The lost-wax casting mould specialist is gradually completing its production tool and has recently invested in a loading/unloading robot.
For Moules et Outillages de Bourgogne, robotics means “enhanced productivity”. As CEO Jean Patenet explains, “the occupation rate of the machinerose from 50 to more than 80%” after they combined a loading/ unloading robot and a 5-axis machining centre.
Serial investments
This is the latest in a long series of investments. In 2004, the company specialising in the manufacturing of lostwax casting moulds acquired a first, then a second 3-axis high speed machining centre and a CAD/CAM solution. When the company moved to Fragnes (Saône-et-Loire, France), it completely reorganised its production flows and acquired two continuous 5-axis high speed machining centres. “Every time, our investments resulted from careful reflection carried out with Cetim”, the CEO says.
Robots can create jobs
The company benefitted from the launch of the Robot Start PME programme, supported by Symop, CEA List and Cetim, whose objective is to help small and medium companies to acquire their first robots. As Jean Patenet explains, “a robotics specialist assisted us throughout the process. This ensured we made the right choices”. With this Cartesian robot coupled to a 24 station pallet rack, the operator prepares the parts which are to be processed and the cell handles the pallets depending on the programmed machining operations. Finally, the company increased both its productivity and its workforce. Jean Patenet explains: “First we improved the skills of our CAM operators, then we had to recruit a person for the workshop and another one is in the process of being recruited. Then, the next step will consist in strengthening the design and adjustment teams.” The next step: extending the operation area of the robot to the second 5-axis machining centre and assessing the possibilities offered by additive manufacturing.
Cetim provides support to companies to help them to assess and implement new technologies in the scope of national actions and regional collective actions.
