A Look at the Partnership Between ALUDEX and elumatec
Recently we acquired the SBZ 151 Edition 90 from elumatec. This machine, shipped from Germany to the Netherlands, significantly enhances our production capacity and flexibility. We call her the ELU03 since it is our third elumatec machine of this type.
What makes the SBZ 151 Flexium 90 special?
“It is a 9-meter long, 5-axis CNC profile machining center,” says Henry Steinschuld, Managing Director at ALUDEX. “This means it can machine all six sides of a profile in one go without needing to reposition it. Normally, with a standard machine, you must turn the profile to work on multiple sides, but this machine does it all in a single setup. The machine can handle profiles up to 9 meters in length, cut them into pieces, and then process each piece with 5-axis machining. For us, this means we can produce multiple items from one profile, significantly increasing efficiency.”
Efficiency and precision
The precision of the SBZ 151 Flexium 90 is remarkably high. The machine is suitable for both small and very large aluminum profiles. Using a CAD/CAM program, the STP files are converted into a program that tells the machine which operations to perform. “The machine can also ‘scan’ a profile first using a touch probe and adjust the program to account for any material deviations,” says Henry. “This ensures extremely accurate processing. In terms of profile machining, this is one of the most precise machines on the market.”
Pendulum processing
Another impressive aspect of this machine is its pendulum processing capability. Pendulum processing means the machine has two work areas, one on the left and one on the right. While one side is being milled, the operator can remove the finished profile from the other side and place a new piece of aluminum. This allows the machine to work continuously without downtime, saving time and increasing productivity.
Flexibility
What truly sets this machine apart is its flexibility. “Often, machines can only produce one type of product, but this machine can do something different every day,” says Henry. “This is beneficial for us because it allows us to serve all our customers, whether the work is relatively simple or highly complex. We complement the flexibility of our machine with flexible production planning. This means, among other things, that we have multiple shifts that can adapt to customer needs, ensuring optimal service with short lead times.”
Speed
Finally, the high speed at which the machine operates is a significant advantage. “It is much faster than other similar machines,” Henry explains. “This machine features an intricate display of clamps and clamp movements. The automatic clamp positioning, or ‘positioning and clamping’ as it is called, is fully automatic. This leads to much more efficient operations and higher speeds.”
Collaboration with elumatec
ALUDEX is very pleased with the partnership with elumatec. “We are satisfied with the machines and service from elumatec,” says Henry. “The Dutch service department provides high-quality support and is easily accessible. Moreover, they have plenty of machines in the market, so there is a lot of presence. The support is greatly appreciated.” Read more about this project from elumatec’s perspective.
Get in touch!
The addition of the SBZ 151 Flexium 90 to our production line marks a significant step forward for ALUDEX. With this advanced machine, we improve our capacity, efficiency, precision, and flexibility, allowing us to better meet the specific needs of our customers. Looking for high-quality aluminum profiles? Contact us now for a free consultation!