Setting the course for the future
Microdec SA uses technology and expertise from Brütsch/Rüegger Tools to integrate tools and measuring equipment into production processes
Maximum precision is essential in watchmaking. Crowns, screws, pins and axles must fit exactly so that the final product functions with absolute reliability later on. It is precisely these components that are manufactured for the watchmaking industry at Microdec SA in the Swiss canton of Jura.
For over ten years, the company has specialised in producing precision turned parts — from prototypes to mass production. With this wealth of experience as a backdrop, other target groups are also beginning to emerge, for example in aviation and in the field of medical technology.
About Microdec SA
Microdec SA, based in the canton of Jura, specialises in producing precision turned parts. State-of-the-art tools and testing instruments ensure production with exceptionally high quality standards to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers. High-performance CNC machines, which can carry out five-axis milling and turning operations, are used.
The company's customers are primarily manufacturers in the watchmaking and jewellery industries, aviation and the medical technology sector. Turned parts made of metal and precious metal are manufactured — from prototypes to mass production.
Demands on documentation continue to rise
The complete documentation of all production steps plays a special role in the production of turned parts for these demanding applications. "An important prerequisite for this is the direct integration of tools and measuring equipment into production control systems", explains Yannick Meyer, Production Manager at Microdec SA, adding:
"The demands that our customers place on documentation, but also on short response times and flexibility for small series, have risen steadily in recent years. That's why we specifically looked for new, future-proof solutions that are suitable for Industry 4.0 processes".
Having complete documentation plays a special role in the production of turned parts.
The demands that our customers place on documentation have risen steadily.
FUTURO connected proves to be the optimal solution
The solution was found at Brütsch/Rüegger Tools. Raphaël Müller, Head of Industrial Solutions at Brütsch/Rüegger Tools, also knows that "process reliability and verifiable quality at a consistently high level are more important selling points than ever before". The FUTURO connected platform therefore offers tools, measuring and testing equipment that can be fully integrated into Industry 4.0 environments. The additional functions of the intelligent technology offer many benefits during production, maintenance and service.
The FUTURO connected series helps companies to establish leaner and safer work processes. A significant advantage of digital tools is that work processes can be documented quickly and completely. "Our company is certified according to ISO 13485, we have to guarantee complete traceability", explains Yannick Meyer. "The connectivity of tools and test equipment is therefore very important to us".
The FUTURO connected series helps companies to establish leaner and safer work processes.
Work processes can be documented quickly and completely.
Microdec is certified according to ISO 13485 and must guarantee complete traceability.
Simple tool integration
At Microdec SA, the tools supplied by Brütsch/Rüegger are used in various production departments. Yannick Meyer knows that "there are a number of options on the market for linking tools to process control systems". But FUTURO connected offers the company exactly what optimally meets the requirements.
Connecting an integrable tool to a PC or even to mobile end devices such as tablets and smartphones is very easy. Data transmission can be bidirectional. Connection via Bluetooth ensures stable and extremely reliable communication. "With just one click, the tool is connected and ready to forward captured measurement data with another click". Everything is simple, fast and intuitive.
At Microdec SA, the tools are used in various production departments.
With just one click, the determined values can be saved within the FUTURO connected app.
Data is available in real time
In the future, the data collected in production will be further used in the company network. A corresponding project is currently being implemented. With FUTURO connected, the company wants to continue on the path to the Industry 4.0 era.
"The FUTURO connected app offers the possibility to configure tools directly from a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer", reports Raphaël Müller. "Thanks to functions such as real-time measurement transmission and integrated data recording, processes can be designed conveniently". The results of the work are documented securely and, above all, in real time.
Turned parts made of metal and precious metal are manufactured — from prototypes to mass production.
The FUTURO connected app offers the possibility to configure tools directly from a smartphone.
Conclusion: On the right track
Yannick Meyer is convinced that the right path has been taken with FUTURO connected. "In doing so, we have a very reliable partner at our side in Brütsch/Rüegger Tools, a company which already has a great deal of experience in integrating tools in Industry 4.0 environments. With integration-capable solutions, we will further improve efficiency and quality in our production, be able to react even faster and more flexibly than before and further enhance our competitiveness".
FUTURO connected tools
Discover the products which work with the FUTURO connected app
The first products to feature on our platform for digital quality tools are three caliper gauges — available in seven variants, each with a Bluetooth module.
FUTURO connected app
Our platform for intelligent tools
The FUTURO connected app makes your compatible tools, measuring and testing equipment ready for the Industry 4.0 era.