JM Cauwet automates plastic machining on two Akira Seiki machines with RoboJob
60 robot hours in the first week, without damaging a single plastic part
JM Cauwet automates plastic machining on two Akira Seiki machines with RoboJob
JM Cauwet, known under the Plastique Cauwet brand, machines technical plastic parts in Feuchy, near Arras, France. Since 2021, two RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential cells have automated its Akira Seiki machining centres. In its very first week, the first robot worked no less than 60 hours, without damaging a single plastic part.
Key facts
- Company: JM Cauwet (Plastique Cauwet)
- Location: Feuchy, near Arras, Hauts-de-France, France
- Founded: 1994
- Employees: approx. 13
- Industries: Plastic parts, Subcontracting
- RoboJob products: Mill-Assist Essential (2×)
- CNC machine brands: Akira Seiki
- Automated machines: Akira Seiki RMV 250 T, Akira Seiki XBC 650
- RoboJob customer since: 2021
- Key results: 60 robot hours in the first week; no damage to fragile plastic parts
Plastic specialist near Arras
Founded in 1994, JM Cauwet transforms plastics into technical parts for industry. From its 720 m² workshop in the Artoipôle business park in Feuchy, a team of 13 machines, cuts, bends and thermoforms all kinds of plastics into new parts, prototypes and replacement parts for industrial maintenance, in small, medium and large series. Customers include the food, aerospace, electronics and automotive industries.
Why automate: staff shortages and series work
“It’s getting harder and harder to find good staff. This is proving to be quite a task for us as well. As a manufacturer of all kinds of plastic products, we do a fair amount of serial work. Our goal was to automate that repetitive work.”
— David Dubus, Technical Director, JM Cauwet
JM Cauwet had no experience with robots before, and plastic is a fragile material. That made the step to automation feel like a big one.
References that convinced
JM Cauwet came into contact with RoboJob through its machine supplier THEOLOGIEN Machines Outils. RoboJob explained the possibilities of automation and shared references, including companies where RoboJob cells handle plastic products. Those references convinced JM Cauwet.
Two Mill-Assists on two Akira Seiki machines
In 2021, JM Cauwet bought a new five-axis Akira Seiki machining centre and had RoboJob automate it with a Mill-Assist Essential. Preparation and communication went perfectly, and the installation was completed within a few days. A second Mill-Assist Essential followed.
- Akira Seiki RMV 250 T with a Mill-Assist Essential
- Akira Seiki XBC 650 with a Mill-Assist Essential
The result: 60 hours in the first week, no damage
The concern about fragile plastics turned out to be unfounded. JM Cauwet sets the clamping force of the gripper fingers itself, so parts are handled without damage.
“We would never have dreamed it ourselves, but during the first week after installation, our new robot worked for no less than 60 hours! There is also no damage at all to the plastics. We’re able to regulate the clamping force of the gripper fingers ourselves, so that’s a whole concern that’s been removed.”
— David Dubus
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did JM Cauwet automate with RoboJob?
JM Cauwet in Feuchy, near Arras, France, automated an Akira Seiki RMV 250 T and an Akira Seiki XBC 650 with two RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential cells. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2021.
Is JM Cauwet the same company as Plastique Cauwet?
Yes. JM Cauwet is the company name; Plastique Cauwet is its brand. The plastic machining specialist in Feuchy, France, has been a RoboJob customer since 2021.
Can a robot handle fragile plastic parts without damaging them?
Yes. At JM Cauwet, RoboJob Mill-Assist cells handle plastic parts without damage, because the clamping force of the gripper fingers can be set by the operator. In its first week, the first robot ran for 60 hours.
Can Akira Seiki machining centres be automated?
Yes. JM Cauwet automated an Akira Seiki RMV 250 T and an Akira Seiki XBC 650 with RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential cells. See the Akira Seiki automation page.
Which plastic parts manufacturers use RoboJob automation?
RoboJob automates CNC machining of plastic parts at JM Cauwet in France, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials in Belgium and SOVAIC. See CNC automation for plastic parts.