EODA automates three Mazak machines with RoboJob
Upgrading the operator’s role, with a robot for the repetitive work
EODA automates three Mazak machines with RoboJob
EODA in Pont-sur-Sambre, France, machines parts from single pieces to medium batches and builds special machines for demanding sectors such as aerospace. To upgrade the role of its operators, EODA automated with RoboJob in 2016, starting with an older lathe without an automatic door. Today, three RoboJob systems keep its Mazak machines running by day, at night and at weekends.
Key facts
- Company: EODA Réalisations
- Location: Pont-sur-Sambre, Nord, Hauts-de-France, France
- Founded: 1989
- Employees: approx. 55
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction, Aerospace, Energy
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist Essential, Mill-Assist Essential (2×)
- CNC machine brands: Mazak
- Automated machines: Mazak QTC 200 MY, Mazak VCS 530, Mazak VTC 760
- RoboJob customer since: 2016
- Key results: older lathe without automatic door retrofitted and automated in less than a week; robots run day, night and at weekends; operators’ role upgraded
Precision engineering in the Hauts-de-France since 1989
Since 1989, EODA has built an excellent reputation in the Hauts-de-France region. It machines complex parts, from single pieces to small and medium batches and very large dimensions, and designs and builds special machines, including their electrical, automation and pneumatic systems. Its customers include the aerospace, rail and energy sectors.
Why automate: upgrading the operator’s role
“The reason why we’ve focused on automation may not be that obvious. In the first place, we wanted to upgrade the role of our operators within the company. Our main objective was to use our operators for their skills: preparing and setting up the machine with more attention for the first workpiece and a better control of the result. A robot should then support them with the physical, repetitive work. Of course our employees were a bit sceptical about this, and that’s also human.”
— Fabrice Monier, Commercial Manager, EODA
An older Mazak, automated in less than a week
Through its machine supplier, Degomme-Boccard, EODA came into contact with RoboJob. The first project was a challenge: an older Mazak QTC 200 MY lathe without an automatic door or robot interface.
“You see, we wanted to automate an old machine: a Mazak QTC 200 MY with quite a few years of service. This machine had no automatic door, and of course no robot interface. However, RoboJob dealt with the whole thing in less than a week: the door was automated, the signals removed from the machine and by the end of the week our first Turn-Assist Essential was bowling along. Our operators had also already received training. Amazing, when I look back on it now.”
— Fabrice Monier
Three RoboJob systems on Mazak machines
After this first success, EODA added two RoboJob Mill-Assist Essentials on Mazak vertical machining centres.
- Mazak QTC 200 MY with a Turn-Assist Essential
- Mazak VCS 530 with a Mill-Assist Essential
- Mazak VTC 760 with a Mill-Assist Essential
“I dare to say that the combination of the Mazak machines with the Fanuc robots that are also used at RoboJob is a perfect harmony. Of course you have to have the work, but we’re succeeding in making our robots work both during the day and at night, and even during the weekend. So it goes without saying that the efficiency of machines with a robot is considerably higher than those without a robot.”
— Fabrice Monier
The result: upgraded work, machines that stay free
“Our operators too have noticed that their work has indeed been upgraded, and that more time has been released for other tasks. The robots are extremely easy to use and rarely or never have problems or a breakdown. Moreover, the automation setup is so open and free that you can easily continue to use the machine without a robot.”
— Fabrice Monier
As a supplier to the aerospace industry, EODA continually questions and improves its internal processes. Its aerospace customers are also reaping the benefits of the move to automation.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did EODA automate with RoboJob?
EODA in Pont-sur-Sambre, France, runs three RoboJob systems on Mazak machines: a Turn-Assist Essential on a QTC 200 MY lathe, and Mill-Assist Essentials on a VCS 530 and a VTC 760 vertical machining centre. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2016.
Can an older machine without an automatic door be automated?
Yes. EODA’s Mazak QTC 200 MY had many years of service and no automatic door or robot interface. RoboJob automated the door, connected the signals and installed a Turn-Assist Essential in less than a week. Jehle CNC had two existing machines retrofitted the same way.
Can a Mazak vertical machining centre be automated?
Yes. EODA runs RoboJob Mill-Assist Essentials on a Mazak VCS 530 and a VTC 760. Stubbe Metaalbewerking automates a Mazak VTC-200C II, and M-Plus a Mazak MTV 515. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can the machine still be used without the robot?
Yes. At EODA, the RoboJob setup is so open that operators can easily continue to use the machine without the robot, for example for a one-off part.
What happens to the operator’s role with a robot cell?
At EODA, it is upgraded. The RoboJob cells take over physical, repetitive loading, so operators focus on preparing and setting up the machine, the first workpiece and quality control.
Which French aerospace suppliers use RoboJob?
In France, RoboJob automates CNC machines at aerospace suppliers such as EODA in the Hauts-de-France, Puget Production Mécanique and M-Plus. See CNC automation for aerospace manufacturing.