Development of a Barrel Assembly Machine
Discover how Alps Group designed and built a watch barrel assembly machine for Petitpierre SA, integrating automation and precision control for optimal production.
Context
Petitpierre, a Swiss manufacturer of machines for the microtechnology industry based in Cortaillod, specializes in the assembly and inspection of precision components for high-end watchmaking. To enhance its barrel assembly machine—critical for assembling and lubricating watch components—Petitpierre partnered with Alps Group to implement advanced automation solutions.
Development of the Barrel Assembly Machine
Designing an automated barrel assembly machine to optimize the assembly and lubrication process while ensuring precision and reliability.
Implementation
Alps Group first drafted the Functional Design Specification (FDS) based on the User Requirement Specification (URS) provided by the client. Upon approval, the team developed a standard object library (cylinders, motors, motion systems) on a Beckhoff PC platform with InTouch Wonderware supervision.
Alps then programmed the PCs, supervision system, and Cognex vision, integrating all these components with the industrial IT layer.
This commissioning enabled a seamless and highly precise automation of the watch barrel assembly process, meeting the industry’s stringent standards.