Hembrug Machine Tools
19 June we were guests of Hembrug, a manufacturer of high-precision lathes. The company is world-renowned and has a long history. It originated in the year 1679 as a military institute, the Artillerie Inrichtingen, for the manufacture of ammunition where demand also arose for machines that could make this ammunition. In the year 1939, they started selling this equipment also to third parties under the name Hembrug. In 1979, the company was split into Eurometaal for the manufacture of ammunition and Hembrug for the manufacturing equipment.
Participants trickled in from one o'clock and were welcomed with coffee and tea, and when by two o'clock everyone was there, the presentations by Mr Huub Balm, international sales manager, and Mr Robert Nefkens, managing director, began. First, the history of the company was told, and with due pride: there are few companies in the world that can boast a history of almost 350 years. This was followed by an explanation of the type of machines they make, which led to enthusiasm from the audience because what Hembrug makes is, without exaggeration, very impressive.
The machines are called 'Mikroturn' and are high-precision lathes with accuracies that can be as small as a micrometre. These machines are sold worldwide to manufacturers of machine parts that demand this high precision, think ball bearings, fuel injectors, gears. The machines are sold as an alternative to grinding and Hembrug is a world leader.
After the talks, attendees were divided into three groups for a tour of the factory. From the warehouse through to sub-assemblies and then to final assembly. What was very impressive is the care with which the machines are made, extensive quality checks are done at almost every stage and the halls resemble laboratories.
Afterwards, we were invited for drinks and snacks, which were also excellent. KIVI thanks Hembrug for its hospitality!
Description
On 19 June, there will be an excursion to Hembrug Machine Tools, manufacturer of machines for very high precision turning, milling and grinding.
The activity can accommodate 40 people.
Hembrug is the heir to the lathe expertise of the Artillerie Inrichtingen, the state-owned company founded in the 19th century to make ammunition, and marketed the machine tools needed for this purpose. Of the AI-type lathes manufactured after World War II, most are still in use. Accuracy of modern machines has now arrived in sub-micron territory
13:30 Welcome
14:00 Tours
15:30 Return, farewell drink
Speaker(s)
Robert Nefkens, director
Location
H.Figeeweg 1a-b, 2031 BJ Haarlem
Organiser
Mechanics
Name and contact details for information
Gerard Hegemans KIVI Department of Mechanics