Supply Chain KHB Simplifies the Procurement of Laser and Bent parts

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KHB uses the digital platform Laserhub to procure laser and bent parts faster. The practical example shows how effort is reduced and delivery times become predictable.

Sandra Michel is a team leader in marketing at Laserhub

KHB Mechanical and Plant Engineering GmbH, based in Neresheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has been developing and manufacturing special machines, fixtures, and technical solutions for industrial applications for more than four decades. Around 40 employees serve customers from the automotive industry, glass and rubber processing, food production, and foundry technology. The service portfolio includes transport linking systems, high-bay storage solutions, and robotic systems for conveyor technology, as well as the maintenance and servicing of existing plants.

Especially in this environment, components often need to be available quickly, such as for short-term project requirements. However, procuring individual laser and bent parts was associated with significant organizational effort for KHB. For each component, quotes had to be individually requested, delivery dates coordinated, and often followed up on. This tied up internal resources and made quick responses difficult. The previous process reached its limits, particularly for urgent repairs as well as for single pieces and small series for special solutions. A standardized process was therefore needed that could also address immediate demands.

Digital Procurement of Manufactured Components with Laserhub

Today, KHB uses Laserhub's digital platform, which integrates configuration, quoting, and ordering into a seamless process. After uploading the CAD data, material, quantity, and additional processing steps can be specified. Based on this, the price and delivery date are calculated directly, and the order can then be placed online.

For simple laser cuts, formats such as .dxf or .dwg are sufficient. For more complex components, such as turned and milled parts, tube laser cuts, or bent parts, 3D formats like .step or .sldprt are used. The platform is compatible with common CAD systems such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, and Siemens NX. Files are automatically checked for feasibility, and changes can be implemented at short notice. Recurring components can also be saved as templates and retrieved later.

The available manufacturing processes include sheet cutting, tube laser cutting, and CNC machining. KHB mainly procures laser parts made of S235, stainless steel, or aluminum through the platform. Additionally, the company sources bent parts as custom-made pieces or in small series, as well as wear-resistant sheets for highly demanding applications.

More Transparency in Pricing and Delivery Dates

Since the introduction of the digital solution, lengthy quotation requests and manual scheduling are a thing of the past. Prices and delivery dates are determined immediately after configuration. The on-time delivery rate exceeds 98 percent.

KHB benefits from this especially in time-critical situations, such as maintenance or prototypes. However, Laserhub also provides transparency and planning reliability for regularly required series components. "Within seconds, I can inform our project managers of prices and delivery times and rely on them being met," says Andre Becker, Head of Quality Management at KHB Mechanical and Plant Engineering GmbH.

Well-prepared for Future Tasks

The collaboration with Laserhub has significantly improved KHB's procurement processes. With reduced communication effort and greater transparency in prices and delivery times, the company has gained responsiveness. This enables KHB to quickly and efficiently handle various requirements in special machine construction, regardless of quantity or time constraints. It ensures reliable processes and supports cost-effective project execution.