Habraken's industrial sewing machines are shipped worldwide from Kaatsheuvel. Their applications are diverse, and customer requests quickly become unique. One such request was for a machine for stitching cinema screens over a length of 15.5 meters. Habraken consulted with Apex Dynamics and Panasonic Industry to develop a customized machine in a short time.
Much of today's technology is fully automated. So you'd think this would also apply to the industrial sewing machine. It hit the market over a century and a half ago, as one of the first mass-produced machines. Yet, not much has changed since then. It gives the sewing machine a certain imperturbability, though it says a lot about the technology itself. It requires specific controls from the operator; according to John de Rooij, it's simply too early for full automation. He's convinced that robotization is coming for the industrial sewing machine as well. "But then the machine has to adapt to the robot. That seems like a world upside down to me."
A familiar technique like that of the industrial sewing machine. So stable and so natural. John, manager of the R&D department at Habraken, which imports, modifies, and distributes industrial sewing machines, talks about it enthusiastically. It's specialized work, with customer requests that vary considerably. For example, the machines from Habraken's Kaatsheuvel facility are shipped to the automotive industry, where they are used for upholstering car seats. Sailmakers also rely on Habraken's expertise, as do manufacturers of ready-made clothing and sun protection.
Ultimately, the industrial sewing machine is the foundation of countless end products, says John. To pioneer with it, to discover further applications: John and his colleagues are given every opportunity at Habraken. And believe him, it's more than just aesthetically pleasing. "The technology in our machines; I find it incredibly fascinating."
Read the full article about the use of gearboxes in industrial sewing machines here…