To succeed as a supplier of high-precision components for the watchmaking and microtechnology industries, exceptional performance is required. Monnin SA from Sonceboz (CH) has established itself as an innovative, high-performance partner in this challenging environment. In order to meet the high manufacturing standards, the company relies on a sophisticated system solution for fluid management in Switzerland.
When planning the extension to the Pierre-Pertuis 18 plant, the managers at Monnin SA were aware that the fluid supply also had to be thoroughly modernised. After all, smooth-running production lines are essential for manufacturing several million parts per year. As a long-standing partner in the field of industrial lubricants, MOTOREX impressed with a tailor-made fluid supply concept.
From planning to implementation, Monnin SA was supported by MOTOREX’s long-time customer advisor and fluid technician – both industry experts. “Having someone on site to discuss things with directly in person was very valuable for us. This is a clear advantage over purely online support, especially for such a complex fluid supply system,” explains Loïc Affolter, Head of Maintenance and Buildings. In addition to the infrastructure, the associated processes were also integrated, such as the connection of an existing chip centrifuge, semiautomated purchasing and the procurement of the lubricants used.
Industrial lubricants used in large volumes are delivered in tankers and therefore without packaging. Filling of the tanks in the central fluid supply room is ensured at ground level via an easily accessible docking station. The unit is equipped with eight tanks, each with a volume of 2,000 litres. Each of the three different cutting oils has one tank for fresh oil and one for filtered used oil from the chip centrifuge. The automated recovery of used oil is made possible by Rimann AG solution, which enables efficient processing and thus lays the foundation for a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Another tank is used in addition to a reserve tank for the waylube oil. The fluids are pumped directly into the production halls via several hundred metres of precisely laid stainless steel pipes using powerful pumps (42 l/min1). Once in the halls, they are available at two oil dispensing stations in the immediate vicinity of the machinery for first filling and refilling. Other particularly valuable benefits include the option to choose between new oil and filtered oil as well as the clear labelling of the tap, which prevents serious fluid mix-ups.
“Having drums lying around and lubricants stored all over the place is not only logistically inefficient, it also poses a safety risk,” says Loïc Affolter. A centralised, packaging-free fluid supply significantly reduces the risks associated with handling heavy containers. The customer’s conclusion: “Thanks to the new fluid supply system, we are more flexible, more efficient and safer than ever before. This is also clearly demonstrated by the SUVA audit.”
In terms of comprehensive fluid management, a modern fluid supply system also requires an intelligent software solution. Monnin SA therefore uses myTecalemit web software, which MOTOREX employs to monitor fluid levels remotely. Using ultrasonic level sensors with a Wi-Fi interface, the current level of each tank can be checked at any time and from anywhere via the web. “The ability to monitor fluid levels remotely is a valuable feature I no longer want to have to do without. Thanks to automatic notifications when a pre-set minimum fill level is reached, we avoid empty tanks and can order exactly the right quantities in good time,” says Livio Pavone, Purchaser at Monnin SA.
After one year in use, Loïc Affolter sees many benefits of the system: “We now have precise control over the fluid supply. This means we can act rather than react. The result is a high level of supply security, which significantly reduces risks and stoppages in production. Optimising the fluid supply significantly reduces manual work steps, thus increasing efficiency. We particularly appreciate the fact that there’s no packaging. This pays off both financially and in terms of sustainability. It has enabled us to measurably improve our carbon footprint.”
Based in Sonceboz, in the heart of a region with a long tradition of high-precision manufacturing, Monnin SA has been producing a wide range of turned components for the watchmaking and microtechnology sectors since 1946. In a constantly evolving technical environment, the company places great emphasis on the human factor and thus benefits from highly specialised staff who are well versed in the most demanding tasks within their respective fields.
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