PLC controls, servo and spindle drives, motors, drive and control technology, supply modules, length measuring systems, angle measuring systems as well as displays and replacement monitors: Allmendinger's experts offer repairs, spare parts and service for both current systems and legacy systems that have already been discontinued by the manufacturer. In order to avoid long downtimes for customers, around 40,000 different electronic and mechanical spare parts are always in stock on around 50,000 square meters of storage space. Maximum availability is essential in this industry. In addition to availability, quality is a key success factor for the company. "Our aim is to offer our customers consistently high quality repairs at all times. To ensure this, we have highly qualified employees and state-of-the-art equipment. For example, we have our own X-ray laboratory, over 100 test benches and three separate test rooms for carrying out endurance tests," explains Jürgen Schunn, Head of the Power Electronics department at Allmendinger.

Plenty of space for electronic workstations

In the course of the strong expansion, the former machine hall was also converted: The addition of a false ceiling created spacious new areas on both the first floor and the second floor. Where large mechanical parts were once repaired, the new electronics workshop has now moved in. Two large overhanging work bays were set up on the first floor for processing large assemblies, some of which require the use of a forklift truck. The corridors and numerous offices on the upper floor were largely merged.

A total of 40 new electronics workstations were created at the ten spacious work islands arranged in a U-shape. "The tasks in our department are varied. We deal with power electronics the size of a closet through to more intricate work on circuit boards at component level," explains Schunn. Soldering technology, magnifying glasses and microscopes are just as necessary for day-to-day work as an X-ray machine and a rework station for electronic components. "We used Krieg's equipment right from the start. That was the case even when there were just five workstations at the beginning. We have now equipped more than 100 workstations with the Krieg system."

Effective protection of components against electrostatic discharge

The aim of the furnishings was to create a uniform system that could be set up flexibly. The light gray office furniture, consisting of basic and add-on tables, was to be variable in use. This enables maximum space utilization. Schunn: "We want to set everything up just as we need it - so we don't want to use fixed welded table frames in standard dimensions."

With the Workflex workstation system, various islands and bays in the previous machine hall could be arranged as continuously attached workstations. "At Allmendinger, new, conceptual workstations were created on 1,200 square meters. The advantage is that you gain a lot of workspace even in the smallest of spaces and this results in a uniform appearance. The system is therefore functional and visually appealing," says Frank Ockert, Area Sales Manager at Krieg.

A relevant requirement for the workbenches is to protect the sensitive electronics from damage during the work process. The workstations have therefore been equipped with full ESD protection. There is also a special feature in the form of electrostatic discharge equipment. Ockert explains: "Especially in manufacturing and repair operations involving sensitive components and materials, effective protection against electrical charges and discharges as well as voltage breakdowns is required." In some companies that work with electronic components, electrostatic discharges are responsible for around 25% of all defective components. Table tops made of a conductive material, such as those used at Allmendinger, offer effective protection here and prevent electrostatic charging processes in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1.

As Allmendinger was already familiar with Krieg products from previous furnishing projects, the workstations were put together quickly and in a structured manner. The primary aim was to create flowing work steps in structured paths - with furniture that blends into the overall picture. In order to generate sufficient light at the generously proportioned workstations, the entire lighting was realized with daylight LED lamps. Schunn describes another measure: "We limited the number of desks. On the one hand, to receive as much daylight as possible and, on the other, to be able to make optimum use of the work table's surface area."