FIGEAC AERO [CN]

Success story

Mr Moncet, manager of 3D control, has been working at Figeac Aero for 19 years. Many of the parts inspected by Mr Moncet’s team include various frame parts such as 10m, 12 m or 14 m long wing spars, reverse thruster frames and beams, manufactured for leading aeronautical companies. According to Mr Moncet, measuring multiple parts is a prerequisite for successful aeronautical subcontracting companies. The ability to work manufacture various assemblies and components enables Figeac to thrive in the competitive aero market.

The CMM working with both Silma and Metrolog increases productivity using simulation along with high-level metrology functionalities. As Mr Moncet highlighted “for the inspection of 3D parts of medium and large sizes including frame parts, in particular – our need was oriented towards a very powerful software in surface and geometric measurement. Given the numerous comparisons we make between the real part and the CAD – Metrolog X4 is among the best, if not the best in the market.”

Benjamin
3D & geometrical control for 5 years.

“This new CMM can use both touch and continuous probe. All the tool changes are automatically managed within Metrolog, maximizing machine autonomy. As a matter of fact, the CMM works regularly in an autonomous fashion for at least 8 hours. Therefore, with tools like Metrolog and Silma paired with a 20 meters long CMM, we reached a 98% use rate of the machine – this is a record for Figeac Aero.”

Simulation with Silma X4 for reduced cycle times and increased performance

“Among the advantages of Silma, I would highlight the capability of virtually reproducing the whole inspection environment, including the machine, the head, the probes or the control fixtures. It’s particularly this programming from A to Z of highly complex parts with collision avoidance, that brings us considerable machine time savings and allows to measure more exactly.”

Julien
Offline programming expert with Silma X4.

“Silma allows us to carry quite thorough simulations with the digital twin of the measurement environment. While offline programming with Silma, we succeed simulating a comprehensive set of references for greater profitability. The CMM can switch from one part to inspect to another, fully autonomously in hidden time.”

Mr Moncet
3D control manager/expert/leader at Figeac-Aero Group

Benefits

• A winning and sustainable choice with Metrolog/Silma X4 and Hexagon DEA Delta CMM.
• Reduced cycle times, improved efficiency and 3D measurement performance
• Skills improvement for the 3D control team

An exceptional project made possible thanks to a successful teamwork (from left to right): Mr Lemoine (Metrologic Group), Mr Jimenez, (Hexagon), Mr Moncet and Figeac Aero 3D quality control team, Mrs Penfield and Mr Tahiri, (Hexagon).

About Figeac Aero

Based in the Lot department in France since 1989, Figeac Aero is the European leader in aeronautical subcontracting. The company specialises in producing light alloy and hard metal structural parts, engine parts, landing gear and sub-assemblies… Among the precision parts or sub-assemblies manufactured for leading aeronautical companies are engine parts for Safran/ General Electric LEAP present on most of the A320 Neo medium-haul aircrafts and all of the 737 Max Boeing and landing gears.

As a key player in its market, Figeac Aero works with all the major aircraft manufacturers (Airbus, Boeing, Snecma, Dassault, Embraer, Gulfstream, Bombardier), engine manufacturers (Rolls Royce, Safran, Pratt & Whitney, GE), and large subassembly makers (Sonaca, Zodiac Aeronautical, Stelia, Latécoère, Triumph Group, Alkan, Daher) and for prestigious programs like A350 and A320.