Robotics Solves the Skilled Labor Shortage

Key Facts at a Glance

The Customer

Ancofer Stahlhandel is a steel distributor and service center within the Dillinger Group, Europe’s leading producer of heavy plate. As part of this strong industrial network, Ancofer offers a broad product portfolio, large storage capacity (total stock exceeding 100,000 metric tons), and comprehensive value-added services.

“Teqram’s EasyGrinder robot has significantly increased our productivity while improving safety and working conditions in deburring.”
(Ancofer Stahlhandel GmbH)

The Challenge

Manual finishing of heavy steel parts was loud, hazardous, and physically demanding. Recruiting skilled workers was difficult, and many employees avoided deburring and finishing tasks altogether. Ancofer needed a solution that would improve safety and ergonomics while remaining flexible and cost-effective for small and mid-sized batches.

The Solution

• Standard Teqram EasyGrinder 200 autonomous grinding robot with EasyEye 3D vision for automatic part recognition
  
• Tooling for deslagging, grinding, deburring, and oxide layer removal
  
• Magnetic grippers for steel parts up to 200 kg (441 lb)
  
• Pneumatic EasyFlipper for part turning and two-sided processing

The Results

• Processing speed increased by approximately 5–10% compared to manual work
  
• Higher productivity and more efficient use of resources
  
• Reduced abrasive consumption and lower operating costs
  
• Consistently high finish quality with repeatable results
  
• Cost-effective processing of small batches and single parts
  
• Flexible response to changing demand and order volume
  
• Significantly improved safety by eliminating loud and hazardous manual grinding
  
• More attractive workstations through ergonomic relief
  
• First system successfully implemented, leading to installation of a second cell
  
• Strong foundation for future performance upgrades and further automation

Why Teqram

Teqram stood out with its advanced 3D vision technology, intuitive automation without programming effort, and a system built to perform reliably in demanding industrial environments. The solution gives Ancofer maximum flexibility across batch sizes while improving both safety and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Automation has become a critical lever in addressing skilled labor shortages and unsafe working conditions. Ancofer’s success demonstrates how robotics can sustainably improve productivity, quality, and workplace safety in heavy steel processing.

More Information

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