Preparing for the future with full confidence

After 24 years of faithful service, the Hedelius machining center with which Bontemps processes its aluminum, stainless steel, plastic and other metal profiles has been replaced by a new state-of-the-art model. The machine was delivered in September by Promas BV and is fully operational. Nicolas Bontemps tells us more about the cooperation between the two partners.

Founded in the 1950s, Vilvoorde-based Bontemps handles the full cycle of profile machining for customers in the door and window industry, facade construction, electronics and mechanical engineering. Profiles of aluminum, stainless steel and other metals and plastics are machined on a Hedelius three-axis machining center. And has been since 1999. In other words, this machine has done the job for no less than 24 years without a hitch. But it showed weaknesses and expensive investments were needed to refurbish it.

With a view to expanding the services he offers his clients, Managing Director Nicolas Bontemps, who represents the third generation at the head of the family business, decided to replace the old machine with a more modern one that is up to current and future challenges. "Since the old Hedelius machine had worked smoothly with us all these years and our operators were perfectly familiar with the brand, it was natural for us to continue working with this manufacturer," says Nicolas Bontemps. He adds, "Although the amount of work will probably not change drastically in the near future right away, we should certainly anticipate developments and prepare for them as best we can."

Some key features of the new machine

The new machine, delivered on Sept. 18, is a five-axis machining center of the Hedelius Tiltenta 7 3200 1R type, equipped with a 3620 mm x 750 mm table with built-in rotary table, a swiveling milling head +/- 98 degrees with power up to 35 kW, and a tool magazine with standard 50 tools, but expandable to 314 tools. Looking to the future, the machine is also already prepared for a sixth axis, for machining longer workpieces at an angle.

The German-made machine can be described as extremely versatile, powerful and built to last. Like the previous model, it is equipped with Heidenhain controls, also German-made - so operators had no adjustment problems with it. 

Erik Kinat, sales manager at Promas, explains: "This is a very versatile machine, good for machining large workpieces, including both head edges thanks to the milling head that can go unseen low to the table. You can divide the machine into two working zones by putting a partition, which allows you to work pendulum without changeover times. You can obviously do five-plane and simultaneous five-axis milling operations, and by means of a fixture column with clamping system on the rotary table and swivel head in horizontal position, you can also make large numbers of smaller pieces in one fixture. While the clamping systems of the old machine are retained, it is possible to later install an automatic clamping system, automate machining operations, install a robot for loading and unloading workpieces to set up an evening or weekend shift, for example. In fact, the machine is very versatile and not technically limited in any way. The preparation for a sixth axis is also a plus towards the future."

Nicolas Bontemps adds, "And for the sake of the environment and the health of the staff, two extraction systems have also been installed to filter the fumes and oil mist released during the machining process."

Service is guaranteed

Speaking of service, Erik Kinat explains, "Typically, a Hedelius machine has a service life of easily 20-25 years or more. But that poses no problems for spare parts supply. There are roughly five or six spindle models that appear on all machines. The construction principle is almost always the same and many components are identical. And Hedelius always keeps a large stock of spare parts, even for very old machines. This, together with our twelve-member service team, guarantees a very high level of machine availability."