Complexity of structures requires more options in five-axis

Having our own machinery offers more opportunities for flexible response to customer requests. At Aelbrecht Maes, they go the extra mile. The company invests heavily in its production machines in order to keep up with new trends and serve customers at their beck and call. When it comes to machining, the family business resolutely opts for the technical capabilities of Mazak machines. Even in five-axis work, they stand out for their accuracy and reliability.

Deep in the port of Ghent lies the family business of Aelbrecht Maes, with today the fourth generation at the helm. The modest forge from 1914 has made way for a state-of-the-art production company with 18 employees, where craftsmanship sets the tone. People from all over the world come here for top-class metal constructions. 

"For the last fifteen years, we have resolutely chosen the more complex work. Whether that be transport carts, tooling, steel windows and doors ... or even design objects," says Hans Maes, who runs the company together with brother Tom. "Both for reputable industrial partners in Belgium and abroad, and for architects and designers from all over the world. Through the know-how we have accumulated over the years, we have a strong trump card to excel just when the bar is raised a little higher. From design to finished product."

Quality, capabilities and service

To keep pushing the limits of its capabilities as well, Aelbrecht Maes invests heavily in new machinery. "To keep up with all production trends," Maes clarifies. That certainly applies to the machining department, which has received a thorough makeover in recent years. "We saw a trend toward more turning and milling work in the total constructions we deliver. Most of that work used to be outsourced. By investing in people and machines, we've been able to do that in-house for several years now. The gain in flexibility for us and our customers was the main motivating factor." 

Seven years ago, the first Mazak machine joined the shop floor. A lathe that still performs its duties excellently in production. "From day one, there was particular confidence in the quality and capabilities of Mazak machines. In addition, service also plays in Mazak's favor, with the proximity of the European warehouse for spare parts and the good accessibility of technicians, even on weekends," Maes adds with satisfaction. 

For more accuracy

Anyone who says more complex work cannot avoid five-axis machines. With an Integrex J200S, the busiest machine on the shop floor, and the VTC 800-30SR, Aelbrecht Maes already had several options for five-axis. The latest new addition, the CV5-500 that came in late 2020, further expanded that palette. Maes: "Almost everything that goes out the door here is custom work in which we don't shy away from complex work. However, the more difficult the pieces become, the better the machines to produce them have to be. By focusing on five-axis work, we can finish pieces in one go. This not only saves time, but also provides more accuracy and less danger of making mistakes. As a construction company, we always want to raise the bar and go further in quality. Mazak supports us in this." 

Although Maes sees many advantages in machines with the same controls, he still makes market comparisons with each investment. "The production reliability of this machine was the deciding factor. Important, since we linked an automation solution to it."

Ready for projects

Next to the CV5-500 is the Mill-Assist, the second RoboJob installation designed to ensure flawless loading and unloading on the shop floor at Aelbrecht Maes. "Our employees in the machining department are in no way button pushers. Knowledge and skill dominate here. That's why we also want to use their talents as efficiently as possible." In any case, they are impressed with the CV5-500. A pleasure to work with, it sounds. Maes: "Automation in itself is not a goal for us. Nor do we go looking for work to accommodate our machines, but when a project comes up, we do want to have the right capabilities. For example, we invested in a 3D measuring arm for when customers need an exact measurement report. So we see the CV5-500 as a springboard to more possibilities. A decision that will certainly pay off in the long run." 

In any case, with well-equipped machinery, investments in all areas of the company, and a recent 1,000-square-meter expansion, the company seems to have firmly armed itself for a bright future.