The SEMA Technology Group creates sophisticated solutions for metalworking at the highest level. In order to increase economic efficiency and productivity in cable routing, the company was looking for an effective and practical solution. Since SEMA belongs to the "Champions League", they decided on a cable expert who plays at ball level: PFLITSCH.
Complex systems with high flexibility
In Traunkirchen, Austria, the SEMA Technology Group has been developing and manufacturing machine tools for the highest demands for over 30 years: from series and special machines for metal processing to deburring and cleaning systems to automated production lines. More than 200 employees generate an annual turnover of approx. 40 million €. "It doesn't matter whether our customers need to machine aluminium, steel, forged, cast or pressed parts. We always have the right machines for the job," says Dipl. Ing. Johannes Weiermair, technical manager and authorised signatory at SEMA. Half of SEMA's customers are to be found worldwide in the field of automobile manufacturers and their suppliers. But machine tools for industry and the energy sector are also part of the portfolio.
Long line for cable laying
SEMA produces the machines exactly according to the customer's requirements. "With our complex systems, we often have to lay thousands of metres of fibre optic and copper cables as well as media lines safely through the machine," explains Johannes Weiermair. This is a very labour-intensive process, where cutting, sawing and grinding the cable trunking components used to involve noise and metal dust - and a high risk of injury. Finally, they came to the realisation that assembling the cables by hand was not efficient - especially since it was done by an external supplier.
Economising on effort – not on quality
This is where Stephan Kadanka, the PFLITSCH field service in Austria, recognised starting points for process optimisation at his customer. Together with the experts from SEMA, he exchanged ideas about these potential improvements and convinced them of the advantages of the overall system during a practical live demonstration on site. The PFLITSCH amortisation calculator, which determines the actual savings, then tipped the scales. The result: the PFLITSCH system consisting of trunking and machine already pays for itself in the short term because it saves a lot of working time and effort. "But it was also important for us that the quality of the cable routing meets our high standards," emphasises Johannes Weiermair.
Systematic cable routing for customised economy
SEMA relies on the PFLITSCH PIK cable trunking for safe cable routing. "In small trunking, for example, we route individual cables to sensors and actuators; the wider systems are there for large cable volumes," explains Markus Schögl. The PFLITSCH installation trunking - PIK for short - is available in ten trunking cross-sections from 15 mm x 15 mm to 200 mm x 60 mm. It combines the advantages of large trunking systems fitted with a cover with a compact design. Thanks to its corrugations in the side walls, the PIK is light and yet very dimensionally stable. The PIK also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to individual cable laying - thanks to angle and T-pieces as well as other moulded parts. Connectors ensure the equipotential bonding of all trunking parts with each other, and separators are available for the separation of power and data cables in accordance with regulations. The PIK is installed by screwing or with retaining clips that are simply clipped into place and allow tolerances in the installation environment to be compensated for.
Perform better with a coordinated system
The PFLITSCH MiniCut, one of three models in the PFLITSCH machine range, immediately met with enthusiasm from the fitters. "Our fitters push the trunking body and cover into the cutting plate and cut it to length effortlessly by operating the hand lever in no time at all. Since the cuts have clean and low-burr edges, there is also no need for time-consuming reworking and neither people nor cables can be injured," confirms Markus Schögl. Another advantage over sawing: The trunking stays in shape during machining. In order to bring the MiniCut to any installation site without any problems, SEMA has mounted it on a mobile workbench without further ado. With the new MiniCut, the trunking dimensions 15/15 mm to 60/60 mm can be cleanly cut to length. The machine can be optionally equipped with a hand lever, an electro-hydraulic battery-powered drive or an electric hydraulic unit. The battery-operated PFLITSCH notching tool is used to make lateral cut-outs for cable outlets, which is possible even with installed trunking modules.
SEMA is not only completely satisfied with the coordinated system of cable trunking and machine, but also appreciates the support of the new partner as well as the backup provided by PFLITSCH field service Stephan Kadanka. Markus Schögl sums up: "Since we are supplied directly by PFLITSCH, we benefit from uncomplicated processes and short delivery times, so that we only have to stock a few cable trunkings ourselves. For us, this overall package is decisive, as it fits in with our company philosophy."