24-27 June 2025
Messe Munich

Messe Munich, 24–27 June 2025

Special machine construction and automation

As an internationally successful specialist for production automation, Autec offers efficient solutions for your future-proof production.

No matter whether it is a question of partially or fully automated system concepts: production systems from Autec take on the most diverse manufacturing processes – in addition to handling, feeding and sorting materials and components, for example, separating, joining, measuring, testing and marking.

The functional scope of our automated production systems extends to the fully automated assembly of complex components and their packaging.

For the highest possible flexibility, even at high cycle rates, we rely on electric drives, cycle chains, linear motor-driven transfer systems and highly flexible robot technology.

The headquarters of the medium-sized, owner-managed Autec group of companies is Amberg in northern Bavaria.

Learn more about Autec

As an internationally successful factory automation provider, Autec offers efficient solutions for future-proof production. Regardless of whether these are fully- or partially-automated plant concepts.

Autec’s machines perform a wide range of manufacturing processes efficiently and precisely – in addition to feeding and sorting materials and components, processes such as cutting, joining, measuring, testing and marking. The functional scope of our automated production plants extends to the fully automatic assembly of complex units as well as their packaging.

For maximum flexibility, even at high cycle rates, we integrate electric drives and robot-assisted systems at the customer’s request.

The headquarters of our owner-managed, medium-sized group of companies is located in Amberg, Northern Bavaria.

Learn more about Autec

Automation from a single source

From concept to realization to commissioning and service

Flexible system concepts

Precisely adaptable to your individual automation needs

Own
Feeding technology

Own feeding technology

Reliable and efficient feeding solutions for a wide range of components

Systems with high clock rates

Linear mounting systems for highest clock rates – without sacrificing quality

Minimal
Project times

Thanks to in-house planning, manufacturing, assembly and programming

Worldwide
Service

Worldwide service

After-sales support from commissioning to maintenance and repair

Special Machine Construction 4.0

Autec automation systems offer practicable functions for data connection, acquisition and evaluation:

Automated order management
Data retrieval via mobile operating panels and smart devices
Automatic process control, monitoring and evaluation
Traceability
Preventive maintenance
Energy management
Remote diagnosis and parameterization
Computer-aided support, also via augmented reality
Simple operation due to a specially developed Human Machine Interface (HMI)

Future-proof automation through Industry 4.0

Bundled competence

To ensure our high standards, we at Autec have extensive in-house development and manufacturing expertise. They enable us to achieve short reaction times, avoid frictional losses and ensure consistently high quality.

Autec Sondermaschinenbau GmbH already uses state-of-the-art processes in-house – e. g. for design, engineering, rapid prototyping and manufacturing:

Fully comprehensive 3D design with optional virtual reality inspection
Electrical and pneumatic planning by our own development team
High-performance CNC 5-axis milling
3D printing, including for the construction of grippers and protective covers
In-house programming of all control processes and user interfaces

Autec CAD-Konstruktion Sondermaschinenbau

Virtuelle Begehung einer Automationsanlage mit VR-Brille

3D-Druck für den Sondermaschinenbau bei Autec in Bayern

Autec In-House Engineering

Full
3D construction

In-house electrical and pneumatic planning

In-house
Programming

Self-developed human machine interface (HMI)

Ready for your requirements

We are happy to take on new challenges around your production automation: Thanks to many years of experience in special machine construction, Autec creates innovative technical solutions even for the most demanding problems.

Exemplary automation solutions from Autec:

Teilautomatisierte Autec-Montagelinie mit frei zugänglichem Werkstückträgern

Partially automated Autec assembly line with specially developed, production-supporting workpiece carriers, thanks to which the workpiece remains freely rotatable and accessible.

Linear motor-driven transfer system whose magnetic movers allow individual movement profiles

Innovatives Montagesystem im Robotergreifer beugt einem frühzeitigen Verschleiß des Roboterarms vor

Innovative latching clip assembly system from Autec, whose closed force flow in the robot gripper prevents premature wear of the robot arm

Kabelhandling bei Produktionsprozessen für E-Mobilität und Automotive-Anwendungen

Unique assembly concept with Autec’s own solution for cable handling – ideal for use in production processes for e-mobility and automotive applications

Special machines: Customised solutions for every production requirement

Special-purpose machinery – what exactly is it? And what can special-purpose machinery do in modern production environments?
You can find the most frequently asked questions and answers on the subject of special-purpose machinery in conjunction with Industry 4.0 in our FAQs:

What is special machine construction?

Special machine construction is an area of mechanical engineering that deals with the development and manufacture of customised machines and systems for specific production requirements. These machines are not mass products, but customised solutions for special, mostly industrial applications.

How does customised mechanical engineering differ from conventional mechanical engineering?

In classic mechanical engineering, standardised machines are produced in series, while special machine construction responds to customer-specific requirements and develops unique machines that are only built once or in small quantities.

What types of special machines are there?

Special machine construction produces machines that are customised to individual customer requirements and can perform a wide variety of tasks. These include, for example:

Automation systems

Assembly systems for the automated assembly of components
Handling systems such as robot arms or pick-and-place systems
Conveyor technology and lifting systems
Packaging systems

Processing machines

Customised CNC machines for special machining processes or workpieces
Laser systems – for cutting, engraving or welding, for example
Ultrasonic welding systems
Bending, punching or forming machines

Robot cells and systems

Integrated robotic solutions for complex production steps
Special solutions for collaborative robots (cobots)

Filling and dosing systems

For liquids, powders or granulates
With special requirements, for example for operation under sterile conditions

Inspection and test systems

Functional test systems
Optical inspection systems (also with cameras and AI for error detection)
Leak testing systems
End-of-line test stands

In which industries and application areas are special-purpose machines used?

Special-purpose machines are used in various branches of industry – as well as in science, research and development:

Special machines for the automotive industry

Conveying and handling technology systems
Machines and systems for processing components
Systems for assembly automation
Processing and assembly systems for high-voltage and e-mobility solutions
Inspection and test systems for quality control
Cleaning and drying systems

Special machines for medical technology or pharmaceuticals

Specialised production or packaging systems – usually under clean room conditions
Automated laboratory systems

Special machine construction for the food industry

Special filling systems, cutting or portioning machines
Hygienic special machines

Special machines in the aerospace industry

Handling and positioning systems for large-volume, sensitive components
Systems for the production of structural components
Special systems for surface treatment
Testing systems for material tests
Machines for automated joining
Assembly systems – for example for engine components or cockpit units

Plant and machinery for environmental technology

Recycling plants with special requirements
Sorting systems for special materials

Special machines for the packaging industry

Filling systems for a wide variety of goods, liquids, powders or granulates
Packaging machines for bags, blisters, cartons or shrink film
Labelling and coding systems
Palletising and depalletising systems
Special solutions, for example for separating or feeding
Inspection systems

Special machines for research & development

Prototype machines for material testing, process simulation, etc.
Test facilities for new production technologies

What advantages do special-purpose machines offer for automation?

Customised production systems that combine specific machining and assembly processes are created in special machine construction. Special machine solutions and automatic assembly machines from Autec, for example, ensure maximum efficiency, precision and productivity by automating complex processes – with consistently high precision and optimised coordination.

From what company size are special-purpose machines worthwhile?

Not only large industrial companies benefit from modern special machines for production automation, but also medium-sized and smaller manufacturing companies. Automation enables them to increase their competitiveness, reduce costs and respond flexibly to market requirements.

Which industrial processes can be automated using special-purpose machines?

Special-purpose machines in automation technology integrate a wide variety of machining processes. Different processing steps such as feeding, sorting, testing, bending, punching, welding, crimping, soldering, gluing, assembling, testing, labelling or packaging – and many more – can be seamlessly combined on one system.

How important is CAD development in special machine construction?

The complete CAD design of special machines enables precise and efficient planning, which shortens development times and allows any errors to be recognised at an early stage.

One particular advantage is the creation of a digital twin that exactly replicates the system in a virtual environment. Virtual reality allows this twin to be viewed and tested realistically so that optimisations can be carried out before physical production.

What factors influence the design of a customised machine?

Important factors include the customer’s specific production requirements, the available space, material requirements, the desired degree of automation and required safety standards, as well as costs and energy efficiency.

How does the development of a customised machine work?

The development of a customised machine begins with a requirements analysis, followed by concept development, design, production, assembly, commissioning and final testing. At Autec, this entire process takes place in close co-operation with the customer.

What types of special machines does Autec realise in Amberg?

The domain of Autec Sondermaschinenbau is production automation. From assembly, testing or process cells to pneumatic, cam-controlled or servomotor-driven pick & place units through to complex interlinked assembly systems with integrated robotics, Autec supplies future-proof solutions for a wide range of industries.

A specially developed Human Machine Interface (HMI), which can be used to control and monitor Autec’s special-purpose machines and automation systems, ensures simple operation combined with a wide range of functions.

What can special-purpose machines do in the age of Industry 4.0?

The connection to industrial communication interfaces makes special-purpose machines and assembly systems ‘Industry 4.0-ready’. For example, components can be precisely tracked and orders can be managed and analysed via a data connection. With Autec special-purpose machines, dedicated software functions also ensure intelligent energy management of the system.

In the event of a service call, support via augmented reality ensures that the causes of faults can be located and rectified ‘in real time’ – via remote diagnosis and parameterisation.

Special machines in combination with lean production?

In combination with lean production processes, special-purpose machines also increase efficiency by combining lean, low-waste processes with customised automation.

Manual pre-assembly workstations, for example, can be usefully supplemented by a customised machine from Autec, which automates all further and/or more complex machining processes and thus ensures highly efficient, low-error production.

Satisfied customers worldwide

Factory Automation from Autec stands the test every day – in a wide range of industries and production plants. As a full-service provider, we also offer commissioning, training and maintenance on site. Whether in Germany, Europe or worldwide.