Exotic Hardwood Machining (Iroko) for Eiffage: Toulouse Metro Line C Project

As part of the construction of the upcoming Toulouse Metro Line C (operated by Tisséo), civil engineering contractor Eiffage commissioned Alcyde workshop to cut, size, and machine a custom series of technical components made from solid Iroko hardwood.

This project highlights our capability to machine hard and technical timbers for heavy infrastructure and civil works across southwest France.

Why Iroko for this type of project?

Iroko is an African hardwood known for its mechanical strength and durability in challenging environments:

• Natural moisture resistance (Class 4/5): Naturally rot-proof, it can be used outdoors or in underground damp conditions without chemical autoclave treatments.
• High density: With an average density of ~650 kg/m³, it offers strong compression resistance under heavy loads.
• Long-term dimensional stability: Once seasoned, it holds its shape reliably against humidity fluctuations.

These properties make Iroko an effective material for bearing blocks and structural shims subjected to direct physical stress.

Technical machining specifics of Iroko in the workshop

Machining Iroko requires specific precautions regarding tooling:

• Natural silica content: Iroko fibers naturally contain abrasive mineral deposits that rapidly dull standard steel tooling.
• Tungsten carbide tooling: We use micrograin carbide cutters and calibrated feed rates to avoid overheating the wood and prevent grain tear-out.
• Precision sizing and step milling: Each piece was dimensioned, planed, and milled to the exact drawings provided by Eiffage.

Once machined and cleaned, parts underwent dimensional checks and were packed on strapped pallets, ready for direct job site delivery.

CNC cutting and machining of solid wood and technical panels in Toulouse

Based near Toulouse, Alcyde supports construction contractors, timber framers, and industrial clients with custom machining services:

• Solid timbers: Exotic hardwoods (Iroko, Cumaru), domestic hardwoods (oak, beech, ash), and softwoods.
• Technical panels: Birch plywood, concrete formwork panels, Trespa HPL, and technical plastics (HDPE, POM-C).
• Supported file formats: We work directly from CAD models (STEP, DXF, DWG) or dimensioned PDF drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why choose Iroko rather than treated local softwood for infrastructure parts?
Iroko is naturally rot-resistant (Use Class 4/5) without chemical preservatives. Its density and cellular cohesion provide far greater compression strength and weather resistance than treated softwood.

How do you manage Iroko's abrasiveness during CNC machining?
Iroko contains natural silica deposits. We machine this timber using high-grade carbide tooling and optimized feeds and speeds to maintain sharp cutting edges and clean surfaces without burning.

What are typical lead times for custom civil engineering parts?
Depending on material availability and batch complexity, workshop production is usually completed within a few business days after drawing validation.

What files should we send for a quick quotation?
You can send your 3D models (STEP) or 2D vector files (DXF, DWG), or dimensioned PDF drawings along with required quantities and timber specifications.

Need custom machining for solid wood or structural panels?

Send us your drawings for a quick technical review and quotation.

Request a machining quote within 24h to 48h
Alcyde Workshop: +33 5 82 95 09 53