FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
MCU and P4. Together, these machines form a continuous, autonomous production chain designed to optimise flow and strengthen production capacity. The MBT can accommodate up to around thirty pallets, totalling nearly 90 tons of raw sheet metal.
“ The new S4 punching machine retains the principles of the previous generation while delivering significant gains in speed, versatility and acoustic comfort. Combined with the MCU, the system now enables continuous production with buffer stock management and unmanned operation over the weekend,” confirmed Italian sheet metal specialist, Salvagnini.
For bending, Cerenn installed a P4-3220 panel bender featuring the P tool, CLA auxiliary blades and the CUT option( for sequential, in-cycle separation cuts on sheet metal). With a maximum bending length of 3,200mm, the machine combines automatic handling, single centering and universal bending tools to help ensure precision and repeatability.
This configuration further extends production possibilities. CLA blades enable partial bends, the CUT option allows sequential cutting on the same sheet and the P tool facilitates the creation of complex geometries.
“ The new P4 introduces a new way of bending, with undeniable speed and features that now allow us to create bends within the panels themselves,” highlighted Jehan Pelletier.
“ The integration of CUT also unlocks new productivity opportunities. The line can now process small parts from a single sheet, successively performing bending and cutting in one cycle, at a level of speed and complexity previously unattainable,” continued Salvagnini.
“ The evolution also involves the software. Our solutions improve integration between the design office and the workshop using the STREAM programming suite and OPS software, which manages production lists from ERP / MRP systems in real time, as well as sequencing and part tracking. This approach is particularly suited to Cerenn’ s flexible production environment,” it added.
Counting the benefits
The project required significant reorganisation of Cerenn Industrie’ s site.
“ The different steps began with relocating 800m ² of machinery and storage,” explained Laurent D’ Orsi, Maintenance Manager, Cerenn Industrie.
Initial results already confirm the importance of the investment:“ We previously produced 120 panels per shift; we have now reached 300.”
Cycle time reduction targets have been exceeded, while scrap rates have been further reduced by 30 %. Another major benefit is a 70 % decrease in energy consumption, according to the company.
A sustainable focus
Cerenn’ s acoustic steel panels and partitions at the Crédit Agricole building in Poitiers, France.
Above and below: Examples of Cerenn’ s Ulteem range of acoustic partitions, incorporating steel and glass.
Cerenn Industrie places a strong focus on sustainability. The company has audited its entire process to identify areas for improvement, then initiated actions at all stages: industry, construction sites and offices. Each year, it chooses priority actions with a high impact. It has also pioneered the reuse of movable partitions in France( 20 % of its activity is based on the reuse of existing partitions).
“ In designing our products, we multiply initiatives to preserve the environment and combat its degradation. The materials we use preferentially consist of recycled products,” it explained.
“ Each door and panel is ordered and produced to exact dimensions to minimise waste on our sites. Our factories have long banned any organic solvents. The recovery of powder coating allows the use of the entire raw material, and our surface treatment and powder application processes are classified as‘ zero waste’ installations,” it continued.“ We have thought of every detail so that the end-of-life of our products has no environmental impact. The components of our partitions are sorted and categorised for re-use. We always prefer eco-sourced products and undertake numerous initiatives to reduce our waste and emissions, or even the use of transportation through local procurement,” it concluded.
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