Rafi Robotiques et Machineries
2020 – 2023 (3 Years)
Focus Areas: Mechanical Repair, CNC Machining, Robotics, Automation
Overview
During my three-year apprenticeship at Rafi Robotiques et Machineries, I gained extensive hands-on experience across various aspects of industrial machinery and automation. This period was crucial for developing practical skills in mechanical systems, CNC operation, robotics integration, and automation programming within a real-world industrial environment.
Key Projects and Tasks
Mechanical Repair of Sharmaann Horizontal Boring Machine
Description: As part of my apprenticeship, I participated in the mechanical repair of a Sharmaann horizontal boring machine, which had failed due to worn worm gear pinions. After a thorough diagnostic, our team disassembled the machine and proceeded to manufacture custom bronze pinions, carefully designed to match the original specifications. Once fabricated, we reassembled the components with precision, ensuring correct tolerances and mechanical alignment. This intervention successfully restored the machine’s full operational performance, improving reliability and production efficiency for the client.
Skills Applied: Mechanical diagnostics, component manufacturing (bronze pinion), precision assembly, machine tool maintenance, tolerance analysis.
Design and Fabrication of 5-Axis Welding Robots
Description: As part of my apprenticeship, I contributed to the design and fabrication of two advanced 5-axis welding robots for the client Armasteel. These robots were engineered with an extended 16-meter linear displacement system, providing exceptional flexibility for various industrial welding applications. What sets these robots apart is the integration of real-time infrared sensor systems that precisely track the welding path and dynamically adjust the robot’s movement speed based on the required welding angle. This ensures consistent, high-quality welds across complex surfaces.
Skills Applied: Mechanical design (CAD), robotics assembly, sensor integration (infrared), dynamic control concepts, fabrication techniques.
Repair of CNC Lathe Machine (Geminis – Longofer)
Description: As part of an apprenticeship program, I contributed to the repair of a Geminis CNC lathe machine, controlled by Siemens Sinumerik 840D and Simodrive 611 systems. The machine experienced a critical failure, including Z-axis immobilization and multiple error alarms. The root cause was identified as a corrupted operating system and incorrect machine parameters. Our team successfully restored and recovered the Siemens operating system, reconfigured machine parameters, reprogrammed the CNC system entirely, and reinforced the full integration of the Sinumerik 840D and Simodrive 611 control systems.
Skills Applied: CNC machine diagnostics (Siemens Sinumerik 840D, Simodrive 611), operating system recovery, parameter configuration, CNC programming, system integration.
Reprogramming of Spring Assembly Machine – Matissar
Description: We were contacted by Matissar after their spring assembly machine suddenly shut down, disrupting their production line. As part of the technical team, we diagnosed the root cause as the deletion of the PLC program. Through close collaboration, we successfully reprogrammed the PLC, restoring the full functionality of the machine. This intervention allowed Matissar to resume full production capacity and maintain delivery commitments.
Skills Applied: PLC programming (Specify type if known), logic recovery and development, debugging, industrial troubleshooting, client communication.
