CNC machine and cobot: perfect tandem

Right away. It is the approach that has characterized Meirlaen Metalworking since its early days and that makes the company continue to grow more than 25 years later. Today, it is also looking more and more in the direction of automation to meet customers' needs. A great example of this is how a cobot takes pieces directly from the saw to the XYZ CNC machine that prepares them for further machining.

When Geert Meirlaen purchased his first CNC lathe in '94, it was immediately accompanied by a measuring machine. "Quality should always be the starting point. When I started, I worked mainly as a subcontractor in turning and milling. Metalworkers usually came knocking with pieces they couldn't get away with properly themselves. The more complex work, in other words. I'm still grateful to them for that, because it enabled me to master my craft even better." 

Quality as a signboard

Even today, that eye for quality and accuracy is still one of Meirlaen Metalworking's signposts. "Together with the large stock of materials to keep delivery deadlines sharp and flexible," says the business manager. Under the motto "you ask, we turn, mill and so much more," Meirlaen also tries to think along with its customers to optimize the manufacturability of pieces. "We want to support them in all areas, from single pieces to medium series, from design to production, and that for different sectors. The fact that most customers return is the best proof that there is a good interaction."

Everything programmed on the machines

The machines that land on the shop floor at Meirlaen must also earn their stamp of quality. "The first machine I ever bought is still running in production, within its tolerances. You have to be able to rely on your machines to deliver on the promises made to your customers. We therefore invest resolutely in A-brands. But you need skilled operators for that as well." 

Meirlaen now has seventeen employees who can indulge all their technical talents on state-of-the-art CNC machines. "Everything here is still programmed on the machines. Nothing is done offline. So our operators can actually finish the pieces completely by themselves. A system that works well, because it's very satisfying. And while one program is running, they are already working on the next piece."

Looking at automation

Still, Meirlaen too must look more toward automation, as technically skilled employees are increasingly difficult to find. "When you see that the electromechanics major barely has any students left, you know it," he said. 

To create additional capacity, not only a new CNC machine was added in September, but also a cobot. It forms the link between the sawing machine and the XYZ 750 LR machining center. "It's about pre-processing of domotics products. The plates must first be cut to size, then drilled and tapped, before they are then given the right profile on another machine." 

Although Meirlaen has standardized on one brand, this time they looked in a different direction. "We needed a quality and affordable solution right away," he said.

Immediate good feeling

XYZ had previously been in Meirlaen's sights for another investment. So it didn't take long for the company to find its way to Crispyn Machines and the XYZ 750 LR. "In the showroom, we immediately had a good feeling about the machine and the supplier. We quickly came to an agreement, also because the machine was immediately available and we had no time to lose." 

Three weeks later, she was already working shifts of 8 to 10 hours a day at Meirlaen. "It is a modern machine that is completely up to date with its time. So it didn't take too much effort to get them to communicate with the cobot. Crispyn had already provided the door on the side. Together they form a perfect tandem that we don't have to worry about. And although it is a different control than we are used to, everyone quickly got along with it. She is easy to operate. Actually, the task we assign to her is too simple, she has much more up her sleeve, but we have yet to discover that."