Case | Richtpunt Eeklo invests in Swift-Cut plasma cutter for hands-on technical education

CASE

Richtpunt Campus Eeklo

"Everything cut in no time thanks to Swift-Cut"

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About Richtpunt Campus Eeklo

Richtpunt Campus Eeklo is part of the provincial education network in East Flanders and offers hands-on practical training to around 800 students. The largest group—about 220 young people—are enrolled in the mechanics/welding program. With a large workshop full of conventional and modern machinery, the school prepares them for jobs in the manufacturing industry. The focus lies on building a solid technical foundation, complemented in later years with CNC technology, automation, and robot programming.

According to Kevin Rouzeré, technical advisor for mechanics/welding, this is more necessary than ever. “We’re seeing noticeably fewer new students in the first grade because academic schools are now also promoting STEM. But it’s nothing like the hands-on practice students get here. Many of them only feel truly at home once they reach the third year.”

Until early 2024, Richtpunt Eeklo used an outdated flame cutting machine that had been retrofitted with a plasma torch. However, it didn’t meet expectations. A public procurement procedure was launched to find a solution. With additional funding from the province, a Swift-Cut plasma cutting machine was purchased from Wouters Cutting & Welding—both for the Eeklo and Ninove campuses.

“The requirements were clear: a robust, high-quality machine for teaching students how to cut custom parts,” says Rouzeré. “The Swift-Cut emerged as the best choice. It offered the right balance between price and quality.”

The machine is widely used in student project work. Students design their parts, import them into the machine, and nest them on the sheet. “Some really impressive results have already come out of it,” says Rouzeré. “Fencing for the school building, a barbecue, signage for the workshop…”

Rouzeré is also very satisfied with the collaboration with Wouters Cutting & Welding. “A safety light curtain around the machine isn’t standard, but we wanted one to ensure student safety. WCW took care of that.” The water table helps control smoke emissions. “That kind of advice was incredibly valuable.”