HAHN Automation designs and manufactures assembly and testing systems for rubber, plastic, and metal products. It is also a designer and series manufacturer of linear robots as well as temperature control and cooling units for the plastics and rubber industry. The company has production sites in Germany, as well as plants in Turkey, Czech Republic, and the USA.

Universal concept

HAHN has standardised its machinery concepts as much as possible. Nevertheless, systems can easily be adapted to particular tasks and customer-specific requirements. An example is the intelligent and efficient MasterCell concept which has a wide range of uses. The company says even the most challenging processes can be handled due to the advanced robot systems, cutting-edge assembly and testing technologies. Both automated individual workstations, as well as combined versions, are possible as technologically sophisticated automation systems. Modular design enables fast and efficient expansion as needed and cells ca be easily moved from machine to machine if there are changes to production.

Small parts: Big importance

Marco Klee, purchasing manager at HAHN, says: “We offer solutions to individual problems. These could be things such as the automated manufacturing of engine mountings for a customer from the automotive industry or the production of door hinges with a built-in damping system for a kitchen manufacturer.” Depending on  requirements, the company works with the customer to design a machinery concept and to implement it – including commissioning and training employees who will work on the machine.

Cutting-edge technologies from the robotics industry are used in the MasterCells from HAHN for assembly and testing processes, i.e. comparably cost-intensive machinery components. Normally only one robot system is required per cell but a variety of smaller components often need to be adapted to the design for the specific application. The company’s own production cannot meet demand, particularly if it has to be done quickly, so HAHN works with MISUMI Europa. “Just as our special-purpose machinery must satisfy the highest demands, our suppliers must also fulfil the highest standards,” says Klee. The company conducts regular performance evaluations regarding deadline fulfilment and quality of delivery. MISUMI scored 99.03 out of 100 in its January 2013 evaluation and qualified once again as a Grade A supplier.

MISUMI’s portfolio comprises more than a million items and is said to cover almost every conceivable need in the field of mechanical construction. Components can be configured in 0.01mm increments with free selection of materials, surface treatments, and processing options. HAHN can precisely adapt standard components corresponding to the respective purpose of use. “The configurable components relieve the burden on our production capacities because precision work can be bought easily and quickly,” explains Klee. The prices and delivery times for each part is displayed in the online catalogue and component drawings can be downloaded for free as 3D CAD files. Delivery times from MISUMI are normally shorter than it would take to self-produce the same parts: 18,000 items are directly available and over 100,000 Make-To-Order (MTO) components can be shipped from the logistics centre within four days. 

Components are often required in small quantities, particularly for special-purpose machinery manufacturing, but minimum orders or additional small-order fees are often involved. These ‘secondary expenses’ can make items more expensive. The procurement terms at MISUMI have therefore been adapted so that it is possible to have quantities of just one item, even with an MTO design, delivered without additional fee. 

 

“Short delivery times and deadline fulfilment are essential for our manufacturing processes. These criteria make up 60% of our supplier evaluation,” says Klee. “The quality of the components is also decisive for us. MISUMI is impressive in both areas and this can be seen in its rating as a Grade A supplier for many years.”