Case Imminkhuizen Metaaltechniek

Marieke van Gessel

Challenge

Since the very beginning, Imminkhuizen Metaaltechniek has focused on the best quality materials and faster, more automated production to meet the demands in this competitive industry of both fine and coarse machine construction.

Solution

High machinability Outokumpu Prodec bars enable much faster production, and therefore increased productivity, as well as lending themselves to automated machining through longer tool life – and with it, also, reduced costs.

Delivery

Steel grade: Outokumpu Prodec
Steel form: Bar

The future is faster, more automated production

Established in 2008 by Rijk Imminkhuizen, the Dutch family-owned company Imminkhuizen Metaaltechniek has grown over the years. It now offers a wide range of services to its customers, who are mainly based in the Netherlands. Their special expertise consists of producing components for both finer and coarser machine construction. In addition, Imminkhuizen Metaaltechniek creates molds that are mostly used for the injection molding of technical products.

Early adopter

The company located in Barneveld is run by Rijk Imminkhuizen and his wife Margriet, together with their sons Wilbert and Henry. They have seven full time employees. “Prodec is of course a reasonably new material, but we have always been keen to work with the best possible machining materials. Before, we used competing materials from a few different companies,” says Wilbert Imminkhuizen.

“Immediately, we were very satisfied with the high, consistent quality of the stainless steel bars. It means less tool wear, so it is sustainable and saves us money, and, following the suggestions made by IMS, it really ensures a faster way of machining. We are well aware of the thousands of options we have in choosing the best machining materials, depending on the type of plate or the supplier and many, many other factors. But for us, it was a very conscious decision to convert completely to Outokumpu Prodec bars.”

Bling-bling and heavy-duty

Imminkhuizen’s customers are mainly machine builders, but their demands range from very fine to much coarser constructions. “On the one hand we have clients in what I refer to as the ‘bling-bling industry’, such as food production and the packaging business,” Imminkhuizen explains. “These clients require very fine machine constructions. On the other hand, we have the building companies, working with heavy cranes and such. One day we work on a series of products, the other on a unique, individual machining solution. But whatever we are working on or deliver, we strive for consistently high quality.”

Fast forward

High levels of productivity and efficiency are equally important. “We can now turn harder and cut faster, so we can produce harder, faster and longer, so it is hugely cost-effective. We can have our machines working around the clock, saving time and labour costs. The Prodec bars also make for better surface quality and tolerances. We have no doubt whatsoever we will make more and more and different use of Outokumpu Prodec bars in the future.”

Recommended products and insights

Appliances

When it comes to appliances, today’s consumer insists on full functionality wrapped in effortless beauty. Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, strong and formable: Stainless steel delivers durable, timeless perfection.

Energy and heavy industry

In energy and heavy industry, failure is simply not an option. When one single mishap can explode into a full-blown crisis, only stainless steel can deliver the assurance of control that you depend on.

Prodec

Stainless steel grades optimized for improved machinability with longer tool life and enhanced quality.

Stainless steel bar

Outstanding machinability for greater efficiency​​​​​​​​.

Machining, cutting and grinding

Machining, cutting and grinding put the shine and polished finish on stainless steels. Machining involves various processes done for the specific type and grade of steel and using the right tools and inserts.

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