Success story
SAVOY MOULAGE
Create and execute a large number of programs on multiple references, maximizing CMM occupation rates with Metrolog and Silma X4
Savoy Moulage, a flagship subsidiary of the Savoy International group specializing in the injection of technical plastic parts and the design of injection molding tools, is a reference in the plastics industry.
To maximize the quality of parts and optimize its quality control processes, the company has chosen Metrologic Group.
Find out which innovative, high value-added solutions have been put in place to boost the performance, accuracy and speed of the complete 3D inspection process.
How to ensure the continuity and transversality of all 3D measurement programs thanks to a single universal 3D metrology software platform?
Having a single software solution to streamline 3D inspection is a real performance booster. After fifteen years of using Metrolog XG, Savoy Moulage upgraded to the X4 software package in 2015 to improve its quality control and simplify its day-to-day measurement work. The acquisition of a single, universal 3D metrology software package, compatible with all measuring devices, regardless of brand or application, has enabled the company to perpetuate and transversalize all its measurement programs.
As the acquisition of Metrolog X4 took place at the same time as the purchase of a new CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), the entire database of its programs on the old CMM could be saved and converted to the new CMM. For Savoy Moulage, this was a crucial step, as the multitude of 3D measurement programs created over the years has been the core activity of the metrology department
How to create offline 3D measurement programs quickly with Silma X4?
When metrologists program offline 3D inspection tasks using virtual twins of their environment, this enables the measuring equipment to keep measuring. Once simulated and tested virtually, these measurement programs are error- and collision-free, for a safe inspection process.
This is why Silma X4 software was introduced to Savoy Moulage’s metrology department in 2020, to drastically reduce off-line programming time.
- Save preparation time for 3D measurement programs
A lot of time was allocated to the program preparation phase, which is an important step in tooling development. Due to the diversity of parts measured, a different program has to be created for each new part, which represents a time-consuming task for the metrology department. The company therefore needed to save preparation and programming time.
Thanks to Silma X4, it is now possible for Savoy Moulage to prepare the appropriate measurement program before the arrival of the part, thanks to the CAD files received. Thanks to off-line simulation of the measurement environment, configuration time is significantly reduced.
- Free up machine time with point cloud
When metrologists program offline 3D inspection tasks using virtual twins of their environment, this enables the measuring equipment to keep measuring. Once simulated and tested virtually, these measurement programs are error- and collision-free, for a safe inspection process.
This is why Silma X4 software was introduced to Savoy Moulage’s metrology department in 2020, to drastically reduce off-line programming time.
“These files from these different resources enable us to measure the part directly and carry out a metrological analysis.”
Frédéric FAVRE ROCHEX – Metrology Manager, Savoy Moulage
How to reduce 3D measurement cycle times with 5-axis technology?
Faster and more accurate than 3-axis technology, 5-axis technology coupled with the power and ergonomics of Metrolog X4 software offer many benefits for Savoy Moulage.
In 2022, the company acquired a high-performance package in 5-axis technology: a Wenzel CMM equipped with Renishaw’s PH20 5-axis contact measurement system, all driven by Metrolog X4. The choice was made for point measurement technology, rather than scanning. Savoy Moulage needs to have points distributed geographically on its parts, in order to translate this into tooling retouching.
Benefiting from a strategic partnership with Renishaw, Metrologic Group has developed a modern software interface specifically for this technology, to improve CMM performance. The user interface has been improved for simple, fast and easy programming, keeping pace in real time with developments in 5-axis technology.
- Divide 3D measurement time by three
The main objective in adopting 5-axis technology was to reduce the execution time of measurement programs. After several months of use, the company quickly realized that the initial objective of dividing measurement time by three compared to 3-axis measurement was easily achieved.
On certain types of programs, it is even possible to reduce it even further. Not only are points captured faster than with a 3-axis system, but also with greater precision and repeatability.
By using Metrolog X4 for 5-axis measurement, Savoy Moulage has opted for the most appropriate solution to save time and reduce costs.
- Optimize access to measuring part data
The PH20 5-axis head’s infinite positioning possibilities allow easy access to more features on measured parts. 5-axis technology enables Savoy Moulage not only to go faster, but also to take a higher volume of points on its parts, and thus obtain more detail. With Metrolog X4, it’s easy for Savoy Moulage to manage more data.
- Reduce CMM calibration time
The calibration of traditional CMMs takes up a considerable amount of time that could otherwise be spent measuring parts. Thanks to the 5-axis system, calibration time for measuring machines has been drastically reduced.
On a conventional 3-axis machine, calibration takes several hours, or even dozens of hours when an entire machine fleet has to be calibrated. Now, this operation only takes around thirty minutes. This is a significant advantage for Savoy Moulage, as it allows more frequent calibration of its machines, and saves considerable time.
A close relationship and regular follow-up
“I’m very proud to support Savoy Moulage in their current challenges,” says Alexandre GOUPY.
Savoy Moulage’s metrology department benefits from annual customized training, adapted to changes in their measurement scenario, to ensure the continuity of their business.
As the X4 platform is an evolving metrology software solution with regular updates, the personalized follow-up provided enables Savoy Moulage to keep abreast of market and product developments, and to remain up to date to take full advantage of its use of the software.
“Today, thanks to Metrologic Group, Savoy Moulage has succeeded in solving all its challenges related to precision or productivity, which can be complex when you have several machines.”
Alexandre GOUPY – Sales Manager Eastern France & Switzerland, Metrologic Group
What ambitions for the future?
“All these different stages now enable Savoy Moulage to meet increasingly precise customer requirements, and to guarantee our measurements and process reliability throughout the life of the product”, explains Yoann BOURGERIE, Director of the plastics molding cluster at Savoy International.
In addition to its French site, Savoy Moulage’s industrial culture has been deployed at its sites abroad: Tunisia, Morocco and Romania. “We’re trying to upgrade the skills of our foreign sites. In the short and medium term, the idea is to integrate 3D precision measurement machines so that, in series production, we can repeat the measurements we define during tooling development”, adds Yoann BOURGERIE.
“Our day-to-day job is to keep the sites running to meet our customers’ various requirements, which may be in terms of quality, deadlines or technological challenges.”
Yoann BOURGERIE – Director of the plastics molding cluster, Savoy International.
The company also has many projects, including the continued development of 5-axis technology within the metrology department. Savoy Moulage plans to acquire new 5-axis measuring equipment to reinforce the implementation of this technology and further optimize its inspection processes.
“We want to keep developing 5-axis technology, together with Metrologic Group.”
At the cutting edge of innovation, Savoy Moulage is resolutely committed to Industry 4.0, and Metrologic Group is there to support them and help them meet their technological quality control challenges.
Challenges
- Ensure the continuity and transversalize its measurement programs,
- Reduce program preparation time,
- Reduce CMM inspection time,
- Evaluate more features on measured parts for tooling adjustments.
Solutions
- Silma X4 for off-line programming and preparation time savings. Metrological analysis of tomography and rheology files using point cloud.
- Metrolog X4 for program continuity. Introduction of a PH20 head for faster execution and higher measurement capacity.
Benefits
- Optimize CMM uptime with off-line programming,
- Inspection time divided by three,
- Calibration time reduced from several hours to less than half an hour.
About Savoy Moulage
Savoy International is a French industrial group founded in 1982 and specializing in mechatronics, plastic injection and mechanical engineering, which today employs over 1,000 people.
Located in Cluses, in the heart of the dynamic Arve Valley in Haute Savoie, France, the Savoy Moulage subsidiary supplies major names in the home automation, automotive, connectors, aeronautics, energy and industrial sectors, both in France and abroad.
Through the implementation of innovative, high-performance robotized processes, Savoy Moulage masters the injection process in and out of the tooling to guarantee the high levels of quality and performance expected by its customers. Its approach is designed to support its customers in the development of their projects, providing them with a competitive edge and innovative product solutions in a competitive sector.
A special thank you to Frédéric FAVRE ROCHEX for his trust and loyalty.
At the head of Savoy Moulage’s metrology department, Frédéric FAVRE ROCHEX, Metrology Manager, is responsible for ensuring the conformity of manufactured parts, in order to guarantee reliable results for the company’s customers.
