You might think that AES is the new kid on the block but, established in 1989, the Turkish woodworking machinery manufacturer has been engineering and manufacturing panel processing machinery for over three decades. With the opening of a dedicated UK subsidiary in 2024, AES’ longstanding relationship with Swiss fixings specialist, Lamello has never been more prevalent in the UK and building its largest number of ‘P-System ready’ machines to date, the partnership between the two industry innovators continues to grow from strength to strength.
“We pride ourselves on partnering with like-minded companies that offer true value to our customers,” begins Carl O’Meara, Managing Director of AES Group Machinery Ltd. “Lamello’s P-system CNC fixings have the ability to transform the way companies work – regardless of their size – whilst offering new and unique ways to approach projects that may not have been previously possible. This is what makes Lamello a valuable extension to our machinery portfolio.
“When potential customers are looking for a stronger alternative to cam and pin fittings, keen to streamline production or require a fixing that makes flat pack a doddle, we often find ourselves demonstrating Lamello’s P-System. Lamello’s original Cabineo – which only requires machining on the surface of the panel – is demonstrated on our best-selling Go three-axis drilling machine and Sirius drilling machine.
“We use a flush mounted blade to machine the end of the panel and a shaft tool to work the face of the panel. This not only shows the speed and precision of our machines but also the strength and consistent accuracy of these fixings – a level that cannot be achieved using traditional fittings.
“To show versatility, we also run Clamex P demos on our top-of-the-range flat table five-axis Raptor,” – ideal for those looking to produce a wide range of applications that require the joining of corner connections, dividing panel joints and angles, plus mitres from 22.5-180 degrees on surfaces, corners and dividing panel connections.
Carl continues, “It’s not uncommon for a business to come to us with a complex project in hand and tell us they want to use Lamello’s CNC fixings to make it feasible. It’s also not uncommon for existing customers to want to use Lamello fixings after they’ve purchased a machine from AES due to its time-saving benefits. The Lamello system is already built into our machines – they’re P-System ready – so it’s a simple case of fitting the correct aggregate and programming the required macro before getting started.”
When it comes to software, choice is the name of the game. AES’ own software, Pegasus (for drilling machines) and NC Hops (for pod and rail machines) come pre-programmed with Lamello’s macros. However, one of the big advantages of buying an AES machine is that they are software-neutral. Carl explains, “Customers are not restricted in any way when it comes to the software brands they can use on our machines. If they’ve been using a certain brand and want to continue using it, we work with them to make it happen as seamlessly as possible.” Plus, Lamello works closely with all the major software companies, so their macros are commonly found on these software packages already without any additional programming required.
“As well as running through some common examples with customers during the machinery demonstration – like the construction of a carcass or frame – we offer in-house programming which gives our customers a one-of-a-kind sample that highlights just how quick and easy it is to use Lamello fixings on our machines. We look at the joint they want to create, look at the fixing options and actually create a program. We don’t profess to know everything about Lamello, but if we’re ever faced with a complex or unique application, we work directly with Lamello’s team to find the very best solution. This adds value to our partnership and to the service we offer our customers.”
Carl continues, “Working with Lamello is a really easy, joined-up process. We work closely with them to keep abreast of new fixings coming to market so our software is always up to date. This not only benefits new customers but existing customers too as they can access any new macro for free. It’s all part of our service and it’s continual support like this that I believe really sets AES apart from the rest.”
Shaye Chatfield, Lamello Area Sales Manager International for the UK and Ireland, adds, “Partnering with machinery manufacturers like AES is a great way to showcase Lamello’s true prowess. From entry-level three-axis CNC machines all the way through to their top-of-the-range, five-axis model, AES can demonstrate the simplicity, speed and strength of the drilling and insertion process in real-time and allow customers to see the results for themselves in their showroom.”
