In 2018 a record number of participants could already be noted, this was even exceeded in 2019. In their lectures, speakers from industry and research presented innovations, trends and research results on various topics to an interested audience of experts.
Everyone talked about the biggest challenges facing our industry, such as CO2 emissions, energy consumption and automation technology, which were discussed controversially. Anyone who talks about energy consumption and CO2 emissions will of course not be able to avoid the question of alternative, preferably regenerative forms of energy. Here again, the brick and tile industry is urgently looking for solutions from the mechanical and plant engineering sectors.
For KELLER, Lutz Jankowski gave a lecture on the topic “Keller implements intelligent industrial robot plant concepts”. A brick mixing plant, the unlocking of pallet stacks with integrated quality control and some applications outside the heavy clay industry were presented. The presentations were followed with great interest, as these solutions could be the answer to the shortage of skilled workers. It is becoming increasingly difficult for our customers to find qualified and motivated personnel.
"Robots also perform unpleasant tasks with a consistently high level of motivation!”

Simple gripping tasks can be managed with standardized grippers. However, the gripping of complex components and the handling of automation jobs outside of this standard require the use of special grippers.

KELLER IMS “Intelligent Machinery Solutions” is a manufacturer of special machinery and plants with many years of experience in a wide variety of industries.

Our worldwide approved and innovative gripper systems perform a wide range of automation and handling tasks. Industrial or portal robots, regardless of which system you use, our innovative tools and grippers increase automation and flexibility, accelerate processes and reduce your operating costs.

The variety and individuality of the products to be handled require special tools and solutions. We offer the optimum solution for your application and always keep an eye on the total costs.

Our grippers are not only limited to “opening” and “closing”, they also “turn, space and group” your products during the handling and robot cycle, thus replacing some of the additional equipment and machines required.

With the feeling of what is feasible, our highly qualified engineers plan, develop, design and assemble not only the most complex gripping systems. Complete solutions and deliveries including industrial or portal robots and their assembly and commissioning as well as the respective safety equipment are part of our core competencies. For example, the working areas of industrial robots can be extended by our linear axes, which are adapted to your application.

Based on many years of experience, our engineers support you with:
- Feasibility studies and simulations
- The adaptation of new robot grippers in your plant
- Programming and commissioning
- Supply of complete solutions including e.g. inlet and outlet transport and grouping equipment

Challenge our high level of competence to create an efficient solution for your automation and handling task.

On 22 and 23 October 2019, around 60 students of process engineering, materials technology and ceramics informed themselves at the Röben Klinkerwerk Bannberscheid about brick production and career opportunities in the brick industry.
Lutz Jankowski, KELLER, gave a lecture on "Intelligent industrial robots - plant concepts using the example of a mixing plant as stand-alone solution".
The get-together at the evening of the first excursion day gave the opportunity for personal discussions between students and industry representatives. First contacts were established and here and there a possible cooperation was discussed.

The forum offers brick manufacturers and plant manufacturers the opportunity to review the past time and to discuss the future.
This year, the focus was on production-related presentations on raw material preparation, extrusion, drying
and firing.
The accompanying exhibition and training sessions provided information about new and existing product solutions.
The forum closes every evening with a hospitality event that offers participants the opportunity to exchange the upcoming topics intensively.
The extensive technical programme was completed by the traditional Steak Cookout on Wednesday evening.
This year KELLER was represented by Ulrich Hagemann and Holger Rottmann.
As in previous years, we received support from our US representative MECO - The Manufacturers
Equipment Company from Middletown, Ohio.

Intelligent robot solution for the unlocking of pallet stacks

Pallet logistics is becoming increasingly important in many industrial sectors, especially in the building materials industry. Increasing requirements on building sites, resource efficiency, load securing requirements and internal transport are constantly confronting the companies with new challenges. A flexible system for handling return pallets would increase productivity and provide the necessary process reliability.

You can read more at
https://www.keller.de/en/ims/machines-ims/pallet-handling.htm

In many different industrial branches products are nowadays extruded and cut to the requested length. For this purpose, a variety of cutting and punching systems of manual, semi-automatic or automatic type are available.

Based on its long experience in the manufacture of cutting systems for the ceramic industry, KELLER IMS developed a cutter for such products according to the principle of universal cutters, which meets the requirements in terms of technology and investment.

You can read more at
https://www.keller.de/en/ims/machines-ims/cutter.htm

Innovative KELLER grinding technology

The KELLER grinding technology is one of our product segments in which we are constantly developing and facing the challenges of the market. The targets and needs of our customers are the driving force for our work.

The Vario 900 grinding machine is our answer to the requirements of our times for plane brick production. It represents the coming generation of KELLER grinding machines and continues the successful history of KELLER grinding technologies.

Read more
https://www.keller.de/en/ics/machines/grinding-machines.htm

The increasing demand for energy-efficient vertical coring lightweight bricks, also in France and in the Benelux countries, induced Wienerberger AG to extend its product portfolio by new thermal bricks. With the “CLIMAmur” product family, the range of heat-insulating vertical coring lightweight bricks was complemented by bricks with integrated mineral wool insulation.

With the aim of a customer-oriented plant solution optimally integrated into the existing infrastructure at the Betschdorf site in Alsace, France, KELLER was won as high-tech partner and highly specialized plant manufacturer of machinery and plants who convinced both technically and economically with numerous comparable reference plants. Both companies have already successfully cooperated in the past. This further cooperation undoubtedly underlines the many years of comprehensive experience of the KELLER engineers in filling technology.

The brick with integrated insulation

Filled bricks are considered as high-tech building material and are used in modern new residential buildings. They comply with ecological, health and static standards. They are also fire- and sound-insulating.

Read more KELLER Home / ICS / Brick Filling Plants