Built with pride #4

Construction
VHM Machines Have Backbone

What makes the VHM factory unique is that almost the entire development and production process takes place in-house. In recent years, considerable investments have been made in order to also have full control over the production process and therefore be largely independent of suppliers in that area. The machine parts are therefore all produced within our own factory.

And that starts with a simple steel plate. Based on the working drawings that come from engineering to work preparation, the cutting parts are determined and nested. As you can imagine, you want as little waste as possible left over from a cut sheet, so the cut parts are pieced together as economically as possible. The laser cutter is a sight in itself and you always get curious what comes out when you look through the window. The laser moves precisely back and forth and the requisite fireworks splash out. The cut parts go straight from the laser cutter to the press brake where they are “folded” into the right angle if necessary. Believe me, you do not want to get your fingers caught in this!

Then the real steelwork begins. In the welding shop, the individual parts are welded together to form the rock-solid backbone of the machine. And in the welding shop, no day is the same. “There is only minimal series construction, so the construction work is never monotonous” Robin says. “But that doesn’t mean that we have to reinvent the wheel here every time. As is the case with this brand new machine, which is very clearly another robust VHM family member. This means that the construction work for this machine is also commonplace for us. Also on behalf of Piet & Griet of course” Robin winks.

Meet Pete & Gretel! One of the many working terms honed into the vocabulary within the VHM ranks. In this context, it means that the cut parts are mostly pre-positioned and also the construction work can be done “plug & play. And then it’s flame! It is work where the sparks literally fly, and where the music is always just that little bit louder. The energy is bursting when you walk through the workshop and a lot of work is being done. These tough guys give the machine a good backbone!

The constructed parts will go to the powder coater next week… Next week we will pick up machine building again, to be continued!