Haas Automation Machine tool builder helps Dutch school keep the faith

The Leiden instrument-makers School (LiS) for precision technology in the Netherlands recently installed three Haas milling machines to help preserve its place as one of the country’s few schools that can train young people in both manual and CNC machining skills.

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CNC machining technology is advancing year for year. To ensure future generations are familiar with such technology when they enter the employment marketplace, education establishments must keep pace. A case in point can be seen at the Netherlands' LiS, situated in Leiden, approximately halfway between Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

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Ensuring manufacturing remains a vocation

LiS is a vocational school that trains what it calls instrument-makers for research organisations, with particular links to the space industry. According to LiS, much of the research that is taking place in the Netherlands would be impossible without the technical knowledge, creativity and devices made by instrument-makers. With so much riding on the education of these important youngsters, a recent recommendation from a visitation committee advised LiS to introduce more CNC machining techniques into its curriculum. As a consequence, in November 2013, the LiS Engineering department installed three new Haas CNC milling machines: two Super Mini Mills and a VF1. According to Haas, the end result has been impressive for both students and also local employers, particularly as the Leiden area is a hotbed for the European space industry.

One must find money before spending it

Financing the investment proved a challenge, but not one beyond this forward-thinking vocational school. Aside from certain gifted funds from private individuals and foundations, LiS accrued the necessary capital by taking on high precision contract work for organisations such as ESTEC, the European Space Research and Technology Centre, which is located just 5km away at Noordwijk. LiS also undertakes contracts for Leiden-based Dutch Space (an EADS Astrium company), a supplier of sub-systems for the European space industry.

Dick Harms, LiS Principal, said: “These parties, on the one hand, provide vital financial resources, while on the other hand, they keep in close contact with the training as they also employ students. In turn, the students get to perform real project work, under expert guidance, of course.”

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