Can the most advanced production facility for precast concrete elements be further optimized?

Data Collection and Analysis

"The production of precast concrete elements is carried out using an assembly line process, with the component carrier pallets passing through various stations and work processes. To identify optimization potentials in the production process, it was necessary to conduct a comprehensive data collection and analysis of all 11 stations. Based on these results, proposals for optimizing production could be developed," explained SPMT student and project leader Patrik Sturmberger.

"Through the optimization approaches we developed, significant cost-saving potentials for the company Bernegger could arise, and the existing cycle time could be improved," Sturmberger continued.

Concrete Optimization Proposals

The most significant optimization potential was identified at the two automatic stations, where structural changes and optimization of robot programming are necessary. The required coil change of the steel reinforcements during production hinders the production flow and, consequently, the overall lead time. Measures were proposed for calculating and controlling the optimal exchange time outside of production hours.

Erich Moser further commented: "We are very pleased to conduct an analysis of the production processes in cooperation with FH Steyr. Based on the development work in our new plant, it is always necessary to optimize the work steps and plant technology to make processes better, faster, and safer. The students enable us to view the production from a different perspective. We gladly take up the suggestions and incorporate them into the workflow as much as possible. We also thank them for the great collaboration and wish the young team all the best for their future careers."