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At Hörl Kunststofftechnik, high-tech meets efficiency: state-of-the-art, centrally networked injection molding machines form the heart of a highly automated production process. Intelligent systems control and monitor all processes in real time—for maximum quality, reliability, and speed. End-to-end automation handles even complex tasks in the shortest possible time and guarantees consistently high manufacturing standards.
A conversation with Peter Waldhutter, measurement technician at Hörl Kunststofftechnik, about automated quality assurance in series measurement during production, modular automation—and why EROWA is the right partner.
EROWA: Mr. Waldhutter, you have been relying on automation at Hörl Kunststofftechnik for years. What triggered the current project?
PETER WALDHUTTER: “The original idea came from our company founder Thomas Hörl in 2017: ‘Measurement at the touch of a button’ – fast, simple, reliable. We wanted automated quality testing that would integrate seamlessly into our plastic parts production processes without any manual intermediate steps. The challenge was that most systems on the market were simply too complicated for series measurement.”
And then you came across EROWA?
“We were already familiar with EROWA from toolmaking – which turned out to be a stroke of luck. The EROWA Robot Dynamic linear robot could be integrated directly without any complex special configuration. Combined with the Zeiss VoluMax computer tomograph, we created the first fully automated CT measuring cell with combined visual inspection and holistic measurement.”
Computed tomography in series testing – why this approach?
“Our plastic parts are often extremely small, with hidden contours. CT offers enormous advantages here: we can see what would otherwise remain hidden – intersections, material inclusions, cavities. And all this is non-destructive and takes just a few minutes.”
How exactly does the process work?
“The workpieces are placed on carriers specially developed by us. A barcode digitally links all the information – program, component ID, position. The employee scans the code, places the part in the magazine, and the system starts automatically. Measuring, evaluating, documenting – everything runs smoothly.”
What particularly impressed you about EROWA?
“Quite clearly: their openness to our individual requirements. We use our own clamping systems and carriers – that was no problem for EROWA. The magazines remain compatible and modularly expandable. This flexibility is worth its weight in gold.”
Were there any concerns within the team, especially with such highly automated processes?
“Of course. The measurement technicians in particular were skeptical—CT measurement without ‘having the part in your hand’ was unfamiliar. But with increasing experience, confidence grew. Today, everyone is happy about the relief—repetitive tasks are no longer necessary, and specialist knowledge is used in a more targeted manner.”
How has this affected your productivity?
“Enormously. Before, we sometimes had to wait an hour for a measurement result – today it takes just a few minutes. Without automation, we would need 40 additional specialists in quality assurance. And as we all know, they are not so easy to find.”
What's next?
“We are already planning expansions. The system paid for itself after two years. And we know that with EROWA, we can grow – step by step, building block by building block.”
Mr. Waldhutter, thank you very much for talking to us – and continued success with your “measurement at the touch of a button” system!
