When new technologies emerge, their story often begins at the drawing board. At the Dutch company 4-mation BV, however, one of the most significant developments literally began at the kitchen table. “We were a young start-up with a big vision, but without the security of an established drive technology manufacturer,” explains Rik Borgijink, co-founder of 4-mation BV. “During our conversation with HIWIN at the kitchen table, we were taken seriously from the very first moment. That made all the difference.”
Today, 4-mation BV presents itself as a specialist in mechanical engineering, particularly for the plastics industry, with a special focus on machinery for the bucket industry. Its latest innovation: an automatic handle-fitting machine, also known as a handle-attaching machine. This highly sophisticated machine was specifically designed to fit buckets with handles and then stack them efficiently. It thus offers the bucket industry unrivalled flexibility and efficiency.

During the development of its new flagship project, the machine manufacturer faced a complex technical challenge. In addition to consistently high reliability in continuous operation, short cycle times and exceptional format flexibility – enabling a wide variety of bucket types and sizes – the Netherlands-based machine specialist aimed to use as few different spare parts as possible. Added to this was the requirement for tool-free quick changeovers. With the help of the implemented snap-on functions, the machine should be able to be adapted to new bucket formats in the shortest possible time without screws or special tools. This vision was complemented by a user-friendly, comprehensive Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) solution, designed to enable precise adjustment of all parameters and full control over all movements.
“For our innovations, we were looking for a partner who speaks our language, both technically and personally,” explains Tom Abbink, assembly engineer at 4-mation BV. “It wasn’t just about components, but about a solution that could easily withstand decades of continuous operation.”

HIWIN delivers a well-designed, durable complete solution
Following several rounds of technical consultation, HIWIN GmbH developed a complete X-Y-axis application tailored precisely to the requirements of the automatic henkel machine. Cycle times of just two and a half seconds for the small machine variant and three and a half seconds for the large variant could now be achieved.
The ready-to-install solution combines various HIWIN linear axes, whose different drive concepts have been optimally adapted to the requirements of 4-mation BV. The HT-B linear tables, with their highly dynamic toothed belt drive, enable particularly fast movements over long distances. The HD double axis is used to ensure absolutely parallel and stable gantry movements; its two synchronised belt-driven shaft axes guarantee precise guidance over the entire stroke. The HM-S modular axes with spindle drive used in the system move even heavy loads with high positioning accuracy and repeatability. In addition, the compact HC-B axis with a fast toothed belt drive ensures dynamic positioning in confined spaces.
All axes are protected by robust stainless steel covers and some are equipped with precise CG series linear guideways, which ensure smooth, precise movement even at high speeds. With a calculated service life of over ten years and a short lead time, the complete unit impressed the 4-Mation team both technically and economically. “The precision of the HIWIN components won us over immediately,” says Rik Borgijink of 4-mation BV. “But the support was just as important: our HIWIN contacts didn’t just deliver, they also contributed ideas. Time and again, they offered suggestions on how we could make our design even more efficient.”
Thanks to this close and solution-oriented collaboration, 4-mation BV was able not only to meet the high demands placed on its new handle-making machine, but even to exceed them. The precise and durable drive and guidance technology reduces downtime to a minimum and ensures smooth operation, even at consistently high cycle times. At the same time, the compact and well-thought-out design of the axes helps to ensure that the entire machine remains very space-saving.

The fully developed handle-fitting machine is now one of the most innovative systems in its class. The fast yet smooth movements of the HIWIN axes enable precise gripping, guiding and fitting of handles onto the buckets, as well as stable stacking. Thanks to the fast, tool-free changeover mechanism, the operator can switch between different bucket types and sizes in no time at all. This is a decisive advantage in an industry increasingly characterised by small batch sizes and flexible production.
“For our customers, every second counts, whether it’s downtime or cycle time,” says Tom Abbink of 4-mation BV. “HIWIN’s solution helps us reduce both to an absolute minimum.”

Start-up meets industry experts – a partnership based on trust
Whilst many young companies initially struggle to get noticed by large suppliers, the young machine manufacturer experienced the opposite with HIWIN. From the outset, the company was treated as an equal partner. “Although we had only just started out at the time, HIWIN immediately recognised our potential,” explains Rik Borgijink of 4-mation BV. “That motivated us and strengthened our confidence that we could rely on a trustworthy technology partner.”
HIWIN’s online tools proved particularly helpful in this regard. They enabled the 4-mation BV team to calculate various axis designs and product configurations quickly and accurately. “The tools saved us countless hours and provided reliable figures,” says Borgijink of 4-mation BV. “And whenever we did get stuck, HIWIN’s application engineers were there to support us with their expertise and consistently found solutions we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves.”

Today, the Dutch machine manufacturer relies on HIWIN components in almost all the machines it designs and builds. There are many reasons for this: the systems impress with their exceptional reliability in continuous operation, their high precision at high speeds, their robust and durable construction, and the comprehensive technical support that goes far beyond the norm. The short delivery times and the option to purchase ready-to-install solutions also make project management considerably easier.
“When you build machines that need to be fast, accurate and absolutely robust all at once, you need partners you can rely on,” summarises Mark Nijenhuis, project engineer at 4-mation BV. “HIWIN is exactly that partner for us – and our first machine, as well as the start and duration of our partnership, are the best proof of that.”

Watch the video on the application now!