LIFE AT VOORTMAN
VOORTMAN STEEL MACHINERY
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our machines from idea to product design
Engineering
From small, relatively simple processing machinery to an efficiently built series of products that are fully automatically configurable: the Engineering Department is at the beginning of every machine. Innovation, quality and reliability are key ingredients in this process. Our machines are integrally developed and modularly constructed, which allows us to meet all customer requirements and wishes!
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The Engineering Department includes multidisciplinary teams that work together to develop and optimize the very best machines. They work closely together with each other and with other departments within Voortman. Together we develop machines that not only do what they are supposed to do, but can also be efficiently produced, installed and operated. The Engineering department includes the teams Research & Development, New Product Development and Product Support.
New Product Development
The conception and development of new machines begins at New Product Development. Every new assignment starts with the formation of a project team. The functional operation and associated specifications are drawn up under the guidance of a Project Leader and a Lead Engineer. Next, the Mechanical Engineer gets to work drawing and constructing the parts and assemblies. The Electrical Engineer starts with the hardware engineering and prepares the electrical schematics. Team Software Engineering takes care of the control of the machine. They work closely together in multidisciplinary teams and throughout the development process, using the latest 3D techniques such as virtual reality. Throughout the process, they sit together so that they are up to date and can interact quickly. They also think about cost and manufacturability, which adds an extra dimension to the work.
Research & Development
The Engineering Department works with the latest techniques and processes. Because these colleagues are true techies and researchers, but also to stay ahead of our competitors. Do you work in Research & Development? Then you do research into innovative solutions and existing and new techniques that are applicable in our industry. Is there a new technique that is interesting for us? Then team R&D will research how well it can be applied in our machines. Practical things are also tested in the department. For example, test setups are built and data is analyzed. The R&D team works closely with colleges and universities. This often results in interesting assignments for both students and our own Research & Development Engineers. You transfer the knowledge gained to your colleagues in New Product Development.
Product Support
After a successful launch, the new product is handed over to Product Support. From this point on, the Mechanical and Electrical Engineers within this discipline are responsible for the "fitness" of the product throughout its life cycle. They perform analyses to monitor the condition, investigate quality problems and resolve them. In addition, they identify and implement technical improvements. To maintain the level of knowledge, there are short lines of communication with New Product Development and other departments within Voortman.
TEAM
The Engineering Department is a mix of young and experienced Engineers. They operate in multidisciplinary project teams, working closely together. This department loves a challenge. Together they find a solution for everything!
The Engineering department is located at the Voortman Engineering Center. In this modern, new building there is plenty of room for brainstorming, pioneering and working together. The flexible layout allows for quick mutual switching. The teams keep each other on their toes and enjoy learning from each other. And they have have fun together, during breaks – when they like to play a game of table soccer of the departemental outings that are regularly organized.
"Voortman is a global player: the machines can be found all over the world. That makes it incredibly fun to work here!"
Lead Engineer Frank Demmer answered the question "What makes it so much fun to work at Voortman?" very quickly. And what is Frank most proud of in his work? "Of course, you spend several years working to finally get a machine like this in a workplace. When it turns out that it actually does what it's supposed to do, you're very proud of that."
Want to know more about what it's like to work as an Engineer at Voortman? Watch the video.
Voortman V633
Born out of market demand
The Voortman V633 is a machine born out of market demand and feedback from our customers. The Product Management and Engineering departments received feedback from Sales to create a drilling and milling machine that could go the extra mile. More tools, faster operations, simultaneous processing on four sides, and drilling, milling and marking with unprecedented stability and quality. The result is the fastest drilling, marking and milling machine in the world.
Want to know more? Watch the video of the Voortman V633 below!
Voortman Fabricator
Fully automated assembly and welding
The biggest challenge in the steel processing industry is delivering projects on time while the availability of qualified assemblers and welders continues to decline. Our Product Managers and Engineers were looking for a solution. The result? The Voortman Fabricator! Aside from fully automated assembly and welding, the Fabricator offers the fastest lead times and maximum efficiency in space usage.
Want to know more about the solution to the shortage of qualified welders? Watch the video below!