Sud Précision automates a 5-axis Mazak Variaxis i-500 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist
Running unmanned through the night, without the risk of tool breakage
Sud Précision automates a 5-axis Mazak Variaxis i-500 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist
Sud Précision in Chabeuil, near Valence in France, specialises in precision mechanics and micromechanics. Since 2019, a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential Integrated has automated its five-axis Mazak Variaxis i-500, keeping production running through the night without a high risk of tool breakage.
Key facts
- Company: Société d’Usinage Drômoise de Précision (Sud Précision)
- Location: Chabeuil, near Valence, Drôme, France
- Founded: 1996
- Employees: approx. 15
- Industries: Subcontracting
- RoboJob products: Mill-Assist Essential Integrated
- CNC machine brands: Mazak
- Automated machines: Mazak Variaxis i-500 (5-axis)
- RoboJob customer since: 2019
- Key results: unmanned night production without risk of tool breakage; much higher return from the automated machine; installed in a few days
Precision and micromechanics since 1996
Since 1996, Sud Précision has specialised in precision mechanics and precision micromechanics, in materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, bronze, copper, brass and special steels. Its team combines experienced hands with young talent, a balance that helps build long-term relationships with customers.
Why automate: growth without enough people
“Sud.Précision is actually still a fairly young company. Up to a few years ago the growth was steady, but the volumes in our orders have risen considerably in recent years. To achieve that growth, we doubled in personnel between 2013 and 2018, but even then we still need more capacity. We cannot get there with people alone, and those with the right technical profiles are also very difficult to find here.”
— Yves Pinteaux, General Manager, Sud Précision
Sud Précision met RoboJob at the Salon de l’Industrie in Paris, where Arnaud Degomme of RoboJob dealer Degomme-Boccard recommended the solution.
A new machine with a robot
After the fair, Sud Précision ordered a new Mazak Variaxis i-500 five-axis machining centre together with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential Integrated with a 20 kg robot. The machine arrived in November 2018, the robot in early 2019. Degomme-Boccard handled the mechanical installation and RoboJob the commissioning; everything was done in a few days.
“We work a lot with aluminium and stainless steel, and have large series with short cycle times. To keep that cost-effective and efficient, the robot is really useful. For example, we can now work through the night without there being a high risk of tool breakage.”
— Yves Pinteaux
A beautiful marriage of five axes and a robot
“We’re also noticing that we get a lot more return from our Variaxis when we compare this with other machines. It’s also logical, given that the actual capacity is now much higher thanks to the Mill-Assist that keeps the machine operating at night. As far as we are concerned, this is a beautiful marriage between our five-axis unit and the robot.”
— Yves Pinteaux
The result: much more return from the automated machine
Two operators were trained, and one works with the robot every day, with real satisfaction in working with new technology. Sud Précision saw a much higher return from its automated machine than from its other machines, simply because the Mill-Assist keeps it running at night.
Frequently asked questions
Which machine does Sud Précision automate with RoboJob?
Sud Précision in Chabeuil, France, automates a five-axis Mazak Variaxis i-500 with a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential Integrated with a 20 kg robot. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2019.
Can a Mazak Variaxis be automated?
Yes. Sud Précision runs a RoboJob Mill-Assist on a five-axis Mazak Variaxis i-500. Biezepol Metaalbewerking and QPM France automated Variaxis J600 machines with a Mill-Assist Essential. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can a robot cell be ordered together with a new machining centre?
Yes. Sud Précision ordered a new Mazak Variaxis i-500 and a RoboJob Mill-Assist together, through RoboJob dealer Degomme-Boccard. The dealer handled the mechanical installation, RoboJob the commissioning, and everything was done in a few days.
Can a machining centre run unmanned at night?
Yes. At Sud Précision, the RoboJob Mill-Assist keeps the Mazak machining centre running through the night on large series of aluminium and stainless steel parts with short cycle times, without a high risk of tool breakage.
Which French subcontractors use RoboJob Mill-Assist?
In France, RoboJob Mill-Assist cells run at subcontractors such as Sud Précision in Chabeuil, QPM France, Meca Technic and FMO.