Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies automates a Mazak Integrex and a Mazak CV5-500 with RoboJob
More capacity, more flexibility and shorter delivery times
Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies automates a Mazak Integrex and a Mazak CV5-500 with RoboJob
Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies in Ghent, Belgium, has been run by four generations of the same family since 1914. As turning work kept growing and good operators became harder to find, Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies automated with RoboJob in 2020: a Turn-Assist 270 on a Mazak Integrex J-200S and a Mill-Assist Essential on a Mazak CV5-500.
Key facts
- Company: Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies BV
- Location: Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium
- Founded: 1914
- Employees: approx. 12
- Industries: Subcontracting, Machine construction
- RoboJob products: Turn-Assist 270, Mill-Assist Essential
- CNC machine brands: Mazak
- Automated machines: Mazak Integrex J-200S, Mazak CV5-500
- RoboJob customer since: 2020
- Key results: more turning capacity without outsourcing; quick switch between single pieces and batch production; shorter delivery times
From blacksmith to metal constructor, since 1914
Maurice Maes founded the company in 1914 as a one-man blacksmith and stove maker. More than a century later, Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies is a metal constructor in the broadest sense: turning and milling, bending, conveyors, tooling, containers, steel windows, doors and stairs, and even machine construction. The company has completed projects in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Why automate: more turning work, fewer operators
“Automation is not completely new to us. We have been working with a welding robot for some time, but we’ve not yet taken that step for our turning and milling department. In recent years, however, we got more and more turning work and we were sometimes even forced to contract orders out. This of course is also because nowadays it’s so difficult to find good operators.”
— Hans Maes, CEO, Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies
Why RoboJob: simple programming, solid machines
Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies got to know RoboJob at trade fairs and at the Mazak Open House in Haasrode, which it visits every year with its operators.
“Of course we also looked at other suppliers, but the choice for RoboJob was made fairly quickly. In particular because of the simplicity of the programming: in fact it’s enough to specify a diameter and length of a shaft and the robot will start doing its thing. RoboJob also builds very solid machines, and that’s also important to us. After all, you don’t want a robot to fail regularly.”
— Hans Maes
Two RoboJob systems on Mazak machines
The first system was a RoboJob Turn-Assist 270 on a Mazak Integrex J-200S. RoboJob sent a clear list of questions in advance, adapted the cell where needed, and installed it without unexpected issues. A RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential followed on a Mazak CV5-500.
- Mazak Integrex J-200S with a Turn-Assist 270
- Mazak CV5-500 with a Mill-Assist Essential
The result: capacity, flexibility, shorter delivery times
“Thanks to our Turn-Assist, we now have more flexibility with our Integrex. We also have regular piece work, but can quickly switch to the robot for batch production. This gives us a lot more capacity and autonomy when it gets busier. All in all, we’re able to conclude that we’re highly satisfied with our choice of RoboJob. We are now ready for the future: we have more capacity and flexibility, and can offer our customers shorter delivery times.”
— Hans Maes
Frequently asked questions
Which machines did Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies automate with RoboJob?
Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies in Ghent, Belgium, runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 270 on a Mazak Integrex J-200S and a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential on a Mazak CV5-500. The company has been a RoboJob customer since 2020.
Can a Mazak Integrex J-200S be automated?
Yes. Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies runs a RoboJob Turn-Assist 270 on a Mazak Integrex J-200S. PTM Mechatronics automates the same machine with a Tower, and Hetschel with a Turn-Assist 250. See all Mazak automation projects.
Can a Mazak CV5-500 be automated?
Yes. Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies runs a RoboJob Mill-Assist Essential on a Mazak CV5-500. Depoortere and SOVAIC automate the same machine with a Pallet-Load.
How easy is it to program a RoboJob Turn-Assist?
Very easy. At Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies, it is enough to enter the diameter and length of a shaft, and the robot starts working. That simplicity was a key reason for choosing RoboJob.
Can you combine single pieces and batch production on an automated machine?
Yes. Aelbrecht-Maes Metaalconstructies still runs regular single-piece work on its Mazak Integrex, but switches quickly to the robot for batch production, giving it more capacity when it gets busier.