Amada automates production

Normandy-based Amada Outillage, which produces die-cutting and press tools for the Amada Group’s metal-working machines, has invested in a WorkMaster robot from System 3R (www.system3r.com) to form an automatic production cell with two Fanuc Robocut machines and a washing station.

The WorkMaster has 40 positions for Macro pallets, and the cell replaces four manual machines. Production manager Alain Bodot says: “The automated production cell is fantastic. It guarantees rapid delivery of our standard tools, and it cut lead times by two thirds at a stroke.”

About a third of Amada Outillage’s output goes to the French market, with the rest going mainly to northern and north-eastern Europe, plus countries in the southern Mediterranean area. Standard tools include punches and dies made from semi-finished blanks that the company stocks in five different sizes and a large number of variants. This is to minimise delivery times, by leaving only the finishing touches to be added when an order is taken.

Deputy managing director Philippe Delamotte says: “We work in an industry where rapid delivery is incredibly important. We can now ship standard tools within 24hr of receiving an order, even though every tool is unique!”