If Crevoisier SA (Les Genevez, Switzerland) has grown through the concept of the small grinding, polishing and finishing table machine (a.k.a. the skilled maid or stand-alone machine) that adapts to the needs of users, it is pushing this concept far more that the company develops and produces machining and finishing machines as well as automation systems. But always, the need of the customer is at the heart of the development based on proven and interchangeable modules.
If more than 5000 table machines have been sold in recent years and if many innovations have emerged in this area, it is with robotics and machining and finishing centres that Crevoisier SA’s innovation fully blossom. To start M. Crevoisier (CEO) tells us: "Since the beginning we wanted to give autonomy to our production machines, therefore working at the loading and unloading made sense. We want to offer finely tuned solutions for each customer, but we also want to offer them reliable and efficient products. To do this, our developments rely on proven machine elements". M. Migy (Technico-commercial) adds: "All machines that leave Les Genevez are set up and customer’s parts are produced to their satisfaction before the machines are sent".
New products If innovation has made the Swiss company’s reputation, how are we today on that sensitive topic? During my visit, I was able to shoot a glance at three new machines! First, the 7 CNC axes C480 model with a tool turret (able to set up grinding wheels, abrasive tapes or brushes). This grinding-based finishing centre s largely sized to meet every requirements, particularly in terms of rigidity and quality in machining demanding materials. Mr Migy says: "New materials used in watchmaking as sapphire, ceramic or hard metal are very demanding and we wanted to be certain to have an ideal machine, with the C480 it is done".
Second novelty, the C460 polishing robot. This polishing center is built around a robot and a tool turret (brushes and cottons). The basic design is the same as for grinding centers and uses elements tested in this area. As for the preparation stage, the machine can be fed and unloaded with the "home" (see below) loading system.
Third novelty the C 400 B second generation finishing center. This machine is also equipped with a tool turret. All the accessories from stand alone machines (skilled maid) are fully compatible. As always with Crevoisier machines, work ergonomics is particularly well done. In case of a necessary change for example, the consumable is optimally reachable by the operator. The goal is always to simplify and ensure production.
We will come back on Crevoisier SA in our next issue of Eurotec.
Crevoisier SA CH-2714 Les Genevez Tel. + 41 32 484 71 00 Fax + 41 32 484 71 07 [email protected] www.crevoisier.ch
