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Stäubli robotic tool changers enable flexible, high-payload deburring at Hans Weber Automation

“At Weber Automation, we deliberately rely on Stäubli’s tool changing systems. Key factors for us are the exceptional robustness of the systems and their consistently reliable performance in daily operation.

Equally important is the service: fast, competent, and solution oriented. The geographical proximity of the Bayreuth site enables close cooperation and short response times. Overall, Stäubli offers the ideal combination of quality, service, and availability for our industrial automation requirements.”

Dominik Lindner, Head of Robotics and Automation Business Unit, Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH

The partner

Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH is a family‑owned industrial company with more than 100 years of experience in mechanical engineering. Based in Germany, WEBER designs and manufactures high‑quality machinery and systems for industrial production, combining tradition, engineering expertise, and continuous innovation.
With over 500 employees and 46,000 m² of production space, the company is recognized for its strong focus on quality, durability, and process reliability, serving customers worldwide across a broad range of manufacturing industries.

The application

The Hans Weber Automation business unit specializes in the development of robotic and automation solutions for demanding industrial processes. Its core activities include automated material handling, surface finishing, and machining applications—particularly in environments requiring high flexibility, precision, and robustness.
The company addresses production scenarios involving complex workpiece geometries, high payloads, and frequently changing parts, supporting manufacturers in advancing toward higher levels of automation and sustainable productivity.

Reliable automation with maximum flexibility

Hans Weber Automation pursued a clear objective: fully automated workpiece handling for a deburring application, designed to deliver maximum flexibility, consistent quality, and long‑term reliability.

The application required a system capable of:

  • Handling a wide range of workpieces with varying geometries
  • Managing weights of up to 150 kg
  • Machining both sides of each part, including automated flipping
  • Operating without teach‑in, even with frequently changing parts
  • Ensuring continuous material flow and uniform tool utilization

The ambition extended beyond automation itself—toward a robust, scalable solution prepared for future production demands.

 

Intelligent robotics with Stäubli tool changing technology

To meet these requirements, Hans Weber Automation implemented an advanced robotic handling system with the Stäubli MPS 631 robotic tool changer at its core.

AI-based workpiece recognition

Integrated image processing reliably detects workpieces, determines optimal gripping points, and transfers geometric parameters directly to the robot. This enables fully teach‑free operation, even with frequently changing batches.

High-payload, flexible handling

The MPS 631 is designed for high payloads, enabling secure handling of diverse geometries, materials, and weights. Its compact design supports space efficient cell layouts while maintaining maximum flexibility.

Continuous machining through intelligent flipping

A cycle‑time‑neutral flipping concept allows both sides of each workpiece to be machined without interrupting material flow—ensuring stable and predictable throughput.

Optimized infeed and return

Sensor technology and camera based detection enable adaptive infeed and return strategies. After processing, workpieces are stacked flexibly, supporting consistent grinding quality and uniform tool wear.

The system processes up to two pallets of sorted workpieces, automatically detecting, flipping, machining, and restacking them—fully autonomously and with high repeatability.

A robust foundation for future-ready production

The implemented solution delivers measurable benefits across the entire process:

  • High process reliability through precise, AI‑assisted gripping and handling
  • Maximum flexibility for changing workpieces, geometries, and batch sizes
  • Significantly reduced changeover times thanks to teach‑free handling and fast tool changes
  • Compact, space‑efficient system design enabled by intelligent tool storage
  • A future‑proof architecture designed for expansion and evolving automation needs

The result is a reliable, high‑performance automation solution—developed and implemented in close cooperation with Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH and built on proven Stäubli technology.

kg, maximum workpiece weight handled

The robotic handling system securely manages workpieces weighing up to 150 kg, covering a wide range of industrial parts and ensuring stable, reliable deburring operations.

machined in a single automated flow

Both sides of each workpiece are deburred automatically thanks to a cycle‑time‑neutral flipping concept, without interrupting material flow.

teach-in points required

AI‑based image processing enables fully teach‑free operation, even when workpieces change frequently—dramatically reducing setup effort and operator dependency.

Get in touch with our specialist!

Interested in learning how we supported Eaton in this latest success story? Our teams are ready to help you tackle your safety, performance, and operational challenges and explore how similar solutions can drive results for your business.

Other MPS solutions that might interest you

Discover more tool changers solutions, which you could use if you wanted to gain the same benefits as Hans Weber Automation did. Solutions adapted to your process, fitting your existing machines, ready to boost your productivity and efficiency.

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Stäubli makes work easy and safe

Interested in learning how we supported our partners in this latest success story? Our teams are ready to help you tackle your safety, performance, and operational challenges and explore how similar solutions can drive results for your business.

Safe and easy‑to‑use

in every process with our MPS solutions

High‑performance

and reliable components developed by Stäubli for robotics applications

Support

for large‑scale deployment of MPS solutions in factories, accelerating the processes

Advanced safety protections

including systems that prevent accidents

Positive user feedback

confirming the reliability and practicality of the system