Machine builder creates system tailored to customer and its application

Future-proof production line should further strengthen craftsmanship

'Craftsmanship and precision' are two important terms in the jargon of Ramaco, specialized for almost 50 years in the production of windows and doors in aluminum, PVC and wood. The company from Eeklo can count on a team of professionals for this and also has a hypermodern machine park.

For example, a customized production line from Soenen Hendrik was recently installed and put into operation. This hybrid (ALU & PVC) machining center, the result of close consultation between machine builder and end customer, should help to produce faster and more accurately and guarantee even better service. This high-tech center will be used mainly for processing aluminum profiles.

Next year, the company of managing director Frans Huysman and directors Nick Gasnier and Olivier Bouckaert will celebrate its golden jubilee. For 50 years they have consciously chosen quality in product and service. Windows, doors and sliding windows that leave the Ramaco workshop are the product of craftsmanship and technological innovations. Moreover, the company guarantees a flawless installation. 

"We have deliberately chosen to specialize in the production of systems in aluminum, PVC and wood, which allows us to always propose an appropriate solution to our B2B and B2C customers. We provide customized solutions for all possible types of homes and other projects - from sleek and modern over traditional to retro - for both new construction and renovation. Customers will find a total solution including hardware, hinges and handles, shutters and blinds. In our renovated showroom, visitors can discover some 60 different models," says Nick Gasnier, responsible for sales. 

Olivier Bouckaert, head of engineering and production, adds: "Craftsmanship depends on the quality of the basic material, but especially on the way it is processed. For this we can count on our team of some 50 driven employees with an eye for detail. We pay a lot of attention to high-quality machinery, which is continuously kept up-to-date. Each investment is well thought out. We never take any chances. When we had plans to purchase a new profile machining center, we again took ample time to compare all brands and solutions."

Custom

The Soenen Hendrik team was finally commissioned to develop a Smart Machine, which was specifically designed to meet the needs of and in full consultation with Ramaco. This system performs all operations, such as drilling, milling, sawing, tapping, counter-profiling, labeling, ..., in one run. 

"Once the profiles for windows, doors and sliding windows are placed on the feed table by an operator, the machine performs the requested operations fully automatically and perfectly. An additional special saw head was even added, allowing the system to perform 360° sawing operations in one pass. This allows all possible corner connections to be realized without any problems," explains Pepijn Carlier, sales representative at Soenen Hendrik. 

"The knowledge is in the machine, which, thanks to the open source software, can be controlled with any of the customer's packages. Adding new profiles or operations is child's play. Ramaco will mainly use this center for machining aluminum profiles. However, if desired, PVC profiles can also be processed without changing tools or settings. There is also automatic tool breakage detection, after which machining is always taken over by other available tools. Machine downtime is therefore avoided at all times. This machining center will therefore significantly increase speed and efficiency on the shop floor, reduce the risk of errors, work autonomously and further automate the production process."

Continuous consultation between manufacturer and customer

The relationship between Soenen Hendrik and Ramaco goes way back. But that contact was somewhat diluted over the years and the machine builder only came to the floor for maintenance and possible repairs to older machines. Now this is changing again. 

"With our investment plans in mind, we went to Polyclose in 2020. We were also introduced to Soenen Hendrik's technology at that time. However, there was still doubt about the how, what and when, but when we wanted to develop this project further during the full COVID period, Pepin came along at the right time," explains Nick Gasnier. "He may not have been allowed in, he was able to slide his catalog 'under the door,' but that's how their systems came to our attention again." 

Olivier Bouckaert continues, "We especially wanted the freedom to think about what our system should look like and what possibilities it should have. In addition to the quality of the machine, it was also interesting to work with a machine builder who did everything in-house and could respond flexibly to our wishes. Thus, there was close consultation from the first conversation to the reception. Indeed, a lot of tests were carried out before the system was finally delivered to us and installed." 

Pepijn Carlier concludes, "This project does not stop with the commissioning of this production line. Contact between both our teams will remain in order to make adjustments where necessary. Thanks to the MR glasses, we will be able to help them even faster with any technical questions, even without having to be on site. If necessary, a technician will of course immediately drive to Eeklo. And yes, so this is yet another advantage of working with a local machine builder."