Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, Swoboda CZ, located in Jihlava, Czech Republic, is part of the global Swoboda Group and specializes in the manufacture of metal-plastic composite components. Faced with increasing cost pressures, the company decided to invest in a new automated production cell. Václav Dostál, Managing Director of Swoboda CZ s.r.o., stated: "Cost pressures have risen sharply, which is why we decided to invest in a brand-new, fully automated production cell." The new process has doubled the production capacity for switch box housing components and supports the company's expansion into the renewable energy sector, reducing its dependence on the automotive industry.
During the development of the new process, the automation concept was redesigned, but the core role of the Wittmann injection molding machine was retained. A Wittmann vertical injection molding machine with a clamping force of 270 tons, equipped with a two-station rotary table and a temperature controller, is at the heart of the production cell. Production Manager Pavel Bohuněk noted: "The Wittmann vertical machine model offers our production personnel a very high level of convenience." This convenience stems from the intuitive user interface and structural design, such as the upper location of the temperature control medium connections, which simplifies mold access and maintenance work.
The production of the switch box housing components involves various inserts, including signal pins, power pins, and sockets, which the automation system must handle safely. A large six-axis robot removes the finished parts from the mold and loads new inserts, while another robot assists with pre-positioning. Via a rail transport system, the frames are conveyed to the clamping unit, where a multi-axis robot places the inserts into the cavity before they are overmolded with white glass fiber-reinforced plastic. The new components are inspected by a camera system, marked with a DMC code, and placed into trays. Empty frames and transport carts automatically return to the starting point.
This automation system was developed on-site in Jihlava and is already in use at other Swoboda locations worldwide. The new process increases efficiency and reduces unit costs through full automation and the excellent repeatability of the Wittmann injection molding machine, ensuring process stability and consistent quality standards. Michal Slabý, Managing Director of Wittmann Battenfeld CZ, emphasized: "When it comes to optimizing processes by increasing efficiency, we are an important sparring partner for many customers." The close support from the Czech Wittmann subsidiary, including a spare parts warehouse and training center, strengthens this partnership.
