New CMZ TD turning milling center opens new era

After extensive market research, Ecosteryl has purchased a new lathe from distributor Promas BV: the CMZ TD 35 Y 800. With this new, modern machine, the company, which has been operating since 2000 under the name AMB Ecosteryl and since 2021 under the sole name Ecosteryl, wants to evolve along with the growth phase in which medical waste decontamination solutions are located. The machine was installed at the end of July and is still in the running-in phase, but everything is going perfectly according to plan.

In 1947, Raoul Dufrasne founded AMB as a manufacturer of specific machines for industry. A major shift occurred in 2000, when Philippe Dufrasne focused the company on the treatment of medical waste, with a patented technology for dry heat decontamination using microwaves. Since the development of the first prototypes, the technology has proven its worth and sales have continued to increase. AMB's historic workshops in Jemappes continue to run at full capacity to manufacture the metal parts of the Ecosteryl decontamination machines. As Julien Bonte, continuous improvement manager and manufacturing manager at Ecosteryl, sums up, "We only produce for ourselves."

Necessary evolution

For several years, this has become increasingly evident. Sales of Ecosteryl disinfection machines have increased year after year and now reach about twenty units per year. Given the aging machinery and the significant increase in the volume of parts to be manufactured, it became imperative to increase the production rate. This was the starting point for thinking about the future of Ecosteryl. Julien Bonte: "The goal was to invest in the future, without slowing down growth or research and development. We examined in detail which type of machine was most suitable in function of the parts to be machined, their specific diameters and lengths, the current and future possibilities of the machine, the payback time... And soon this market study led us to Promas." 

Erik Kinat, sales manager at Promas, explains: "The goal was to increase efficiency and optimize production, and it also seemed worthwhile to avoid consecutive manipulations on different machines. So the new machine can be used for turning, and for milling with the Y axis and driven tools, and does not rule out further automation."

Advantages of new machine

The CMZ TD 35 Y 800 offers undeniable technical advantages. Without mentioning them all, let us mention the time savings of 36% on machining the feedthrough sleeve, the most machined part, and the fact that the new machine has twelve 13 kW driven tools! Previously, Ecosteryl had to do without an automatic tool magazine, and had only one available tool with manual changeover. The powered power is also unmatched. And to meet future challenges, the machine is flexible, scalable and could also be equipped with automatic rod feed or loading robot.

Equally important, the new machine has facilitated the transition to a modern workshop. Julien Bonte: "The workshop received a facelift. A concrete slab was poured to improve stability and load distribution. In addition, the new machinery brings a breath of fresh air to the workshop. Training our six machine operators in the use of such a modern machine is stimulating and increases versatility within the team. This confirms our ambition to invest in quality and sends a very positive signal to our employees."

Follow-up from a to z

Ensuring long-term quality also means avoiding potential technical problems. Erik Kinat: "Of course, it's not just about selling a machine. I strive for long-term cooperation and customer satisfaction. Promas has thirteen technicians who go out on the job day in and day out to solve any problems, usually within 48 hours. Julien Bonte adds: "We are happy with the follow-up from a to z. Now we can be more flexible in after-sales service without penalizing production."