TRAF's Future-ready Approach to High Precision Machining

For decades, CNC machining has offered manufacturers across the globe the ability to achieve unprecedented levels of precision, efficiency and flexibility. Today, the technology is one of the most indispensable tools in the manufacturing industry, used in the production of parts found in a wide range of applications, such as aerospace parts and automotive components and more.

TRAF Inc., a manufacturer based in St. Laurent, Quebec, has mastered both the art and science of CNC machining. The company’s experienced team provides technical support, high-precision machining, mechanical assembly, and management of outside processes (OP). With a full suite of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology at their fingertips, TRAF’s team tackles client projects ranging in size, scope and complexity-- all while never sacrificing quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Leading with continuous improvement

Eric Giroux, President of TRAF, took over ownership of the company in 2012. While TRAF. had been operating for nearly 25 years at the time as a small aerospace company with specialized services, Eric saw immense potential in the company and began modernizing the company’s facilities and operations. 

Soon, Eric had implemented a full-scale ERP system to allow for precise management of the product lifecycle and industrialized each workstation-- changes which have contributed strongly to TRAF’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality producer in the aerospace industry. 

Eric’s open and innovative mindset has led TRAF to tremendous success-- the company’s parts can currently be found in the products of market leaders such as Bombardier, Airbus and Boeing. So there’s no doubt that this mindset of continuous improvement remains one of TRAF’s core company tenets to this day. Eric and his team are always looking for opportunities to add value for customers by leading with new advancements and eliminating unnecessary or ‘waste’ activities. 

A market-driven technological vision

At TRAF, understanding customers and anticipated market needs is a large part of continuous improvement. The TRAF team keeps their finger on the pulse of the needs and pain points of current and potential customers and adjusts company capabilities accordingly. 

A shining example of this is TRAF’s recent investment in a 5-axis DMG-MORI DMU50 Ultrasonic milling centre. Equipped with a robot pallet changer that allows the team to tackle any advanced shape cost-effectively, this machine enables TRAF to machine advanced materials such as technical ceramics, glass, super alloys and more. 

While machining with these high-performance materials normally involves high costs, the ultrasonic milling centre reduces 40% of process forces, significantly reduces sub-surface cracks and improves particle flushing. On top of all this, TRAF boasts numerous quality certifications (including AS9100, ISO9001 and CGP) and a highly flexible production process that can adapt to a customer’s changing requirements--adding reliability and agility to the company’s long list of competitive strengths.

Future-ready and resilient

In addition to staying in the know on all things manufacturing, TRAF plays an instrumental role in research and development-- getting involved in the early stages of ground-breaking research so that the company can offer new commercialization opportunities to market successfully. The team is part of a highly collaborative research network and aims to gain long-term insight into industry developments to provide customers with the best result possible time and time again.

For buyers looking to work with a manufacturer capable of machining complex geometric parts, working with brittle materials and taking on challenges of all sizes and scopes, TRAF is a manufacturer you can count on. Here at Axya, we’re always excited to work with manufacturers like TRAF that are driven by innovation and keen on fostering a culture of lifelong learning. 

On TRAF’s website, the company lists its 4 core values-- excellence, commitment, integrity, and last but certainly not least, fun. To TRAF, learning and growing from each new customer project isn’t a chore, but rather an opportunity to reach new goals and celebrate new accomplishments. This value is evident throughout the team’s continuous passion for growth even after decades of success. With a legacy built on trust, expertise, and enjoyment of their craft, TRAF not only meets the needs of today’s manufacturers but anticipates and exceeds the challenges of tomorrow.