Automation continues to make advances

markilux is developing a squaring table to simplify certain work processes

The markilux technical cover making department has, to a large extent, already been automated. And this development is being extended to even more workplaces. Soon, a new squaring table in the factory will undergo a testing phase. It is supposed to make cutting the awning covers to size more efficient and further simplify this work process.

Machine-controlled processes in industry are today already the basis for remaining competitive and in the future will be even more so. This is because of the lack of of supervisory and qualified specialist personnel. Moreover, markets are demanding ever greater speed in production, product development and growth. Therefore, at awning manufacturer markilux, many work routines in the technical cover-making department, where covers are prepared for being fitted in a later stage to blinds and awnings, have already been partially or fully automated. With the now even more automated cover squaring table, which is about to undergo a trial phase, the company is continuing down this path in its production facility.

The cover is now turned over automatically
‘All of our covers are squared on one of these tables. At the moment, we have four of them in operation’, Michael Gerling, Director of R&D and Production, explains. Until now. the cover was turned by hand during this process, which, according to Mr Gerling, was very physically demanding - especially where large, heavy covers were concerned. For this reason, this step has now been automated. The new squaring table is currently being assembled next to the table that makes the tracfix covers and still needs to be programmed. Currently therefore, It is intended to be used only for tracfix covers. In future, this will also be the place where the slightly curved cut is made to the exact dimensions of the respective awning width. The effect of this is that the roller tube is put under less mechanical strain. To make automation possible, all awning parameters are digitally transferred. The innovations ensure that the task is physically less demanding and the end result more accurate.

A spline pocket machine has been integrated
A first, moreover, is that the machine also automatically sews the spline pocket into the cover. This replaces a complete work unit, the spline pocket machine, which was used hitherto. ‘The finely adjusted speed of the sewing process that does this is pretty exacting from a technical point of view’, Michael Gerling says enthusiastically. ‘These new functions mean that a prototype has been developed that supersedes anything currently found in the market. If the test phase shows that the technology is capable of doing what we have envisaged, it will be integrated into all of the cover squaring tables in the factory.’

Automation ensures further growth
‘For three years already, we have been working on this project together with another company. A lot of specialised technical expertise is involved and it gives the machine designer a complex profile of requirements to cater for’, the technical director emphasises. So as to be legally compliant, where new machines are concerned, particular care is taken with regard to their safety. Such matters have to be addressed in a very early phase of the project. It is a similar matter with the parameters placed on drives and control mechanisms or other requirements which have been standardised through the internal ‘Continual Improvement Process’. It is also important to involve employees from different departments at an early stage so that work processes run smoothly at a later date. For Mr Gerling the project is in any case a further step in the direction of automation and therefore a step that augers well for the future prospects of the company. ‘The demand for our products is high and therefore also our degree of capacity saturation. More machine-controlled routines give us breathing space to accommodate future growth while still maintaining our very high standards of quality’, Michael Gerling concludes.

For further information, please visit: markilux.com

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markilux stands for 'Design Made in Germany', innovative new products and excellent quality in the exterior solar protection sector. Since 1972 folding-arm awnings, conservatory awnings and vertical blinds have been produced at its manufacturing facility in Emsdetten, northern Germany. The high-quality products are distributed by professional partners in Germany and abroad. About 1,000 selected companies assure the high qualitative standards during the assembly of the awnings.

This release was published on openPR.