A global solution

Eurolinks essentially specialises in effective management of skills, know-how and equipment in-house, which helps to produce a link from A to Z, right from the deformation of strip steel to packaging and dispatch, including the processes of assembly, welding, heat treatment, surface treatments and control. We manage and endeavour to always maintain and develop key skills, with specialists who are the best in their fields, who in the context of cross-functional work groups make a concerted effort to ensure a constant homogeneous interaction between the various production phases. The challenge in the production of links actually lies in the ability to maintain a fine balance between the processes that, phase after phase, are likely to disturb the dimensional or functional features obtained in the previous phase.. Thus, the assembly by welding and heat treatment leads to dimensional deformations which must be imperatively kept under strict control... The same holds true for phosphating operations which lead to a reduction in certain functional performances of the links if not correctly carried out. As compared to most of our competitors who only undertake cutting and pressing operations and outsource the finishing operations, we effectively manage all the skills and installations required to manufacture links in-house, which constitutes one of our key success factors... This enables tremendous control over quality, costs and lead-times, which distinguishes the global Eurolinks offer...

After the raw materials arrive, we carry out the cutting/ stamping/ bending operations of our products, their heat treatment, surface treatments (phosphating and painting) and finally a 100% inspection, which is carried out using automatic machines for the small calibre links. We also manage the logistical aspects and the sensitive issue of export licence procedures. Eurolinks thus offers its clients a comprehensive turnkey solution, from the regulatory and administrative processing of their order, till the delivery of links to their door-step...

Forming and Assembly

Using various types of presses, equipped with multiple ram slides or follow-on progressive tools, the links are formed from raw materials that are selected and tested before being used in production. The links thus manufactured undergo continuous control combining the use of specific controllers and SPC statistical tools to ensure the stability of their dimensional conformity... For links that constitute several elements, we carry out spot welding operations using semi-automatic installations, with continuous control of the welding parameters.

Heat treatment

After being transferred onto our two automatic heat treatment lines with conveyor belts, the links undergo the required treatments in a controlled gas atmosphere... All the treatment parameters also undergo computerised monitoring, with continuous data transmission to the Quality Department...

Surface treatment

After having been deburred using automatic shot blasting machines, the links are then likely to undergo one of our in-house treatments: phosphating - oiling or lacquering on automatic line... Having been patiently developed over a period of several years, the phosphating parameters undergo strict control to ensure that the links satisfy the conditions related to corrosion resistance, while retaining a dry touch and appearance and offering suitable contact characteristics with brass or steel ammunition cases. Lacquering - black or grey, matt or glossy - is carried out on a line equipped with automatic guns, and a carousel with integrated furnace, and helps to obtain enhanced corrosion resistance and a finish that meets the most demanding appearance criteria.

Control

For the small calibre links we use automatic control machines with digital vision that we have designed and had specifically made, and which help to ensure links without any form defects (such defects are not compatible with the proper functioning of the linking machines used by our clients.) For the medium calibre links, which have the least volumes, we carry out manual and visual inspections using sophisticated control instruments if required, which enable simultaneous checking of several critical dimensions. These operations are carried out by packaging and control operators who are specially trained for the types of links that they are to inspect.