High cycle rates, minimal downtime, and maximal flexibility – the demands posed of modern production systems are increasing constantly. Custom machine manufacturers such as Asytec AG are under pressure to deliver efficient and reliable solutions. In this blog post, we talk to Managing Director Jonas Egli about the challenges of modern automation, Asytec AG’s established cooperation with Montech, and the advantages of the LTE transfer system for efficient production processes.

Mr. Egli, you develop custom machines for various industries – how, exactly, should we imagine this?

Asytec AG was founded in 1993 and taken over in 2018 by long-term employees and the partner company Inasoft. We develop and build custom machines for automation requirements. Or, more simply, we develop custom machines that are not available on the market. Our automation solutions can be found, for example, in the food, cosmetics, tool, and automobile industries.

What problems and challenges do you face as a machine manufacturer?

Our customers produce in Switzerland or abroad and are under constant pressure to fulfill requirements for high quality and quantities with the lowest possible production costs. With our automation solutions, they receive reliable custom machines, benefit from minimal downtime, and secure a long-term partnership that strengthens their competitiveness for the future.

How did the collaboration with Montech come about?

I was familiar with Montech from my time as a mechanic and service technician. I like to remember how I used to inspect Montech’s belts built in 1998 on our systems. They are still in use now. Asytec AG has been working with Montech for more than 25 years. Our founders had used Montech belt conveyors and were convinced of their quality – just as we are today.

What benefits does Montech offer you?

With the introduction of its online shop, Montech has created 24/7 service that offers us real added value. It allows us to create a design quickly and easily – without wait times. With the configurator, we can design products, calculate their cost, and insert the CAD model directly into our design. We also appreciate Montech’s adherence to deadlines and project-specific customer advising for transfer system solutions. Furthermore, we appreciate the products’ longevity and availability. As an integrator, Montech’s products and services enable us to offer our customers the highest levels of efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

What requirements does a transfer system for machine manufacturers have to fulfill?

It must be possible to operate a transfer system reliably. Our systems with transfer systems are machines with high output. Failures in the transfer system cause a machine shutdown and are among the most serious faults, ones that must be avoided under all circumstances.

How do you rate Montech’s LTE transfer system?

The LTE transfer system distinguishes itself through its fast workpiece carrier separation, its great workpiece carrier positioning accuracy, and its high availability. In addition, the compact design of the LTE transfer system allows for multi-track conveyors in the narrowest of spaces. This allows us to feed products to multiple processing stations in parallel without wasting expensive space. We use the LTE transfer system for end-of-line test lines with fast cycle times. The product to be tested is transported to the test stations on workpiece carriers. After the test, the product is marked and processed further.

How do your customers react to the use of the LTE transfer system?

Many customers are familiar with Montech’s LTE transfer system and already define it in the customer specification. This is a testament to the system’s high quality and longevity, something that our customers prove every day.

How do you see the future of transfer systems in mechanical engineering?

In recent years, many new products have been placed on the transfer system market and more new ones will continue to be added. However, I am of the opinion that the classic transfer system with workpiece carriers and belt conveyors still pays off in terms of costs, variability, and low complexity.