Plasma cutting source perfectly matches needs

Last year that resulted in the investment in a plasma cutting machine to be even more responsive with cutting work for repairs. The choice of source was decisive: the Kjellberg HiFocus161i plasma source.

Text: Valérie Couplez  Image: De Troyer Mechanization and Plasma Solutions

A business carried entirely by a family with a passion for technology at its heart. That's De Troyer Mechanization from Herzele all over. It started with father Edgard who helped local farmers with repairs after hours. That went around like wildfire and before he knew it he could take the step to being completely independent. With sons Thomas and Frederiek and daughter Jolien also wanting to get into the story, they opted in 2009 for a new building project (1,400 m²) to have a larger workshop and their own showroom. From there, De Troyer Mechanization distributes a range of products for agriculture and horticulture. 

For in-house construction work and subcontracting

"We are always looking out for new opportunities to further expand our offering to our customers. Also for our customers in the industry," explains Thomas De Troyer. After all, De Troyer Mechanization also built a solid reputation in subcontracting. Welding, milling, turning, bending ... the range of metalwork at De Troyer Mechanisatie is now extensive. A branch of sport that has grown considerably in recent years, forcing the company to continue investing in it. "Last year we decided to purchase a plasma cutting table. There was some demand for cutting and here in the area the technology is relatively little used. But above all, it also allows us to finish our own construction work more smoothly for repairs, for example." 

Fast and reliable operation

So a great opportunity, but De Troyer did his homework right away to get the right machine. After all, the machines had to be able to cut smoothly through thick pieces (up to 50 mm) of steel, stainless steel and aluminum. It was the MicroStep Mastercut 6001.25P + 500, supplied by Wouters Cutting & Welding. De Troyer: "A choice inspired by good experiences of customers and our own supplier for plasma cutting with MicroStep," De Troyer adds. "You just have to put the sheet on and the machine goes to work according to the drawing. You're off and running quickly. Because we mainly use them for repairs, that fast and reliable operation is crucial. But the more you get the hang of plasma cutting, the more efficiently you learn to nest and exploit its capabilities." 

Perfect resource for business

However, the standard source provided by Wouter Cutting & Welding was not what Edgard De Troyer wanted. He resolutely chose the Kjellberg HiFocus161i plasma source, a high definition plasma cutting source with a maximum output power of 160 A. "Because with this source, the power consumption follows a very flat curve. We are limited here in what we can handle (up to 80 A). With another source, we would have had to request an attenuation or opt for our own cabin. Now we can cut very stably and reliably, even with other machines working. In addition, the source has a piercing capacity of 30 mm and fine marking can be done with argon gas at a current of 5 to 25 A. For service, we can also rely on a local partner with Plasma Solutions."

Service well followed up

They are particularly pleased with the investment in Herzele. The machine smoothly cuts its way through the sheets (up to 6 m x 2.5 m) that land on the table. "We can now finish repairs that require cutting from 1 to 50 mm faster, resulting in satisfied customers. That's what it's all about in the end. And we still have enough capacity left to also offer plasma cutting in subcontracting." De Troyer also shows satisfaction with the cooperation with the various partners. "After the sale of the machine, all questions are still followed up well. We always get the support we need," De Troyer concludes.