CNC with all the advantages of a manual machine

Labor time is an important part of the total cost of a workpiece. The faster you are turning or milling, the more margin you can create. But the smaller the series, the greater this challenge becomes. The ProtoTRAK controls of XYZ machines derive their raison d'être precisely from this. Through a simple dialogue control, operators are turning or milling in no time, even on complex pieces. Crispyn Machines takes care of the distribution in Belgium.

Over the past few years, XYZ's machining machines with ProtoTRAK control have increasingly gained a foothold in the Belgian metal industry. Managing director Jan Crispyn: "Almost every metal processing company today has problems finding technically skilled personnel. A challenge that applies even more to companies involved in prototypes and repairs. After all, manual work requires even more expertise. After all, the limited series size - often even single pieces - makes it unprofitable to invest in machines with advanced CNC controls. But where are they going to find operators to finish complex pieces correctly in one go?" 

Starting from that issue, XYZ set to work to develop the ProtoTRAK control for its machining machines. Using an intuitive dialog control in Dutch, the operator is guided through a number of parameters to produce single pieces or small series in no time. Still something not quite perfect? With the conventional wheels, manual adjustments are still possible. The operator keeps full control, not the CNC. 

"Thanks to the simplicity and power of ProtoTRAK, these workpieces can be made four to 10 times faster. You have to have tried it to believe it. From sketch to workpiece, it only takes fifteen minutes. It really is that easy." These machines are now selling like hotcakes all over the world, precisely because they manage to close the gap between manual and fully automatic work for anyone with or without CNC experience. 

The support of Crispyn Machines is also greatly appreciated in the market. In the showroom in Maldegem, customers can feel, taste and smell the machines for themselves. 

"We make a strong case that we always find the right solution for the client. Always starting from what he really needs based on his (future) pieces. We also show the machines live at work, just because it's important to see how you can manufacture very beautiful pieces with them in no time." 

The company has further developed several video tutorials to help operators step by step past common questions. For example, how to integrate specific milling strategies into the machine. 

"When we deliver the machine, we provide training with it, to quickly familiarize the operators with it. After half a day, it's usually well in hand. But for those who want to get the most out of it and use all the possibilities of the control and the machines, these video tutorials are of enormous added value. But of course we are also ready to support customers in the traditional way. From a distance or on site. Always quickly and efficiently, always with a smile."

The ProtoTRAK control system may initially lend itself primarily to prototypes and single pieces, but XYZ also has solutions for those ready to take the next step toward more serial work. 

"Next year the new TMC machining centers will become available, which will again provide more versatility. The familiar ProtoTRAK control remains, but spindle hours can again soar due to the presence of a tool magazine with up to 20 tools. This allows operators to take on other tasks while the program is running. A next, logical step toward more automation on the shop floor."