Advanced machinery enables step to first proprietary product

For Dimatec, the beginning of an intensive process that led to its own product for the first time. The dispenser with foot pedal was conceived and manufactured entirely in-house and has already garnered considerable success. "Without Mazak's machines, this would not have been possible," says Kristof Schockaert, product development at Dimatec and driving force behind the project. 

Text and image: Valérie Couplez 

During the first corona peak in the spring, everyone was looking for solutions to efficiently distribute hand gel. Many searched, but few really found what they needed. When a major retailer came knocking on Dimatec's door with the question, there was no hesitation. "There was a particular need for a larger receptacle in combination with foot operation, so that everything could be done without hands and changeovers were kept to a minimum. Within three weeks, we had developed our own pump in which the flow rate could be adjusted depending on the medium. Alcohol or alcohol gel can be pumped differently because of the difference in viscosity," summarizes Dirk Matthijs. That the question came to Dimatec should come as no surprise. Know-how, techniques and contemporary materials have been combined into professional end products in Affligem for more than thirty years. 

Combination of materials and techniques

"Our strength lies in the combination of materials (metal, wood and plastic) and different operations (laser cutting, machining, welding) into complex products. Together with our customers, we want to make products better. In that domain we can provide enormous added value, from engineering to production. We have also proven that in this story," adds Kristof Schockaert. He is Matthijs' stepson and has been active in the family business since the beginning of this year. When the retailer initially backed off and opted for another solution, Schockaert still wanted to go ahead and launch it on the market as its own product. "Exciting for us. Developing, producing and marketing a new product always brings the necessary, healthy stress. Especially in a market where demand is very high. So the finished product had to be right the first time. The fact that the retailer still placed an order is the best proof that we succeeded." Fortunately, in production, Dimatec could count on high-performance machinery and a driven team that put its shoulders to the wheel to deliver the dispensers even during the vacation period.

Technical details

Notable appearances in that fleet of machines include the 4 kW Optiplex 3015 fiber and the Integrex J-200 S. "When we were looking for a fiber laser to replace our CO2 laser in 2015, Mazak was the only one that could offer one with an automation solution that at the same time kept open the option to work manually. For us, that was crucial. Working unmanned sounds wonderful on paper but in practice it is less obvious. Moreover, the Mazak laser cutting machines have a different look and feel that appealed to me and with the Worklifter the plate always lands on the cutting table without damage. That kind of technical detail is appreciated here," Matthijs recalls. He is also very appreciative of Mazak's service. "You always get someone on the line with the necessary technical knowledge, so in most cases the problem can simply be solved over the phone." When he saw the Integrex at the 2018 EMO, he immediately knew "I have to have that one. "We did have our doubts at the time whether we would have enough staff for it, but today we absolutely cannot do without this multitasking machine. The machine is so polyvalent thanks to the 72 tools, among other things, that we can easily use stainless steel, aluminum and plastic interchangeably. And we then also have an operator who is enamored with the machine and is committed to using all its possibilities."

Future plans

The future also looks bright for Dimatec. Work is currently underway on a new building that will serve as a stockroom and give the studio more breathing room. Schockaert: "We have no ambition to become the largest. We want to keep our efficiency and our short decision lines. That's why we invest smartly in machines, such as those from Mazak. They give us the ability to achieve greater output with the same people. We always want to work more efficiently and create more opportunities for ourselves and for our customers." So the next purchase was the Mazak FT150 tube laser. "It had to be a 3D tube laser, with at least a 3 kW laser source and with manual loading. That's why we had to be with Mazak again," Matthijs adds with a wink. "At the end of April we can start working with our new machine."