Merrem Kunststoffen Maximizes Efficiency with CubeBOX in the Netherlands

Merrem Kunststoffen has chosen Tezmaksan’s CubeBOX Robotic Automation System to enhance its production line. Standing out with its price-performance advantage and robust structure, CubeBOX has outpaced its European competitors.

Operating in Dinxperlo, Netherlands, Merrem Kunststoffen strengthens its position in the industry with 35 CNC machines and automation systems. Specializing in technical plastics production, the company has boosted efficiency by integrating Tezmaksan’s CubeBOX robotic automation system into its production line. The Turkish automation solution, known for its outstanding price-performance ratio, became Merrem’s preferred choice. In the new production cell, a five-axis machining center supported by CubeBOX is successfully managed by Hans Blomen, Ramon Leonhardt, and Fikriye Sarıyer Yokça.

Expertise in Technical Plastics and Global Success 

Founded in 2006, Merrem Kunststoffen operates in various sectors, including automotive, food, chip manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. Automation technologies have played a crucial role in the company’s rapid growth. Ramon Leonhardt explains the journey: “My father and uncle founded Merrem, and I joined six months after its establishment. At that time, the company was growing rapidly, and we began facing staff shortages. My background in automation technology came into play, and we immediately implemented automation in production processes. This proved to be a huge advantage for us. We expanded quickly and managed to establish an efficient production process without struggling with personnel shortages.” Over the years, the company has set up subsidiaries in Estonia, Latvia, and Germany, supplying technical plastic components globally.

More Efficient Production with CubeBOX 

To address labor shortages and increasing capacity demands, Merrem has automated many processes. The supplier company utilizes various automation systems, from automated storage systems and smart storage cabinets to product-loading robots and cobot solutions. To further enhance automation, Merrem integrated Tezmaksan’s CubeBOX. Additionally, supplier company Limas provided the robotic cell and facilitated its integration with a five-axis machining center equipped with a Heidenhain control system from DN Solutions.

Ramon Leonhardt explains their choice of CubeBOX: “When purchasing the five-axis machine, we knew we would integrate an automation system, but we hadn’t decided which one. Limas recommended CubeBOX. Functionally, it resembled our existing robotic cells. We examined it at the Hannover EMO fair and were impressed by its robust structure. We compared it with other brands, and in terms of price-performance, Tezmaksan was by far the best option.”

Flexible and User-Friendly Control System

CubeBOX offers an open control system that provides flexibility in production processes. Users can manage deformations that may occur during plastic machining without being restricted by dialogue programming. Leonhardt highlights CubeBOX’s ease of use: “The open control system of CubeBOX is a significant advantage. The process begins with a square block, which is easy for the robot to handle. However, once machining is complete, the product takes a free form, introducing challenges. To grasp the product from any angle, complete freedom is required. Tezmaksan’s control system provides exactly that.”

Reliability with Fanuc Technology

CubeBOX seamlessly integrates with Fanuc, further reinforcing its quality perception. Leonhardt explains: “We have been working with Fanuc for a long time, so having Fanuc robots in CubeBOX was a major advantage for us. These robots enhance CubeBOX’s reliability and quality. Moreover, this choice helped us better appreciate the price-performance ratio offered by Tezmaksan. It’s truly an impressive solution.”

Preparing for the Future with Automation

With the flexibility and efficiency provided by automation, Merrem Kunststoffen gains a competitive edge in the industry. The company continues to seek solutions for challenges posed by robotic systems handling plastic shavings. Collaborating with suppliers, Merrem aims to overcome these issues. The customizable features of CubeBOX enable uninterrupted production even during unmanned shifts. Blomen remarks, “CubeBOX is a system that easily adapts to user needs. This enhances productivity and flexibility.” Merrem Kunststoffen’s story once again proves that automation not only increases efficiency but also provides an innovative competitive advantage in the industry. The company’s ultimate goal is to enhance productivity through automation, which requires step-by-step optimization of the production process. As Merrem specializes solely in plastic processing, it faces unique challenges. However, by collaborating with suppliers like Limas, the company successfully overcomes these challenges, ensuring a reliable and automated production process.