excellent support and advice not just with technology but also with movement into North American market
- Enhanced export potential
- Delighted customer
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Background
Founded in 1980, Metzner Maschinenbau GmbH, based in Neu-Ulm, Germany, develops cutting solutions for cable, corrugated pipe, rubber and plastic for companies all over the world.
For rubber and plastic cutting, the company offers a complete standard product range as well as innovative customised solutions, optimally tuned to the needs of the customer. It offers machines for cable processing – for cutting both round and ribbon cables with a cross section of 0.14 to 185mm² and 3 to 30mm OD. With multiple patented solutions, Metzner is also a leading manufacturer in the area of corrugated pipe processing.
Employing 60 people at its Neu-Ulm facility, it has nearly 30 representatives worldwide.
Challenge
With customers in the automotive and medical sector, speed and quality are primary attributes of the machines that Metzner produces. From rubber car window profiles to silicone medical tubes, the machines have to keep pace with the modern manufacturing plants in which they are used .
When a Canadian customer approached Metzner with a requirement for a flying-knife cutting machine, it was the German company's first foray into the North American market. The customer, found via a newly established distributor in North America, wanted a machine capable of handling 1,400 pieces per minute. Furthermore, reflecting Rockwell Automation's dominance in the American market, the customer specified an Allen-Bradley based control infrastructure.
According to Gerhard Rauch, Managing Director at Metzner: "When we initially discussed how to go about implementing Allen-Bradley equipment, we were helped by one of our electrical engineers, who, as it turns out, had prior experience of using it. I will admit that I was neutral at this stage, but his subsequent report emphasised the excellent support and advice on offer from Rockwell Automation."
Solutions
The automation solution developed by Rockwell Automation and engineers at Metzner, comprised the following Allen-Bradley products: a CompactLogix™ L43 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC), Compact I/O modules, Kinetix® 6000 Motion servo solution, PowerFlex® 4 drive, PanelView™ Plus 600 HMI, Rockwell Software® RSLogix™ 5000 and FactoryTalk® View ME. There were also a number of smaller Allen-Bradley components, including Fused Disconnect Switches, Safety Relays, Push Buttons, Pilot Lights and Proximity Sensors.
Rauch explains: "Rockwell Automation assisted us a great deal in relation to our move into a new sales region. They put us in a very comfortable situation in terms of both products and advice."
This sentiment is echoed by Patrice Roux, Electrical Designer: "I found that much of the European control equipment, although offering great performance, exhibited a much longer learning curve than that from Allen-Bradley. I also believe that Allen-Bradley equipment is more oriented for being maintained by maintenance people, contrary to European equipment, which needs engineers to maintain it.
"For the general motion needs we have here, Allen-Bradley is just right in terms of price and performance," he elaborates, "and Rockwell Automation's sale/technical team served us really well when we needed technical support."
Results
Rauch elaborates further: "We have to be able to address all of our customers' needs and if it means we need to revert to an alternative control infrastructure and supplier so be it. Based on our positive experience with Rockwell Automation, we have decided to make the North American market a real target this year, where there is a very strong preference for Allen-Bradley equipment.
"Our customer was very happy with the first machine," he concludes, "and a second machine is now on its way. Thanks to the excellent support we have received from Rockwell Automation I am sure we will see other machines heading to America from us... with Allen-Bradley technology on board."
The adoption of new technologies and movements into new markets are often seen as ominous undertaking by some companies. However, there are suppliers out there with the empathy to know what these companies are going through and therefore the ability to help with many facets of the move. By helping resolve many of these issues, Rockwell Automation is often the automation supplier of choice for a lot of companies, thanks to its experience in multiple markets, backed up with its impressive world-wide presence.
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