Streamline your manufacturing process with groundbreaking autonomy and precision at MOTOR JIKOV Fostron a.s., Division Molds. Introducing our state-of-the-art autonomous robotic production line for mold cavity parts—an innovation designed to deliver faster, more comprehensive production while significantly reducing errors. Valued at forty million CZK, this complete setup integrates a five-axis machining center, deep drilling system, autonomous control unit, advanced robot, and other essential components, forging a new standard in manufacturing excellence.
The newly acquired line, funded through the TVC project at MJF, spearheads advanced production technologies for mold cavity parts. It features the MAKINO D 500 five-axis machining center, the EXERON EDM 313 electroerosive deep drilling machine, the EROWA CMM Qi 3D measurement system, a cleaning unit, a palletizing system with auxiliary devices, all governed by Erowa’s top-tier automation control. The robot from EROWA, with a 500kg capacity, orchestrates handling and operation management, ensuring seamless workflow.
Jiří Boček, Production Manager at MOTOR JIKOV Fostron a.s., highlights the cost-saving benefits: "Five-axis machining offers higher precision and, in some cases, replaces expensive electro-erosion processes. Significantly reduced fixturing times, thanks to quick pallet setup on the Erowa system, enable uninterrupted unattended operation during nights and weekends—doubling our capacity in this segment and elevating the entire mold cavity manufacturing technology, including EDM deep drilling."
The MAKINO D 500, replacing the 2004-era MAKINO S 33, elevates five-axis machining to a new plateau of technological and quality standards. "Five-axis machining is more productive; tilting the workpiece allows shorter, more accurate, and faster tools. MAKINO’s machines rank among the best in the market," emphasizes the production manager.
The line’s operation will be managed by current MOTOR JIKOV Fostron personnel. Its deployment was phased—in the first stage, we integrated the machining center with the pallet system, robot, washer, 3D measurement system, and operator station. The second stage added electroerosion, with comprehensive training and acceptance procedures, aligning production concepts, autonomous technology, and project technicalities. Miloslav Roh, Divisional Technical Manager, confirms: “By September, we achieved the second phase goal—integrating electroerosion with the existing autonomous machining process.”
Miloslav Roh elaborates: "This line fundamentally transformed our company’s workflow. Tasks formerly dispersed across the factory are now centralized in a single, automated production line."
The process automation involves fixture placement, data logging via chips, part storage, machining, washing, electroerosion, re-washing, and measurement. Once approved, parts are removed for further operations. "Adjusting procedures for smooth operation required modifications across manufacturing, design, technology, programming, and inspection," note Roh and Boček.
*Caption: Autonomous production line within MOTOR JIKOV Fostron a.s., Division Molds.*
