Turning and milling specialist invests in five-axis CNC machining center with swiveling milling head

Fast delivery of high-quality, precise workpieces depends on the combination of passionate professionals and up-to-date machinery. David Van achter, owner of Metaaldraaierij Moerenhout in Puurs, understood this well. Since he and his wife Elly took over this company in 2019, the machinery has been thoroughly renewed. The very latest acquisition, a five-axis CNC machining center type TILTENTA 9-2600 1R from Hedelius with swiveling milling head and fixed table with integrated NC table, was installed on the shop floor by distributor Promas in March. In addition to quality and accuracy, the compact footprint and short delivery time were especially decisive.

The name Metaaldraaierij Moerenhout is synonymous with high-quality, precise work within a fast, reliable delivery time. The specialist in turning, milling and other metal works - from single pieces to larger series - was founded by Louis Moerenhout at the end of the sixties and further expanded by his son Willy. 

"After I interned at Moerenhout in 1998, Willy offered me permanent employment there. I stayed there until 2001, only to accept another opportunity. Five years later, I returned at Willy's request," says current manager David Van achter. "In 2009 there was first talk of a takeover, but it still took ten years before I and my wife took the step effectively. We kept the name and we are still active today as a supply company for all kinds of sectors. We do not design ourselves, but carry out everything from a customer's drawing."

Five-axis machining center

A large stock of raw materials and finished parts, a team of driven and flexible employees with know-how, and an up-to-date, well-maintained machine park are cornerstones of the success of Metaaldraaierij Moerenhout. The business manager also still works on the shop floor on a daily basis. 

"Also all available machinery was obviously in the takeover file, but since 2019 we have invested heavily in new systems anyway, with one conventional and three CNC lathes," says Van achter. "Recently, we also decided to replace a 20-year-old machining center. The machine made a lot of noise, was often inaccurate in its operations, and a break in the spindle could lead to downtime at any time. Repair would cost a lot of money; a new unit was the obvious choice."

"David and Elly actually wanted to buy a similar machine as they already had one, but then I came along and suggested a machining center from Hedelius, a brand they were not actually familiar with," says Andy De Foor of Promas. "Still, they were interested, if only because of the German manufacture, which for them was synonymous with quality. We invited them to one of our customers to see the TILTENTA 9-2600 1R at work and they were immediately convinced. This five-axis machining center is equipped with a movable column, a 14000 rpm swiveling milling head and a fixed table with integrated NC table. The X, Y and Z axes have a range of 2600 (X), 900 (Y) and V/H 900/1005 mm (Z) respectively. Components weighing up to 3000 kg can be easily machined on five sides in a single fixture. The tool magazine offers standard space for 60 tools, but optionally the machine can also be supplied with a STANDBY magazine, allowing up to 240 and even 324 tools. Chips are disposed of efficiently and operation is via an intuitive Heidenhain control."

Positive cooperation

"This new machining center was installed in our workshop in March. Our first experiences with the Hedelius brand and distributor Promas are very positive. The quality and accuracy of the workpieces is excellent, the service during installation, commissioning and after-sales service idem ditto," concludes David Van achter. "We can flexibly do everything with this machine that we could do before, and much more. Equally decisive for our choice were the short delivery time of this Hedelius TILTENTA from stock and the compact footprint, as we did not have much space available in our workshop." ■