Built with pride #2

Engineering:
the body of the machine

It was up to Vincent and Remon to translate Rik’s ideas into a concrete design (in other words, the pen strokes on the whiteboard and the briefing) into a concrete design. No pressure; in fourteen weeks, developing a completely new machine from scratch… ‘from concoction to robust reality: the birth of a VHM-Teamplayer’.

Given the time challenge with this project, the first step was to create a clear project plan with a clear division of roles and tasks. From the project plan, the so-called “long-term parts” (parts that must be purchased externally and for which a long delivery time is expected) could quickly be inventoried. A purchase order could then be quickly issued for those parts.

The engineering process was broken down into the four individual machine parts for efficiency reasons: the tilt section, the EvenFlow, the cross weighing belt and the frame. Vincent: “We are building a new VHM machine, so we use modular parts, existing VHM principles and design everything in a robust design; that’s the VHM philosophy.” In this design process, that applies at least to the EvenFlow, which has already proven itself to a large extent on quite a few other VHM machines. For the frame, it will be tailored to the specific machine, but according to VHM principles; with standard shapes and lines.

At the top of the customer’s wish list was electric drive, not hydraulic, for food safety reasons. Remon: “The operating principle of the machine part and offering the right solution are paramount in the engineering process, but of course we also have to take safety requirements into account and we take into account transport to the final destination. In this case, specific food safety requirements were also added, so we want to work with stainless steel and suitable conveyors.”

Although the design process is split up, close integration between the components is essential, as is cooperation between the engineers involved. Every afternoon at 2:30 p.m. there is a review moment where the engineers go over technical challenges with each other.

In close consultation with the work preparation department, parts that have been finished are put into production as quickly as possible. And where necessary, adjustments can be made on the job. This helps keep the process under control.

Vincent & Remon are thus shaping the new machine whose working title is “E-Tipr,” because of its electric drive. The name may not have lasted, but the machine certainly has body!

Read more: Built with pride, part 3.