The Art of Complex Machining in Minimum Operations with the M65 MILLTURN at SARO
In Western France, SARO, a company specializing in general mechanics since 1989, stands out with a machine that makes a difference: a multifunction M65 milling-turning machine from WFL. Acquired in 2006, this machine embodies the versatility and precision necessary to meet the ever-more complex demands of the industry. The company is ISO 9001 certified for the machining and fitting of aerospace and mechanical parts. David Toullet, Ludovic Gatelet, site manager’s deputy, and Ludovic Memain, operator of the M65, share their experiences with the exceptional performance of this technology at the heart of their workshop for the past 19 years.
At SARO, the M65 MILLTURN ensures local production, a crucial factor in a context where offshoring remains a constant threat for French industrial subcontractors. The robustness, power, and precision of this machine allow the company to meet deadlines and deliver quality that appeals to key players in varied sectors like aerospace, energy, oil, diesel engines, and generators. According to David Toullet, “this type of machine is essential for meeting our clients' expectations without compromising our competitiveness.”
Versatility Proven Over Time
Since its arrival at SARO, the M65 MILLTURN has gone through several usage evolutions. Initially, the machine was purchased for manufacturing printing cylinders, but the 2008 financial crisis shifted its dynamic. For a few years, the machine’s potential went underutilized. However, since 2019, the production rate has increased, reaching up to 80 hours per week after the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the M65 MILLTURN runs at full capacity with two operators alternating shifts throughout the week.
"The M65 MILLTURN allows us to produce a variety of complex parts, particularly for the aerospace and energy sectors," explains Ludovic Memain, an operator at SARO since 1999 and a WFL machine operator since 2010. Thanks to his skills and specialized training for this type of machine, he can leverage the full potential of this multifunction tool, which is essential for reducing machining phases.
Tangible Productivity Gains
What makes the M65 MILLTURN unique is its ability to perform all operations on a single machine. Whether turning, milling, or broaching, this multifunction machine eliminates risks associated with repositioning parts across multiple machines. A misalignment can lead to costly scrap, an issue the M65 MILLTURN nearly eliminates entirely.
“The parts we produce require a high level of precision, with tolerances down to a hundredth of a millimeter. This is only achievable thanks to the M65 MILLTURN configuration, which has remained unchanged since 2006,” highlights David Toullet. Reducing machining phases and the machine’s reliability ensure SARO a significant time-saving advantage in production, flexibility in managing prototypes and small series, and strict adherence to client specifications.
A Long-Term Profitable Investment
SARO’s trust in WFL also stems from the M65’s reliability. Despite intensive use, maintenance costs remain under control, thanks largely to a very responsive after-sales service. “We have excellent support from the after-sales service in France, which ensures the machine remains operational at all times,” adds Mr. Toullet.
For Ludovic Gatelet, site manager’s deputy, the machine is a real asset: “The appeal of the M65 MILLTURN lies in the possibilities it offers. Few people know about WFL, but for those who use it, it’s an indispensable tool. We’ve improved our use of the machine over the years, and today, we can say we’re maximizing its potential.” Moreover, the absence of part repositioning further boosts SARO's productivity, avoiding precious time losses.
Exceptional Expertise for Complex Parts
With the ability to machine large parts up to 715 mm in diameter and 2.5 meters in length, the M65 MILLTURN stands out as a versatile machine. SARO continues to meet its clients' stringent requirements while remaining competitive amid international pressures.
David Toullet concludes, “Today, we use the machine to its full potential. We produce increasingly complex parts, all on the same machine. This simplifies our work and ensures an impeccable level of quality. We have reviewed our approach to part design, allowing us to pursue new markets thanks to the machine’s versatility.”
SARO embodies a model of industrial efficiency through optimized organization and cutting-edge production means. By reducing the number of operations necessary for the production of complex parts with its WFL M65 multifunction milling-turning machine, the company not only guarantees controlled lead times but also lowers costs for its clients. This advantage becomes a competitive strength in an intense sector. This expertise, combined with rigorous technical mastery, makes SARO a preferred partner for demanding industries in search of both reliable and economically viable solutions.