Testimonial Vlaeminck

Top machines deserve top products. That is why Vlaeminck Metaalbewerking switched to Q8 Brunel XF 741 at the beginning of this year, a metalworking fluid specially developed for high-speed machining operations. It's a decision they haven't regretted in Beernem, because the problems with odour nuisance and rust formation caused by the previous cooling lubricant are now a thing of the past.

The story of so many family businesses in Belgium begins with a machine that was put in the garage to earn some extra money after hours. For André Vlaeminck, a maintenance technician in a cigar factory, the lathe was given a place on the veranda when he took the plunge in 1968. This was the start of a rapidly flourishing family business, which is now run by his sons Peter and Filip. ‘Because we have always focused on speed and flexibility. We drop everything for good customers,’ says Ayrton Vlaeminck. Together with his brother Jarno, the third generation to join the business, he welcomes us into the workshop. ‘Many of those early customers are still part of our customer base today,’ he confides. ‘But everyone is welcome here, even private individuals who want to have an axle repaired, for example. We always try to help our customers as best we can.’

Modern machinery

Since 1996, the company has been based in a large industrial zone in Beernem. That first lathe from yesteryear has since made way for an impressive array of twelve machines, with innovation never being shunned over the years. Vlaeminck Metaalbewerking was one of the first companies in Flanders to invest in a CNC lathe. ‘By choosing modern machines, you can offer competitive pricing. This is important, because the focus here is mainly on piecework and small series production. The combination of high-performance machines and experienced operators really makes the difference. In fact, we could always use more of them,’ says Jarno. Both brothers are now veterans of the company, with nine and seven years of service respectively. ‘You still learn the trade best on the machines. And it's really nice to be able to work with the latest technology,’ they assure us.

New coolant

There are also some real powerhouses among them. Ayrton: ‘We can mill up to 6 m and turn up to 700 mm. We even added an extra hall in 2020 for the largest milling machine.’ To get the best performance out of their machines, they have recently started using Bondis cooling lubricants. ‘We had actually been having problems with odour nuisance for some time, but you don't change that easily. However, Bondis stubbornly kept knocking on our door until we gave them a chance,’ laughs Jarno. Tests at the end of 2024 showed that Bondis could offer an excellent alternative with Q8 Brunel XF 741. They were convinced from the very first machine change. Less than six months later, all but one of the machines are running on it. ‘In the past, the ventilation had to work overtime because of the smoke, but today we work in a fresh workshop. We no longer have any problems with bacteria and mould, except on the last machine that we still have to convert,’ says Ayrton.

Meticulous monitoring

This is partly because this powerful all-rounder is completely free of biocides. "We also see less foaming and lower consumption. Only a concentration of 4.5% to 5% is needed, compared to 10% before. What's more, Bondis actively helps us to keep the oil bath in excellent condition," says Jarno. Every month, Patrick Overbergh from Bondis carries out the necessary checks: water hardness, pH concentration, nitrite content... Everything is meticulously checked. ‘Each machine has been given a QR code with its own passport, so that we can monitor everything ourselves in the Bondis application,’ says Ayrton. The colour codes immediately show the status, where and in what concentration we need to top up cooling lubricants, or whether we need to skim oil... very handy."

The switch was worth it

The young team who operate the machines on a daily basis are therefore particularly satisfied with the collaboration with Bondis. ‘We are glad that the step has been taken and that we can now work safely and healthily. We also see a positive impact of Q8 Brunel XF 741 on the parts and clamping tools that come off the machines. The rusting that used to occur has now completely disappeared. All the efforts involved in such a switch were more than worth it.’