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. It’s a decision they haven’t regretted in Beernem, because the problems with odor 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 marked 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.”
Since 1996, the company has been located in a large industrial zone in Beernem. That first lathe from yesteryear has since made way for an impressive machine park of twelve machines, where innovation has never been 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.
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 odor nuisance for some time, but change doesn’t happen overnight. 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. “We used to have to run the ventilation overtime because of the smoke, but now we work in a fresh workshop. We no longer have any problems with bacteria and mold, except on the last machine we still have to convert,” says Ayrton.
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 marked 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 located in a large industrial zone in Beernem. That first lathe from yesteryear has since made way for an impressive machine park of twelve machines, where innovation has never been 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 odor nuisance for some time, but change doesn’t happen overnight. 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. “We used to have to run the ventilation overtime because of the smoke, but now we work in a fresh workshop. We no longer have any problems with bacteria and mold, except on the last machine we still have to convert,” says Ayrton.
Meticulous monitoring
One of the reasons for this is that this powerful all-rounder is completely free of biocides. “We also see that there is less foaming and that we use less. 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 checked meticulously. “Each machine was given a QR code
with its own passport, so that we can monitor everything ourselves in the Bondis application,“ says Ayrton. The color codes immediately show the status, where and in what concentration we need to refill cooling lubricants, or whether we need to skim oil… very handy.”
The switch was worth it
The young team who work behind the machines every day 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 transition were more than worth it.”
Text and image: Valérie Couplez
