From tradition to innovation
The Belgian precision specialist Viavorm is taking the next step: By operating the first RS 1 robot system from HERMLE in Belgium, the company is embracing intelligent automation – for even greater efficiency and precision in production. The company is transforming its production processes and turning night into day.
Viavorm has been putting its trust in precision from Gosheim for more than 25 years: Based in the Flemish town of Geraardsbergen, the company specialises in the production of injection moulds and complex mechanical parts for various industries. To do so, it utilises several HERMLE machining centres. The latest addition to the machine park is the RS 1 robot system, which significantly optimises the spindle runtimes of the C 250 U. “The robot loads and unloads the machine automatically, enabling round-the-clock production – even at night and at weekends when our staff are not on site,” says owner and managing director Pascal Lison.
The history of Viavorm began in 1969. With 30 years of experience under his belt as a mould maker, Georges Lison decided to open his own business. He was gradually joined by his three sons, who took over the reins in 1985. His youngest son, Pascal Lison, has been running the company together with his own children, Björn and Yorick, since 2019. Viavorm manufactures prototypes or large production runs – according to its customers’ needs. The subcontractor and its workforce of nine employees generate a turnover of roughly €2 million a year.
The high-quality precision parts are created by milling, turning, grinding and spark coring from metals, and plastics. ‘We have developed from pure mould maker to specialist for complex mechanical parts,’ explains Pascal Lison. “Our customers expect a high level of precision and ever shorter delivery times. To meet these demands, we require machines that work reliably day and night.”
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The RS 1 robot system handles workpieces weighing up to 20 kg and pallets of up to 60 kg. -
Thanks to 5-axis machining, Viavorm manufactures complex geometries in one operation. -
The RS 1 changes pallets, exchanges workpieces from dies or grips them directly. -
Ready for every production process: The RS 1 robot system works around the clock. -
Thanks to individual part handling, even small workpieces with short runtimes can be manufactured automatically. -
Pascal Lison (5th from right) and the whole Viavorm team. -
HERMLE machines as far as the eye can see – the subcontractor Viavorm puts its trust in precision from Gosheim. -
The operational reliability and precision of HERMLE machining centres already impressed Viavorm 25 years ago.
Dynamic production
The RS 1 robot system automates customised production and supplies the C 250 U 5-axis machining centre with workpieces. It can handle blanks weighing up to 20 kg and pallets of up to 60 kg. The HACS runs multiple orders in parallel, thereby reducing production times. The acronym HACS stands for HERMLE Automation-Control-System, which calculates runtimes and tool changes even before the machine starts up. Operators assign NC programs and zero points in just a few clicks. They determine quantities and assign the priority of orders. The sequence plan can be changed at any time – even during ongoing production. This ensures the user maintains full control of the process and can respond instantly to new requirements. “Multi-order processing significantly boosts our flexibility,” explains the director. “We’re now able to complete several orders at the same time and move back and forth between them quickly, if necessary – and all executed with the usual level of precision.”
Cooperation began in 1997 when Viavorm purchased a HERMLE C 800 V. “We were immediately impressed by the stability and precision of this machine,” says Lison. “Less than a year later, we ordered a second machine from the same series.” In 2007, Viavorm invested in its first 5-axis machining centre, a C 30 U. This was soon followed by the acquisition of the B 300 U, C 250 U and C 400 U models. “Our first C 800 V is still running at the highest level of precision,” Lison proudly. “This proven reliability gave us the confidence to invest in automated systems from HERMLE in 2023.”
Three factors for success
“Our partnership with HERMLE is based on three unshakeable pillars, which have been our bedrock for decades: Flexibility to meet changing needs, uncompromising operational reliability and direct access to the manufacturer,” Lison aptly sums up the cooperation. “We especially value having a single point of contact for both machines and automation; someone who speaks our language and responds immediately when issues arise.” The service is first class, and any downtime is eliminated swiftly. In summary, the managing director says: “Our customers benefit from fast delivery times and consistently high quality. Investment in the RS 1 quickly paid off for us.”
