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Décolletage
Decolletage in 10 questions
Bar turning is a machining process which consists of removing material to obtain a precise mechanical part, generally made of metal. The most frequently asked questions about bar turning are:
- What are the origins and historical evolution of bar turning in France?
- What is décolletage?
- How does bar turning work?
- What are the main types of machines used for bar turning?
- What materials can be cut?
- What are the main applications of bar turning in industry?
- What is the difference between bar turning and other machining processes, such as turning and milling?
- Where is the largest concentration of bar turning factories located in France?
- How to become a Decolleteur?
- In what objects or aspects of daily life can we find pieces from bar turning?
What are the origins and historical evolution of bar turning in France?
The history of bar turning in France dates back to the 18th century, when the first machining techniques were developed in the Arve valley, located in Haute-Savoie, between Geneva and Chamonix. This region has become the historic cradle of bar turning in France and has played an essential role in the development of this industry.Initially, local artisans specialized in manufacturing parts for watchmaking, a sector that required great precision and technical know-how. The first machine tools used were mechanical cam lathes, operated by transmission belts and cranks.
Over the years, the demand for precision parts has increased with the development of other industries, such as automobiles, electronics and aeronautics. Turning companies have therefore diversified their production and adapted their skills to these new sectors.
During the 20th century, the bar turning industry in France grew significantly, in part due to the introduction of numerically controlled (CNC) machines. These more modern and efficient machines have made it possible to increase the productivity, precision and flexibility of bar turning processes.
Today, the Arve valley, often nicknamed the "Technic Valley" or "Valley of bar turning", remains the heart of this industry in France. It brings together a large number of companies specializing in bar turning, as well as subcontractors and associated service providers. The region benefits from centuries-old know-how, recognized technical expertise and strong industrial dynamics around bar turning.
What is décolletage?
Bar turning is a mechanical machining process which consists of removing material from a bar or tube, generally metal, to obtain precision parts with specific shapes and dimensions. This process is carried out using machine tools called automatic turning machines or lathes, which allow you to work quickly and precisely.Bar turning is particularly suitable for mass production of small to medium-sized parts, such as screws, nuts, axles, connectors or hydraulic fittings. It is used in various industrial sectors, such as automobiles, aeronautics, electronics, watchmaking and medicine.
How does bar turning work?
Bar turning is carried out using machine tools called bar turning machines or automatic lathes. These machines are designed to work quickly and precisely on metal bars or tubes. The process begins by sourcing raw material, in the form of bars or tubes, which is then cut to the desired length. Cutting tools are used to remove material and give the part its final shape.What are the main types of machines used for bar turning?
There are two main types of machines used for bar turning: automatic cam lathes and numerically controlled (CNC) lathes. Cam lathes are mechanical machines that use cams to control the movements of cutting tools. CNC lathes, on the other hand, are computer controlled and offer greater flexibility and precision. CNC lathes are increasingly used in industry due to their versatility and ability to produce complex parts.What materials can be cut?
Bar turning can be used to machine a wide variety of materials, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, titanium and engineering plastics. The choice of material depends on the specifications and requirements of the part to be produced, as well as the mechanical and environmental constraints to which it will be subjected.What are the main applications of bar turning in industry?
Turning is used in many industrial sectors to produce precision parts in large series. Among the most common fields of application are aeronautics, automobiles, electronics, watchmaking, medicine and mechanical engineering. Turned parts can include screws, nuts, axles, connectors, hydraulic fittings and many other essential components.What is the difference between bar turning and other machining processes, such as turning and milling?
Bar turning is a specific machining process, distinct from turning and milling. It is characterized by the production of parts from bars or tubes by removing material. Turning, on the other hand, involves machining a part by rotating it on an axis, while milling involves using a milling cutter to remove material. Bar turning is particularly suitable for large production series and small parts requiring high precision.Where is the largest concentration of bar turning factories located in France?
The largest concentration of bar turning factories in France is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and more precisely in the Arve valley, located between Geneva and Chamonix. This region, often nicknamed the "Technic Vallée" or "Valley of bar turning", is the historic cradle of bar turning in France and brings together a large number of companies specializing in this field, as well as subcontractors and associated service providers. . The Arve valley benefits from centuries-old know-how, recognized technical expertise and strong industrial dynamics around bar turning.
How to become a Decolleteur?
To become a bar turner, you must follow appropriate training and acquire technical skills in the field of bar turning and machining. Here are the steps to follow:Several diplomas and training courses allow access to the profession of bar turner. Among them we find :
- CAP (Professional Aptitude Certificate) in Operation of Industrial Systems, bar turning option
- Bac Pro (Professional Baccalaureate) Machining Technician or Toolmaker Technician
- BTS (Higher Technician Certificate) in Industrialization of Mechanical Products, bar turning option
In what objects or aspects of daily life can we find pieces from bar turning?
Turning parts are found in many everyday objects and consumer products, thanks to their precision and adaptability to different industries. Here are some examples of objects that contain turned parts :- Smartphones and electronic devices: Connectors, buttons and screws are often manufactured by turning.
- Watches and clocks: Internal parts, such as cogs and pinions, are often made by turning to ensure high precision.
- Bicycles and sports equipment: Mechanical parts, such as axles, nuts and screws, can be removed to provide better quality and durability.
- Household appliances: The fixing and connection parts, as well as certain mechanical components, often come from bar turning.
- DIY tools and materials: Screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets and other metal elements of tools can be manufactured by turning to ensure good strength and a long lifespan.
Discover the neckline
The Museum of Watchmaking and Turning is located in Cluses, in Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in France.
This museum, founded in 1987, highlights the history and industrial heritage of the Arve valley, which is renowned for its watchmaking tradition and its know-how in bar turning.
The museum presents a collection of clocks, watches, tools and machines related to watchmaking and bar turning, as well as temporary exhibitions and educational workshops.
It traces the evolution of production techniques and the innovations that have contributed to the region's reputation in these areas. The museum also offers a view of the trades and know-how that have shaped the economic and social history of the Arve valley.
For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover the history of watchmaking and bar turning, as well as the major role that Cluses played in the development of these industries over the centuries.
100 November 11 Square
74300 Cluses
This museum, founded in 1987, highlights the history and industrial heritage of the Arve valley, which is renowned for its watchmaking tradition and its know-how in bar turning.
The museum presents a collection of clocks, watches, tools and machines related to watchmaking and bar turning, as well as temporary exhibitions and educational workshops.
It traces the evolution of production techniques and the innovations that have contributed to the region's reputation in these areas. The museum also offers a view of the trades and know-how that have shaped the economic and social history of the Arve valley.
For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover the history of watchmaking and bar turning, as well as the major role that Cluses played in the development of these industries over the centuries.
Getting to the museum
Carpano & Pons space100 November 11 Square
74300 Cluses
HOURS OF OPERATION
From September 1 to June 30from Tuesday to Saturday
from 14h to 18h.
July and August Open every day 10 a.m.-12 p.m. / 14 p.m.-18 p.m.
Annual closure
From November 11 to 30 inclusive
Closed on public holidays except July 14 and August 15.
Learn turning
POSTAL CODE
bar turning
The holder of the CAP bar turning certificate has several key skills:
Mastery of the implementation and operation of automatic turning lathes and recovery machines.
Manufacturing of small parts (screws, bolts, nuts, etc.) from steel, brass or sometimes plastic bars.
Ability to decode and analyze part definition drawings and manufacturing ranges.
Selection of the most suitable tools and assembly on the lathe.
Calculation of cutting and rotation speeds, launch and monitoring of production.
Verification of the conformity of the parts in relation to the project. Ensures first level maintenance of its work tool.
Duration of training: 2 years
Nature of the diploma: national diploma or state diploma
BAC PRO Machining Technician or Tool Technician
The skills of the holder of a Bac Pro Technician in the production of mechanical products are divided into several points:
Production and adjustment: He is capable of implementing means of production and controlling the products produced.
Sectors of activity: He works in the fields of production and tools.
Use of machine tools: He masters the machines specific to his sector of activity.
Adaptation to automated environments: It can be integrated into automated, robotic or cobotized production and handling environments.
Duration of training: 3 years
Nature of the diploma: national diploma or state diploma
BTS Industrialization of Mechanical Products, bar turning option
The objective of the BTS Industrialization of Mechanical Products (IPM), as its name indicates, is to train specialists in mechanical production, particularly through machining.
To design an industrial product, it is necessary to define, industrialize, produce, assemble and control the mechanical elements that constitute it.
Over two years, the BTS offers theoretical and practical lessons focused on industrial mechanics, science, production management, safety and environmental rules.
Duration of training: 2 years
Nature of the diploma: national diploma or state diploma
Organizations linked to bar turning
SNDEC
Turning Union
(France)
It represents and defends the interests of bar turning companies in France. The union also contributes to training, technological exchanges and the development of the sector.
(France)
It represents and defends the interests of bar turning companies in France. The union also contributes to training, technological exchanges and the development of the sector.
CETIM (CTDEC)
CETIM (Technical Center for Mechanical Industries)
French technological institute that supports innovation, research and development in the mechanical industries, including bar turning. It offers expertise, consulting and training services to businesses.
French technological institute that supports innovation, research and development in the mechanical industries, including bar turning. It offers expertise, consulting and training services to businesses.
END
(Federation of Mechanical Industries)
French professional organization which represents and defends the interests of companies in the mechanical sector, including bar turning.
It contributes to the promotion, training and economic development of these industries.
French professional organization which represents and defends the interests of companies in the mechanical sector, including bar turning.
It contributes to the promotion, training and economic development of these industries.
SIMODEC
International Exhibition of Bar Turning Machine Tools
International trade fair dedicated to machine tools, bar turning and machining.
It regularly brings together industry players to present innovations, share knowledge and establish partnerships.
International trade fair dedicated to machine tools, bar turning and machining.
It regularly brings together industry players to present innovations, share knowledge and establish partnerships.
