Hungary - Most metal processing enterprises feel the need for automation on their own skin, but yet many are reluctant to give in to substitute the human factor with automated procedures, despite the workforce shortage.

The field of sheet metal machining is getting more ready to automate certain procedures, such as loading and unloading sheet metal and finished products or other warehousing procedures, says Tamas Major, CEO of Trumpf Hungary ltd, in an interview with MM Mszaki Magazin.

MM Mszaki Magazin: Where do you mainly recommend automation in sheet metal machining?

Tamas Major: We feel an increasing interest in automated systems in Hungary since 2014 and by now, we have arrived at the point that both the biggest companies and SMEs are dealing more and more seriously with the rationalisation of sheet metal processing procedures. Trumpf's old and new systems have a spectacular role mainly in warehousing and ghost shifts (several hours of manufacturing or even full shift without machine operators). The question of automation versus workforce is always being debated. The need for automation arises mainly where complex systems are in question. If a manufacturer has a good stock of orders and consequently the utilisation of, for example, laser cutting machines is high, after a time, they will develop flexible manufacturing capacity instead of increasing its technological capacity.

MM Mszaki Magazin: What levels of automation are there?

Tamas Major: Trumpf has many solutions for automating sheet metal processing machine tools, beginning with sheet loading units, palette changers equipped with palette magazines, up to warehousing systems listed without the need for completion.

Beyond a certain level, efficiency cannot be increased solely by expanding manufacturing capacity and automation is indispensable.

MM Mszaki Magazin: You have recently moved to a new domicile.

Tamas Major: Yes, Trumpf has been doing all domestic activities of its two major lines of business, machining tools and laser technology, in a single firm since 2014. We began work in 2015 in Vecss, in the vicinity of the Liszt Ferenc International Airport. The sales and training centre of the 48-man strong company has also moved here. Good infrastructure was important: the airport, highways, hotels are near and we are part of the international blood circulation. More than half of our colleagues work in the field of technological customer care but we put a great emphasis on after-sales support and training.

http://www.hu.trumpf.com

This interview appeared http://www.maschinenmarkt.international.

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