Customer
D’HAENE – Roeselare, Belgium
1. Initial Situation
The customer uses a TOS BUB cylindrical grinding machine, used for precision finishing of metal components. The existing configuration did not include a closed extraction solution, which resulted in :
- dispersion of grinding dust in the machining area,
- increased contamination of the surrounding work area,
- reduced air quality for operators,
- accumulation of fine particulates on machine components.
The challenge was to integrate an efficient suction and enclosure system onto an older machine model without modifying its structural geometry or impairing accessibility for setup operations.
2. Engineering Requirements
MT Service established the following constraints for the upgrade:
- Completely covers the grinding area without interfering with machine movement
- Compatibility with the machine’s original dimensions and kinematics
- Minimal impact on operator access for clamping, measuring, and adjustments
- Suction flow rate and filtration capacity compliant with grinding applications
- Integration on site, with minimal production downtime
3. System Selection & Design
A customized AKNEL industrial vacuum unit was chosen because of its suitability for high particle content grinding environments. Key elements of the solution included:
Automatic Roof Enclosure
A motorized roof structure was installed to fully cover the workpiece zone during machining.
Its geometry was adapted to:
- follow the travel envelope of the machine,
- prevent particle escape at high grinding speeds,
- maintain clear access when opened.
Suction and Filtration Module
The AKNEL unit provided:
- High static pressure for continuous grinding cycles,
- multi-stage filtration including fine-particle retention,
- constant extraction at the primary dust-generation points.
Interface and Integration
Mechanical integration required:
- custom mounting brackets,
- alignment checks to avoid collisions with machine slides,
- routing of suction ducts without obstructing operator movement,
- synchronization with machine operation for automated roof control.
4. Installation Process
The complete system was installed onsite at D’HAENE’s facilities in Roeselare.
MT Service technicians carried out:
- mechanical installation and anchoring of the enclosure,
- electrical integration of the roof automation system,
- assembly and calibration of the suction unit,
- airflow verification and leak-testing,
- operational tests with the machine under load.
Downtime was minimized through careful pre-planning and pre-fabrication of components.
5. Performance Results
Post-installation measurements and operator feedback indicate:
- Effective containment of grinding dust over the entire work area
- Improved air quality and compliance with internal safety requirements
- Reduced contamination on machine surfaces and guides
- Enhanced visibility and cleanliness inside the machining enclosure
- No negative impact on machine accessibility or precision
6. Conclusion
This project demonstrates MT Service’s ability to design and integrate customized extraction and enclosure systems on existing machine tools, even on older models with limited native provisions for dust containment.
The successful installation of the AKNEL extraction system and automatic roof on the TOS BUB grinding machine provides the customer with a more controlled, clean and safe grinding environment, without compromising machine performance.
