Deburring without anyone standing next to the machine

Anyone who machines aluminium profiles knows the problem: after sawing and drilling, burrs are left behind. They have to be removed, because a sharp edge is unsafe and looks untidy. Deburring therefore seems like a small, final step in the process. In practice, however, it is often the step that takes the most time, space and manpower.

Why deburring takes so much time

Three operations in three places

In many companies, the route of a profile looks like this:

• The profile is sawn and then taken to a CNC machine.
• The holes are made on the CNC machine.
• The profile then goes to a separate area for deburring.

These machines are rarely next to each other and are often even in different halls. Between each step, work-in-progress builds up, and each step needs an operator. That costs not only hours, but also floor space and overview.

Deburring cannot be done just anywhere

There is a good reason why deburring is often done separately. Deburring aluminium produces fine dust that is harmful when inhaled.

A deburring station therefore requires good extraction and an enclosed area. You cannot simply place it in an open hall without compromising the health of your people.

Everything in one enclosed machine

A unique combination of operations

For Trahecon, a manufacturer of balcony railings and staircases, Van Dulst developed a machine that combines drilling, tapping, sawing and deburring. This combination did not yet exist: standalone deburring machines and saw-drill machines did, but not everything in one.

The deburring unit is housed in an enclosed cabinet. Because the process is fully automatic, nobody needs to come near the dust. Read more about this project: https://vandulst.nl/nl/kennis/cases/vier-bewerkingen-in-een-lijn-samengebracht-voor-trahecon/

From CAD drawing to finished product

The products are imported directly from the CAD system. The operator sees which profiles to load, presses start and takes the finished products from a buffer magazine at the outfeed side. The machine can even run unmanned for a period of time.

What the machine delivers

The main reason for the investment was the saving on staff, and that saving lies mainly in deburring. At a glance:

• Savings of several FTEs, allowing the investment to pay for itself.
• No more work-in-progress and internal transport between halls.
• Employees are no longer exposed to aluminium dust.

Choosing smartly instead of automating everything

A machine that can handle the complete product range is often technically possible. But it quickly becomes expensive and less efficient for part of the products.

That is why, together with Trahecon, we looked at where the biggest savings could be made and tailored the machine to that product group. This way you achieve the greatest effect with a relatively straightforward machine.

Are you also dealing with a labour-intensive or unhealthy deburring process? Contact Van Dulst to discuss the possibilities.