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REPORTAGE - CATTIN USINAGE
Clear boost to productivity CATTIN Usinage is based in Gières near Grenoble and specializes in complex high-precision machining in the field of fine mechanics and micromechanics. The company has pursued a policy of automation for some years and done so in cooperation with EROWA. When you hear the name of Grenoble, this French city situated about 140km south of Geneva, you primarily think of winter sports. But together with Lyons, Grenoble is one of the centers of a high-technology cluster in the Departement Rhône-Alpes. Part of the DKER Group The family business Cattin Usinage was established in 1956 and is currently run by the Rossignolo brothers in the third generation – with the fourth generation already set to continue the tradition. Since 2000, the firm has been part of the DKER Group, which offers a complete range of services in the field of
precision mechanics. With its approx. 40 employees, Cattin has earned an excellent reputation: “The basis for this is our great experience in the field of complex high-precision machining,” says Philippe Rossignolo, the company’s CEO. “Thanks to our specific know-how, we’re able to satisfy the most complex requirements. From prototypes to serial production, we support our customers throughout the manufacturing process.” Details count The company’s modern and versatile machines include lathes and machining centers for the production of one-off parts, small and medium-sized series. Customers include companies from the aerospace industry, the defense and military industry, electronics and cryotechnology, and increasingly medical technology companies. Cattin is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (medical technology) and is in certification for EN9100 (aerospace applications).
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REPORTAGE - CATTIN USINAGE
gripper change, we’ve achieved a considerable increase in production. Before automation, the milling machine’s productive time amounted to 900 hours/year, after the installation of the first Robot Multi, this had already gone up to 2,500 hours after six months! And now we’ve arrived at about 4,000 hours,” he explains enthusiastically. The ideal combination Additional universal EROWA workpiece clamping systems were acquired for the purpose of fast and precise resetting. Besides the ProductionChuck 210, it is notably EROWA blank holders that are in use. “Each resetting requires time and involves a loss of precision,” says Philippe Rossignolo, which is why the robust blank holder is particularly valuable: “It’s simple to use and to prepare workpieces. With its minimum clamping height of only 3mm, it can also he used for taller parts. It’s flexible with regard to application, has a wide clamping range, and the functional components are well protected.” In addition, there is an EROWA Lift for loading and the JMS 4.0 process control system on all the machines. “The combination of these elements turns our three DMU manufacturing cells into highly productive and flexible cells,” says Philippe Rossignolo in conclusion.
The firm machines materials such as titanium, aluminum, steel and non-ferrous metals. “We manufacture many complex parts,” continues Philippe Rossignolo, “and some of them are only used for a few minutes, for example parts of rocket engines which are jettisoned soon after takeoff.” Typically, each project includes a small detail which takes up most of the working time. “This is why pre-planning and consultation are extremely important.” Increase in productive time Cattin has been automating its plant with EROWA since 2011. At that time, an EROWA Robot Multi (ERM) was installed for a DMU 50 eVo 5-axis CNC milling center, and soon afterwards another ERM for a DMU 60. In 2018, another of these extremely reliable loading stations followed, again for a DMU 60. “The compact and space-saving design of this robot is ideal for our workshop,” says Philippe Rossignolo. “Thanks to its large magazine capacity, its simple user guidance and the automatic
REPORTAGE - CATTIN USINAGE
Copyright © 2017 - EROWA AG CATTIN Usinage 52 Rue de la Liberation 38610 Gières France Tel. 04 76 89 34 35 www.cattin-usinage.com EROWA AG CH-6233 Büron Switzerland Tel: ++41 (0)41 935 11 11 info@erowa.com www.erowa.com
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