Custom system build
When neither a configurable cell nor a single specialist area covers the whole solution, we design a custom-built system around the actual sequence of operations, stations, and implementation constraints.
Custom-built system
A custom-built system is rarely defined by a single building block.
It's shaped by connected operations, custom-built stations and tooling, implementation constraints, and a coordinated overall assembly.
What defines it
Connected operations
Custom-built stations and tooling
Implementation constraints
Coordinated assembly
Result
the system is defined by the combination of operations, stations, and constraints — not by a single building block.
Custom-built assembly
A custom-built system isn't a catalog of building blocks. It's a single build in which each part is defined by the actual sequence of work and by how the parts constrain one another.
A sequence of multiple steps has to work as one coordinated build, not as a standalone cell with an add-on.
The process requires a station, gripper, feeder, or other tooling designed for a specific part and workflow.
Layout, existing equipment, or interfaces shape the system's architecture from the outset.
The elements have to connect into a single whole, with a coordinated sequence and handoffs between them.
Choosing a solution
Customization on its own doesn't make a custom-built system. That's the right call once an existing cell or a single established area can no longer cover the full structure of the process.
Configurable cell or specialist solution
The starting point is an existing cell architecture or an area such as CNC, injection molding, cobots, material handling, or logistics.
Custom-built system
The solution is defined by a combination of connected operations, special-purpose stations or tooling, layout, and connections to existing equipment.
Parts of the build
That can include a robot, a gripper, a custom-built station, part infeed or outfeed, inspection, and connection to existing equipment. None of these elements on its own defines a custom-built system.
Related areas
A custom-built system can combine elements from these areas, but it doesn't replace them. If one of them already covers the core of the process, that's the right starting point for the solution.
When the core of the solution is machining, CNC machine tending, and the equipment around it.
View area→When the solution is defined by the injection molding machine, the tool, inserts, or the molding cycle.
View area→When the main question is whether a cobot is the right technology for a clearly defined operation.
View area→When the task is mainly gripping, moving, orienting, or handing off a part.
View area→When the core of the solution is a repeating flow of containers, pallets, or material between stages.
View area→
A possible starting point
In some builds, FLEX 25 / 50 is a configurable starting point. Its applications, options, and technical data are collected on the FLEX 25 / 50 page.
Completed project
Custom-built system for packaging
Making the packaging was demanding because of different and unpredictable variables, so a custom-built solution was needed for a more stable and controlled workflow.
See the custom-built system in practice→
Next step
To start, we need the sequence of operations, existing equipment, available space, and implementation constraints. From there we assess whether an existing solution covers the process or whether it needs a custom-built system.
