This manufacturing process is particularly well adapted to the
most demanding markets requiring high levels of quality and
state-of-the-art engineering in sectors such as aeronautics,
energy and medical prosthetics.
Easy to use WorkXplore 3D
Every stage of the job is managed by one of the three
packages from Vero Software. The process begins when Jean
Etienne Patenet, CEO, uses
WorkXplore 3D to open CAD files sent by customers and
makes a detailed analysis to quickly check and determine the
required tooling equipment to be produced.
“The comprehensive set of easy-to-use analysis tools is
particularly useful for helping us to appreciate any
potential difficulties in order to provide the most accurate
quotations.
Dynamic sectioning means we can quickly and precisely
examine the interior of a part or assembly. Planar face,
curve and minimum radius analysis provide a rapid way of
evaluating the most time-consuming and problematic tasks.”
He says staff with no CAD experience can easily use
WorkXplore 3D to examine any type of file, whatever their
origin, and pass on key information to customers, colleagues
and suppliers. “Predefined scenes, including views of the
model and different orientations, along with notes and
dimensions, can all be added. And WorkXplore also generates
a stand-alone application containing the 3D model and
assemblies, which can be emailed. Recipients can immediately
open and work on the file without having to dispose of the
original CAD application in which the model was initially
created.This allows mould designs to be validated rapidly,
and saves us a great deal of time.”
WorkPLAN, the custom manufacturing solution
Even greater levels of efficiency are achieved with
WorkPLAN Manufacturing Software Solution. The Planning
module is their main indicator for monitoring the production
workload, allowing them to be proactive, reactive, and
anticipate any bottlenecks. “Being able to indicate
reasonable, reliable and realistic lead times to our
customers significantly enhances our credibility.”
Jean Etienne Patenet adds: “We were working with a different
system, but switched to WorkPLAN which met our requirements
perfectly, as it’s specifically designed for custom
manufacturing.” All information coming from all parts of the
business, including the sales team, administration,
production, engineering office and the purchasing department
are centralized and easily accessible thanks to the
Information Management module. And he says being able to
provide reliable, realistic and sustainable lead times
considerably increases their credibility with customers.
Also, WorkPLAN’s Quotation module helps MOB remain
competitive and cost effective. “Using search criteria, we
find relevant data from similar projects, helping us
establish accurate quotes extremely quickly, guaranteeing
our margins and profitability. An offer is turned into an
order in just a few clicks, and we follow progression
constantly, taking any necessary measures to avoid late
deliveries or cost increases.”
Touch screens have been installed in the workshop and time
management is performed rigorously on a daily basis.
Information is given to shopfloor operators, making them
aware of time spent on each task, compared to planned times.
“WorkPLAN improves our efficiency at all levels, and
throughout every phase of a project.”
WorkNC, the manufacturing process master piece
MOB’s range of moulds, dies and fixtures are all
manufactured with the specialist
WorkNC CAM
software in their 600 square-metre workshop. CAM and NC
Manager Laurent Thibert uses it daily in the production
engineering office where he manages CNC machine programming
and machining tasks for their two Huron K2X10 3-axis,
and two Hermle C3OU 5-axis, machine tools.
He says after examining the type of 3- or 5-axis part, along
with the possible clamping setups and positioning of the part
in the clamping system, they create a CAM strategy, including
roughing, re-roughing, finishing and corner picking. “This
essential information is transferred onto a program sheet and
includes details such as tool lengths, Z minimums, toolpath
numbers, rotational angles and machining times, along with
images of the part.”
According to Laurent Thibert, the
roughing strategies are especially good at removing large
amounts of stock material before carrying out semi-finishing
and finishing operations. “WorkNC’s dynamic stock model
management feature allows the stock model to be updated in
real time throughout the machining process, ensuring high
precision remachining toolpaths.” Other toolpaths frequently
used by MOB are Z-level Finishing, Optimised Z-Level, Z-Level
Remachining and Contour Remachining.
He says they constantly need to create new CNC programs as
each order is made to measure, and each part is different,
requiring new set up tooling equipment and an individual
manufacturing process.
“As WorkNC is so easy to use, parts can be machined extremely
quickly, and thanks to the quality finishing toolpaths, there
are very few traditional milling phases or manual reworking
such as polishing or adjusting, to be done afterwards. WorkNC
offers a remarkable level of surface finish quality.” |