Workshop modernised with a Dener press brake and JÖRG guillotine shear

To ensure students are fully prepared for the workplace, MBO College Hilversum has upgraded its sheet metal working department with a Dener Ballscrew press brake and a JÖRG guillotine shear. The investment is part of a wider modernisation of the workshop, which has also seen the welding department and lathes upgraded. For the course, it was important to allow students to work with modern machines that they will also encounter later in the workplace.

The process began during the Metavak trade fair in Gorinchem, where Peter, a lecturer at MBO College Hilversum, got talking to us. It soon became clear that there were plans to modernise the workshop and that they were looking for a new press brake and guillotine shear. During our initial meeting, it emerged that Peter already had experience with JÖRG Machines. “We have various JÖRG Machines in our workshop, such as a shear and a rolling machine. I have always found them to be robust and reliable.”

MBO College Hilversum places a strong emphasis on practical training. Students in the Engineering sector are taught by specialist lecturers and work as much as possible with machinery that is also used in industry. Within the department, which is relatively small and well-organised, traditional teaching is combined with project-based learning. For the Level 4 Engineering Technician course, this means a broad first year, followed by greater specialisation in the later years. At Levels 2 and 3, the emphasis is immediately on practical vocational education.

When funding became available for the refurbishment of the workshop, the desire arose to modernise the sheet metal working department with machines that reflect current industry practice. Peter explains: “It is important that students work with machines they will later encounter in companies. That is why we were looking for reliable and familiar machines for the workshop.”

During the initial consultation phase, we worked together to assess the course’s requirements and the possibilities within the workshop. It soon became clear that technical specifications were not the only important factor. The width of the entrance door imposed limitations on the dimensions of the machines, and the working widths of the press brake and guillotine shear also had to be compatible. Based on these principles, we recommended opting for a Dener Ballscrew press brake with ESA control and a JÖRG guillotine shear. This combination is well suited to the educational programme, offers modern operating technology and fits within the available space.

The machines have now been in place for a few weeks. Practical experience is therefore still limited, but the first impression is positive. The official opening of the refurbished workshop will follow shortly, where, in addition to the press brake and guillotine shear, the welding department and lathes have also been updated.

When asked whether they would recommend JÖRG Machines, the answer is clear: “Definitely. We greatly appreciated the commitment, the advice and the collaborative approach throughout the entire process.”