Increased capacity and flexibility with automation solution at LHM
LHM A/S is a Danish manufacturing company specializing in high-precision machining of metal components, particularly for the offshore industry. To meet growing demand and maintain competitiveness, LHM has invested strategically in automation in recent years – with a long-term goal of achieving lights-out production, i.e., a fully unmanned production setup that includes raw material feed and palletized finished goods handling via AGVs.
One of the most recent investments is the automation of a CNC milling machine and a lathe using Fanuc robots capable of handling both raw and finished parts up to 250 kg. The solution is delivered in collaboration with Riact and includes a fully integrated software platform that controls both the robot cell and CNC machines, and eventually also AGVs.
Need for increased capacity without additional staff
LHM’s goal was clear: to increase capacity and make better use of existing machines – even outside normal working hours.
“The challenge was that we simply couldn’t generate enough capacity. It’s difficult to find people – and at the same time, we’re being pressured on price. So, we had to automate to produce in the evenings and at night,” says Thomas Jakobsen, Production Manager, LHM
The automation initiative was not just about efficiency, but also about future-proofing production in a competitive market.
Automation cell with Fanuc robot and flexible gripper technology
The solution features a 360 kg Fanuc robot equipped with a custom-designed finger station and flexible gripper technology from Schunk. The robot services both a multi-machine setup and a milling machine, and can automatically switch between different fingers (grippers) depending on the part geometry after machining.
PPS Automation was responsible for the construction, installation, and commissioning of the entire automation cell – including layout, robot positioning, safety zones, and integration with CNC equipment.
PPS Automation delivered and integrated the Fanuc robot, designed and built the customized gripper solution, and handled CE marking, documentation, and support throughout the project.
Professional collaboration – and faster implementation than expected
The solution was delivered through close collaboration between Riact Robotics and PPS Automation.
LHM was already familiar with Riact Robotics and their flexible software platform, RiFLEX Runtime, which operates across robot brands. PPS Automation joined the project as a partner through Riact and is described by Thomas Jakobsen as both professional and solution-oriented.
In particular, flexibility and dialogue during the project phase were highlighted as crucial to successful implementation.
“There were a lot of great ideas when we were on the production floor. It made the solution even better. And the implementation actually went faster than I expected.”
Measurable results – moving towards lights-out production
Although the solution is still relatively new, LHM has already achieved clear improvements in production. The most significant gain is a notable increase in capacity – without adding manpower. This is primarily due to the ability to run unmanned machining during evenings and night shifts, now operating stably and reliably.
“We’ve become much more flexible. We now have significantly more unmanned machining, which also increases our OEE,” explains Thomas Jakobsen.
The solution has also reduced changeover time and improved machine utilization, as multiple jobs can now be prepared and executed automatically – even over weekends. In practice, LHM can produce more with the same machine park, with fewer manual interventions and less downtime.
All of this supports the company’s long-term ambition to establish a lights-out production – a setup that can operate with minimal or no human intervention.
A partner that delivers as promised
When asked what matters most in working with PPS Automation, Thomas Jakobsen is clear: “Communication and an innovative mindset are essential. When something is agreed – it gets done. That’s really good.”
About the project partners
LHM A/S specializes in CNC machining and supplies precision components to customers with strict demands for quality and delivery performance. lhm-as.com
Riact Robotics develops flexible robot integration software, independent of robot brand. Learn more at riact.ai
Fanuc is a global manufacturer of industrial robots and CNC controllers, known for high reliability and precision. fanuc.eu/eu-en
PPS Automation is a division of PPS A/S, developing and implementing tailored automation solutions for manufacturing companies across Scandinavia.
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