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Global Brand AXENT Partners with EMAN Again to Drive Automation Upgrades

Release Time：2023-11-24 Author：EMAN Technology Views：1290

Bathroom products are frequently used and updated quickly, making them consumables. Amid challenges such as skyrocketing costs and the need for energy conservation and environmental protection, intelligent manufacturing has become an effective way for manufacturing companies to enhance quality, efficiency, reduce costs, and decrease consumption. For leading companies in the bathroom manufacturing sector, digital transformation has become a crucial strategy for success.

Recently, Xiamen Ikotek Precision Mold Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the renowned global smart bathroom brand AXENT, has once again signed a contract with Wuhan Eman Technology Co., Ltd. (EMAN) to collaborate on a steel/electrode processing and inspection automation project. Building on the tangible results of their 2019 cooperation, this initiative involves deploying more automated processing units to continuously move towards higher production efficiency and quality, as well as faster product delivery.

About AXENT Group >>

Founded in Rapperswil, Switzerland, a country known for its neutrality and freedom, AXENT is a major manufacturer of bathroom technology and a global provider of total smart bathroom solutions, with offices in regions such as the Americas and Asia-Pacific. AXENT's product line includes top-tier smart toilets, premium sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, massage bathtubs, bathroom accessories, shower enclosures, and integrated bathroom spaces with same-level drainage systems.

Xiamen Ikotek Precision Mold Co., Ltd. (Ikotek Mold) is a subsidiary of AXENT Group. As a high-tech enterprise specializing in the design and manufacturing of precision molds, smart toilet components (such as dampers, gearboxes, fans), precision plastic injection parts, and urea-formaldehyde cover plate development and production, it produces over 600 sets of various molds annually. Ikotek Mold excels in the design and production of precision and medium to large molds for bathrooms, household items, electronics, and other fields. Its products are exported to Europe, America, and Southeast Asia, making it a reputable supplier for many globally known bathroom brands.

AXENT恩仕部分产品

Adopting EMAN’s Automation Solutions to Break New Ground in Electrode Processing Efficiency

In traditional mold manufacturing, CNC machines spend about 50% of their time on actual machining, while the other half is consumed by preparation work like workpiece setup, tool changes, and electrode workpiece positioning and measurement, a situation that was also present at Ikotek Mold. Previously, the steps of electrode design and CNC programming lacked uniform standards, with disordered parameters and inconsistent output information, leading to excessive manual modifications and frequent machine downtime for reprogramming, significantly affecting machine productivity. The inspection process was time-consuming, with results requiring manual assessment.

To enhance processing efficiency, shorten production cycles, and reduce costs, Ikotek Mold considered implementing automated production processing systems and equipment. In 2019, Ikotek Mold introduced EMAN's semi-automated and automated full-scene processing solutions, including intelligent electrode design, intelligent CNC programming, CNC electrode automated processing units, CMM electrode automated inspection units, and EDM automated processing units.

Following project implementation, Ikotek Mold addressed issues in the electrode processing workflow, eliminated redundant tasks, and streamlined overall processing, achieving unexpected benefits:

Value Achievements

Intelligent programming for electrodes resulted in mostly automated programming processes, boosting efficiency by 50%. Automated inspection program spot-point programming increased efficiency by over 50%.
CNC electrode processing implemented a one-arm-three-unit processing setup, increasing machine uptime to over 95%, enabling unmanned night shifts for uninterrupted 30-hour operation.
CMM electrode automated inspection achieved automatic program downloads for electrode identification and batch inspection, raising machine uptime to over 90% and significantly reducing the time required for inspecting a single electrode, improving efficiency by 60%.
EDM automatic discharge processing saw automated program generation, with machine uptime exceeding 90%.
Systematic management of the electrode warehouse ensured fixed-point positioning for incoming electrodes, with records for both warehouse entries and exits, elevating warehouse efficiency by approximately 70%.

Additionally, the enhanced efficiency in the entire electrode processing and inspection phase significantly reduced mold manufacturing cycles. According to Ikotek Mold's statistics, after implementing EMAN’s automation systems, the average manufacturing cycle for each mold was reduced by five days, aiding Ikotek Mold in realizing lean management throughout the manufacturing process and laying a solid foundation for comprehensive automation upgrades in their mold center.

Expanding Automation Processing and Inspection Projects to Enhance Mold Center Competitiveness

Building on the success and substantial efficiency enhancements from the initial EMAN automation solutions, Ikotek Mold has chosen to continue its cooperation with EMAN by signing on for two additional electrode/steel processing and inspection unit projects. The aim is to move further towards unmanned, low-manpower, automated workshops, developing a highly competitive mold workshop.

The frequent collaborations have demonstrated that EMAN not only delivers effective products but also provides a trustworthy and dependable service team. We anticipate a successful deployment and operation of the new EMAN electrode/steel automated processing and inspection unit project, assisting Ikotek Mold in achieving additional benefits from its automation transformation and upgrades. Together, both parties are creating a model for mold manufacturing factory transformation within the bathroom industry.