Machining as reliably as possible for as long as possible

Toolmaker Jaro has been supplying fine mechanics with the highest finishing quality from Hechtel-Eksel for almost twenty years. By investing in five-axis machines, it wants to continue delivering on that promise for customers. The new five-axis C600 from Mazak also received an automation solution from BMO in December. "We already couldn't do without them," Jaro says.

Behind every man is a strong woman. When, through word of mouth, Roel Jacobs began to receive more and more demand for the pieces he turned and milled after his working hours, it was his wife who gave him the final push to become fully independent. Jaro was born. 

Even after that official start in 2004, things continued to progress rapidly. "In 2007, we moved into a 250 m² building. In 2019, we moved to our current location, where we have 1,000 m² at our disposal." 

When we ask him about the secret of his success, Jacobs remains modest. "Quality and accuracy are the benchmarks here. But ultimately it's about a good price-quality ratio. Our customers, who are mainly active in mechanical engineering, automation and welding constructions, also appreciate our flexibility. We try to shuffle our planning as much as possible, in order to achieve a competitive delivery time when necessary and to help our customers out of a tight spot. But the praise also goes to the rest of the team. Because they, too, put double and double effort into this."

Three five-axle trucks added

Since this year, by the way, Jacobs is no longer alone at the head of the company, following the arrival of Giel Maesen as a partner. "He started at Jaro as a vacation job," Jacobs explains. "In recent years it became clear what he can do and what added value he brings. With him on board, we can again take the next steps as a company. After all, continuity is once again guaranteed for the long term." 

A new chapter that can begin with state-of-the-art machinery. Indeed, over the past three years Jaro has invested in five new machines. As a result, three five-axis machines were added to the shop floor. "Because you save at least five fixtures. You have to be able to do as much work as possible with the people you have, without making mistakes. Then five-axis is the answer," Maesen said. 

That it also became a Mazak three times was self-evident to Jaro. "Not only are they good machines, you also get all the support you need. Moreover, spare parts are always in stock. It sometimes takes longer to order French fries than to get a Mazak spare part," Jacobs says with a broad smile.

First time with automation

Perhaps the most striking of the three five-axle machines is the C600. Not because of its size, as there are also machines capable of handling pieces up to 1 and up to 3 m. No, for the first time with the C600, an automation solution appeared on the shop floor at Jaro in the form of a robot system from BMO. Jacobs: "To achieve even more spindle hours. We save all serial work as much as possible for this machine. And it has already turned out to be a godsend. When we were eating turkey at Christmas, the C600 was at work. Although she was only delivered in December, between Christmas and New Year she did not stand still for a second and finished 1,200 pieces in stainless steel flawlessly. The advantage of purchasing the C600 and robot as one package from Mazak. Everything immediately ran flawlessly. The integration of the robot was really plug-and-play." 

The five-axle unit itself had been there for several months, to be fully mastered. Jaro shows particular satisfaction with that too. "In terms of dimensions, the C600 was the perfect complement to the rest of our machine park with a course of up to 600 mm. In addition, it is particularly compact, stable and precise and also built ergonomically. Everything is easily accessible," Maesen adds.

Already indispensable

Jaro resolutely chose the options on the C600 that guaranteed efficient and reliable, fully automated operation. With, for example, an 18,000-rpm spindle with internal cooling, a clamping conveyor with spooling drum, and 90 tools in the magazine. "So that the machine can stay working for as long as possible. Investments that have given us breathing room, by the way. Before, we were always running into our limits. Now we can change gears even faster, without everyone having to work overtime. We waited a long time before taking the step to automation. But we wouldn't be able to think them away now," Jacobs concludes.