BVD Pece

Automation of Industrial Kiln

For our long-standing partner BVD Pece, we carried out a comprehensive equipment integration project that included the electrical and control systems for a continuous electric kiln. The project involved integrating the proposed mechanical safety solution, manufacturing the control panel, developing the software, and commissioning the equipment directly at the customer’s site.

Industrial kiln for heating parts prior to pressing

BVD Pece, a specialist in industrial kilns and thermal equipment with a history dating back to 1990, designed an innovative continuous-flow electric kiln for its customer, intended for heating parts. The furnace is used to preheat material, which is then robotically transferred to the pressing process, where it takes on its final shape. A key feature of the project was the expansion of standard furnace technology to include an automated input handling section that ensures the material is loaded into the furnace. Our scope of supply for this project included

Linear manipulator, smooth operation, and machine safety

The control system is based on a Siemens platform with an operator panel, while safety is ensured by components from SICK. A two-axis linear manipulator driven by Lenze servo drives was used to handle the input material. The manipulator automatically retrieves material from two loading positions. As soon as one position is emptied, the system seamlessly switches to the other while the operator replenishes the material. This solution, developed by BVD Pece, enables continuous operation without interrupting production and also represents a simpler and more economical alternative to robotic loading.

INTEGRATION INTO THE EXISTING MACHINE SAFETY CONCEPT

The project built upon a technical machine safety solution that the technology manufacturer had already developed in accordance with the EN ISO 13855 safety standard. Our task was to supplement the proposed concept with complete electrical installation and control systems so that everything would function as a single unit. The result is technology that is now running reliably in actual operation.

INNOVATION OF THE FURNACE WITH AN AUTOMATED HANDLING SYSTEM

From the manufacturer’s perspective, the project involved expanding the standard continuous furnace with an input handling system. A linear manipulator automatically loads material from two positions, enabling smooth operation without interrupting production. This allows the operator to replenish material during operation without interfering with the process.

INTEGRATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY WITH EXISTING EQUIPMENT

From a technology control perspective, an interesting aspect of this project was the integration of the new furnace with existing technology from another supplier. Information about the status of the new furnace is therefore also displayed on the operator panel of the original equipment. This gives the operator all key information in one place, enabling them to control the equipment effectively.

Project Implementation

Our part of the project, covering electrical and control systems, took approximately four months, from November through early 2026. The technology was first fully assembled and tested at the equipment manufacturer’s facility, then disassembled, transported to the end customer, and reinstalled, where we commissioned it together. A team of specialists from our side participated in the project:

• electrical designer
• switchgear manufacturer
• control system programmer
• installation technicians

The result of this collaboration is an automated material heating technology that increases the efficiency of the production process, enables continuous material feeding, and integrates the new equipment into the existing production line. The technology is now part of the automotive supplier’s production process.

Automation of manufacturing and process applications