Reinke Manufacturing has been working on this expansion project for the past couple of years. The facility is introducing a fully automated robotic pipe cell, consisting of 19 robots in a cluster, designed to weld water pipes with greater precision.
This system uses magnets to perfectly align and measure the spacing of pipe couplers. According to Reinke President Chris Roth, their current manufacturing process is already quite accurate in aligning couplers, but this new equipment will take it a step further, enhancing accuracy.
The new equipment will focus on producing high-volume pipes that Reinke already manufactures, including sizes 4 1/2″ | 6″| 6 5/8″ | 8″ | 8 5/8″ |10″.
This automated system is also expected to benefit Nebraska’s economy by supporting jobs through 30 dealerships across the state. Roth noted that each of these dealerships employs multiple people, helping to strengthen their local economies.
Currently, the robotic pipe cell is operational at the supplier’s facility. Reinke still needs to bring it in, reassemble it, and conduct tests to ensure everything is functioning properly, with the goal of having it up and running by this winter.
Roth emphasized that Reinke’s focus is on precision, whether it’s in manufacturing farm equipment, irrigation systems, factory equipment or by providing hands-on educational experiences.
Check out the video below from Reinke Manufacturing to see the automated robotic pipe cell in action.
