The automated system enables Enterijer Mesicki to improve operational versatility, precision, and efficiency. | Source: Enterijer Mesicki
Enterijer Mesicki, with help from RoboDK, has developed a new robotic cell for aggregate processing and milling. The Serbian furniture manufacturer said many Eastern European manufacturers are looking for ways to incorporate advanced technology without compromising the high-quality craftsmanship that is a hallmark of the region’s furniture.
Established in 1992, Enterijer Mesicki has expertise in hardwood furniture production and digital transformation. The company specializes in manufacturing hardwood furniture for diverse interior designs, supplying kitchens, restaurants, and hotels, among other establishments. Its latest innovation combines the widely available FANUC robot line and the robot programming functionalities of RoboDK software.
“Contributing to the development and production of the components, and seeing everything come together and work flawlessly, was an incredible experience,” said Zoran Mesicki, the owner of Enterijer Mesicki. “It’s always rewarding to work on something innovative, and we’re thrilled to have been part of such a remarkable project.”
Enterijer Mesicki said the new robotic cell for aggregate sanding and milling blends artisanal furniture-production techniques with cutting-edge automation. Its system prioritizes enhancing the precision, efficiency, and sustainability of Serbian furniture manufacturing.
Looking ahead, the company plans to introduce advanced aggregates for curvilinear edge banding, a feature that will further enhance its ability to produce bespoke furniture with robotic technology. Enterijer Mesicki is already working on expanding its technological capabilities.
Current projects include developing robotic systems for Metalac_INKO in Serbia, focusing on sanding composite bathroom fixtures like sinks and bathtubs.
FANUC, RoboDK technologies work together
Enterijer Mesicki said its robot cell uses a powerful combination of top-of-the-line robotic components. The core components of the system are:
RoboDK robot simulation and programming software: This flexible and feature-rich software enables the programming and simulation of a range of furniture manufacturing applications. RoboDK said its user-friendly interface minimizes programming time while maximizing accuracy, ensuring an efficient programming workflow for tasks like milling and sanding.
FANUC industrial robot: Readily available in the Serbian market, FANUC robots serve as the core robotic hardware of the system. Its robust performance and adaptability allow it to handle a wide range of tasks with exceptional precision and consistency.
Alphacam and SolidCam software: While RoboDK offers a wide variety of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) products, the team at Enterijer Mesicki opted to use its existing CAM software tools. This seamless compatibility with other software packages is a core benefit of using RoboDK.
“RoboDK is a key link in the system,” said Zoran Mesick. “I couldn’t imagine a system like this without it.”
Finishing system enables 3 core applications
RoboDK said its software allows users to simulate and program robots in five steps: select the robot, define the tool, load a 3D model, simulate the toolpath, and then generate robot programs. | Source: RoboDK
The primary function of the robotic cell is to improve Enterijer Mesicki’s production process. It currently facilitates three core applications in furniture manufacturing.
The first is a belt sander for mastering high-speed material removal. Designed for heavy-duty robotic surface finishing, the Belt Sander application directly addresses the challenge of efficient material removal.
With a programmable speed of up to 21 m/s and adjustable pressure ranging from 300 g to 20 kg, it can handle rough, high-speed sanding with precision, said RoboDK. This ensures that raw materials are prepared quickly and uniformly while minimizing waste and ensuring consistency across furniture components.
Next is the orbital sander, which delivers fine finishing precision. The Orbital Sander application tackles the intricacies of fine sanding and finishing, which are essential for achieving high-quality surfaces. Its six adjustable speeds and a 5 mm oscillation radius offer control and flexibility, the company said.
With programmable pressure, the application supports pressure ranges from 300 g to 20 kg, allowing for delicate work on complex surfaces. Enterijer Mesicki noted this helps it meet the demand for smooth, polished finishes that align with modern design aesthetics.
Finally, the system’s milling motor enables intricate cutting and detailing. Designed for precision, the Milling Motor application facilitates the efficient execution of detailed tooling and cutting operations, said RoboDK.
With a 12 kW air-cooled motor, automatic tool-changing capabilities, and variable speed control of up to 24,000 rpm, this application adds versatility to the production line, according to Enterijer Mesicki. In addition, the company said it improves the creation of detailed designs on wood, composite materials, and other surfaces, ensuring the production of bespoke, intricate furniture pieces that meet high consumer expectations.
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