Automated Sheet Metal Processing For Custom Enclosure Manufacturing

Schimscha GmbH manufactures custom control cabinets, empty enclosures, consoles, and machine frames in Ravenstein, Baden-Württemberg. The company supplies industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, renewable energies, and automation technology with tailor-made special solutions made of stainless steel, sheet steel, and aluminum. Since frequently changing orders and specific customer requirements are the norm in custom enclosure construction, the manufacturer faced the challenge of reducing lead times while simultaneously increasing productivity. Furthermore, production in a high-wage country like Germany requires efficient and predictable processes to remain competitive in the long term and balance out economic fluctuations.

Implementation of automated punching and bending technologies
To achieve these operational goals, the company invested in a comprehensive machine park from TRUMPF. The technical solution includes state-of-the-art punch-laser machines that combine work steps such as forming, thread tapping, punching, and laser cutting. The manufacturing process is complemented by an automated bending cell, a laser welding system, and several bending machines equipped with an automatic tool changer. This tool changing system was jointly optimized as part of a development partnership to significantly reduce setup times during bending. The combination of integrated machine technology and automated processes enables the manufacturer to efficiently produce both larger quantities and individual solutions down to batch size one.




Increasing process stability and competitiveness
Through the use of automated manufacturing technologies, Schimscha GmbH was able to significantly reduce its lead times and increase overall productivity. Bundling several processing steps on the systems minimizes manual effort and makes production workflows measurably more stable and predictable. Katrin Schimscha, member of the management board, contextualizes the technological development: 'Without automated processes using bending or welding robots, economical production in a high-wage country like Germany would hardly be possible in many areas.' The strategic duality of robot-supported automation for series production and manual processing for highly individualized custom solutions ensures the company has the necessary flexibility to economically implement complex customer requirements.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor - adapted by AI.

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