As a senior designer at design agency Groendijk Design, Ivo Sassen likes to offer his customers something extra. With a tangible model he can show his clients that a design is also ergonomically correct. And that extra, is made by SKM.

‘You used to make models from foam or cardboard’, Ivo explains. ‘But with a handle made of foam, you cannot test whether they fit comfortably in your hand.’ To test the ergonomics of a design, he contacted SKM. The first meeting with Rudolf van Kasbergen was an instant succes. ‘I immediately thought: this adds something to our profession. With a realistic 3D model you not only shape your design, you can also test and experience whether buttons are in the right location.’

Demonstrate what you’re working on

Many people think that digital is the solution. Nevertheless Ivo emphasizes the added value of a physical model. ‘You can make fancy animations for trade fairs. But visitors don’t come to a trade show to look at a screen. Our clients want to demonstrate their customers what they are working on. Even if it’s still a concept, what you often see in the automotive industry with concept cars, customers want to see how something will turn out. With a prototype, it is also easier to start a conversation than with a 3D drawing.’

Committed and high quality

Ivo summarizes the positive points of the collaboration with SKM: ‘Committed and high quality. At SKM you don’t just send in a 3D file. They always contact you personally to discuss the design. Many employees have been working there for 15 years and are passionate about their profession. They have an eye for detail. I am amazed every time I walk into SKM and see the latest projects on display.’

Small series

‘Because SKM also makes small series, it is also interesting for startups and young companies to have a model made. A model reduces the barrier for potential customers to buy the product. And by having a single model or small series made, you keep your costs low. I advise anyone with a good idea to have a model made by SKM, it really shows so much more than just a 3D drawing!’

Bert Wouters learned the modeling trade from SKM founder Rudolf van Kersbergen. After three Philips reorganisations, he now works as an engineer at Signify. He still has his models for new lighting solutions made by SKM.

‘I met Rudolf in 1986 at Philips Consumer Electronics. After a reorganization he started SKM together with Joop Soetens and Jos Meulendijk. The three of them have set up a great technical company, which I still  use today. In the early days I worked with Rudolf, nowadays I collaborate with Jeroen and Dirk who have taken over.

Personal relationship

We can basically make everything in-house, but some elements are so specific or high-end, that requires good tooling. That’s why I go to SKM. I prefer to do this in person. To build a relationship with my supplier, but also for the confidential relationship. At Signify we work on the innovations of tomorrow. SKM understands that and we have also documented this in a nondisclosure agreement.

Submit on Friday, ready on Monday

We may not be SKMs largest customer, but we do place orders on a regular basis. We are critical in this regard. We set high standards for quality and look for good and quick solutions. That is also the reason why I like working with SKM. Jeroen and Dirk think along with me and are always there for me. If I need a model fast, they will always try to squeeze me in. If I submit my drawing before the end of the day on Friday, they run the machines on the weekend and I have my model ready on Monday. That’s how I like to work with suppliers!’

They have the same roots. Jos van Esch met SKM founder Rudolf van Kersbergen at the Philips business school. After a career in the tobacco industry, Jos wanted to do something good for society. With his company ReMediZ, he is developing a medicine safe where unused medicines can be reused. For the first series, he went back to his roots and contacted SKM.

‘Rudolf and I come from the same background. We met at the Philips business school. There we sewed the blisters on our hands. A fun time, where we learned to make the most beautiful tools. That is where our shared passion arose. Creating and executing ideas, hands-on. So when I wanted to create my own product years later after my career at Philips Morris, I knew I had to contact Rudolf again.

Brainstorming with experts

Recently Rudolf passed away and I very much regret that. But the two excellent experts he hired are great to work with. Just like Rudolf, Jeroen and Dirk are true professionals. When you show them a drawing, they immediately know if it can be made. And if something is not (yet) possible, they come up with a way to cast a part. They have an enormous amount of material knowledge and know the hardness, resilience and flexibility of plastic like no other. At SKM you don’t talk to a salesperson, you work with specialists who create solutions!’

Ten years ago Roger Reijngoud searched the internet for a 3D rapid modeling expert. With the company EZ Powersteering, he and his partner technical director Ruud Jong, make electric power steering for classic cars. He asked SKM to scale down a classic steering wheel in such a way that it looks exactly like the original steering wheel that the oldtimer had when it left the factory at the time. This way the car looks original, but todays taller driver sits much more comfortable. We spoke Roger about his collaboration with SKM.

“Our customers want their car to keep a classic look, but have a little more comfort and safety. In addition to power steering for more driving comfort, power brakes are also often installed. This way you can also make an emergency stop in your classic car which contributes to safety. Classic cars from the 60s and 70s often have a fairly large steering wheel. People are getting taller and that makes getting in and out of a classic car more difficult. It also drives less pleasantly, sitting so close to the steering wheel. That is why we were looking for a 3D rapid modeling specialist, who could scale down a steering wheel while retaining the design.

From scan to steering wheel

Online I came across SKM. I discussed my requirements with manager Dirk and sent a scan of one of our steering wheels. SKM then made a 3D print for me. This way I could see, at a low cost, whether the smaller steering wheel would really look as good as the original. For my business it is very important that the steering wheel looks correct. The enthusiast can immediately tell whether the steering wheel of a car is correct or not. After taking a close look at all the details, such as the ridges on the back and the holes in the spokes, SKM makes a mold to cast the handlebars. They also have everything in house to create a perfect finish.

Jaguar XK150, Chevrolet Corvette C1 and Volvo 123GT

Our collaboration started with 1 steering wheel, but today SKM has made 10 different models for us and produced hundreds of items. From a Jaguar XK150 steering wheel to the steering wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette C1. A popular steering wheel is that of a Volvo 123GT. Only 1500 of those cars were made, but there are Volvo enthusiasts who turn their car into a Volvo 123GT replica with our steering wheel! When I was looking for a 3D rapid modeling company 10 years ago, I didn’t know if you could exactly scale down a classic original steering wheel, without compromising on the design. SKM proves that this is certainly possible. What I like about the collaboration are the short communication lines, flexibility and that I always contact Dirk. And if there is ever an emergency, I just drive to Helmond in my Pagoda.”

Before design studio DUNCE creates a new product, they ask SKM to make multiple prototypes. Owner Ruud Groeneveld explains why he has his models made in Helmond for his company located in Oestgeest.

‘After graduating in Delft, I founded our design studio together with my business partner Laurence Venne. What sets us apart from other studios is our pragmatic approach and focus on electronics enclosures. We don’t just design enclosures, we also engineer, test and produce the designs that we draw.

Preventing productionissues

Problems that arise after production tools have been made, can be costly and hamper our production time. Because we are also responsible for the production, we are super focussed on testing our designs. We test our designs by using multiple models during each production phase. To be able to properly test our designs, the quality of the prototype is very important. The higher the quality, the more production issues can be prevented.

High quality

For the production of our prototypes, we tried various 3D-printing companies, also in our own region. What sets SKM aparts is their high quality models. Their machinery is so accurate that all models are really smooth. Also the resolution of the stereolithography models is really high. As of recently, they can now produce injection moulded products in small batches. SKM makes sure that each prototype has a perfect finish, so we can see how a prototype works and looks in practice.

Testing mechanical properties

Another technique that we use often is vacuum casting. When designing electronics enclosures, the material choice is defined by the product specifications. By vacuum casting using polyurethane we can simulate the mechanical properties of different types of plastics. By doing drop, fire or IP-testing, we can assess if the mechanical properties meet the required product demands.

Good communication, flexibility and fast

SKM does not only deliver good prototypes, they are also straightforward when it comes to communication. When Dirk or Jeroen makes a commitment, we can rely on them. If something can’t be done, they inform us as soon as possible. And if a prototype looks different than designed? They simply adjust it. High quality, flexibility and good communication, that is why I work with SKM in every phase of product development!’

Since 1985 Han van der Weerden has held various positions at Altran Engineering B.V. For the past years he has been working as a buyer. At the Automotive Campus in Helmond, the company creates proto-vehicles such as people movers, electrically powered trucks (converted from diesel) and other special vehicles. For years, Altran has prototypes and small series made by SKM. We asked Han why he works with SKM.

‘When developing a new product, the Altran engineers first make a design. After the release, a drawing is made in 2D and 3D and Han asks his suppliers for quotes. At Altran we specialize in prototypes and small series. That is our core business. I collect all technical information, the quantities and the required materials for each design and send it to various suppliers. They then make an offer, I select the best one and start odering. That’s our way of working.

Functional prototypes

The big advantage of working with SKM is that they give quotations quickly. They also give good advice about materials. In my early days, 3D printed material was quite brittle. What SKM prints for us today is almost functional. You can drill and bend the printed material. In addition to advising about which materials to use, they also look at the best production technique. For example, injection molding using a silicone mould. For every purchase order I formally have to ask three suppliers for a quote. But I almost always end up at SKM, because they have all 3D printing techniques in-house.’

Before starting their own company, the SKM founders Joop Soetens, Rudolf van Kersbergen en Jos Meulendijk – the letters refer to their surnames, worked at Philips. They were the pioneers in the field of 3D printing. Marco Blokzijl, Demand Manager Prototyping at Philips, met the SKM founders during those early days and always remained a customer. He shares his story why he is still doing business with SKM.

‘For over 41 years I have been working at Philips in Drachten as a prototyping engineer. For the last 30 years, I have been working with SKM to purchase models. This collaboration started when the founders were still working at Philips. When they started their own business, I remained loyal. When Philips has an idea for a new domestic appliance such as a vacuum cleaner or coffee machine, I provide a working prototype.

Top supplier

Over the years, I have developed a firm relationship with SKM. When I request them to develop a model, they understand what I need. I enjoy doing business with SKM, because they are friendly and follow up on agreements. This makes SKM a top supplier to me!’

When Jos Saanen, Buyer at Bosch Security Systems, needs a prototype he calls us. We asked him why he chooses SKM.

‘Actually, I’m already retired, but I still work 3 days a week at Bosch Security systems. I have been supporting the purchasing department there for more than 12 years. I order all the parts and services needed for the development of new security products. Bosch has been working with SKM for many years. When I need a prototype or mockup, I ask SKM to make it for me. I prefer to pick up the models myself in Helmond. When I wanted to have four security cameras painted for a trade fair in Las Vegas, they got it done within a week. The fact that SKM offers more than just 3D printing is not an advantage for me, but a gift!

They can not only make the models of our outdoor dome cameras, they can also finish them perfectly. SKM is a reliable partner for me that goes for quality. When I need a model quickly, they are always there for me.’

Jeffrey Koch, Technical product specialist at Inventum, has been having models made by SKM for years. We asked him how he likes the cooperation.

‘For us, SKM is a prototype builder who can do more than just make show models. They know very well how to make the technical translation of a drawing into a model. The collaboration is pleasant, because they stick to the agreements. There is good communication at every step of the process and they stick to deadlines.

Trade fair models

Every other year we present our new heat pumps at the VSK fair. A product is not always fully developed by then. Speed is extremely important when making a show model. After all, the trade fair is the perfect time to present our new product that we will bring to market. For the last fair, SKM made a visual model of our new Modul-AIR ventilation heat pump.

Fine-tuning together

Based on the 3D models, SKM made the show model. We have had a lot of contact about the grey edge as to what it should look like. We sent samples back and forth and finally Inventum opted for plastic because of its manufacturability. It is very pleasant to go through these fine-tuning steps together. Do you need a well-finished prototype or visual model quickly? Then I highly recommend SKM!’

Ronald te Vruchte, senior engineer at VanBerlo, has been working with SKM for many years. We asked him why he works with SKM.

‘As one of the largest design agencies in Western Europe, we work on a wide range of projects. Such as electric car chargers, different types of packaging and even fire-fighting tools that you use to cut cars into pieces. SKM converts our AutoCad drawings into tangible models for our customers. This allows you to test whether something fits well, how something feels and how big a design looks in real life. A 3D model makes an idea tangible.

Fast delivery
We work with a number of regular model makers. SKM always wins out on speed and price/quality ratio. When I deliver a drawing before 15:00, the model is often in my mailbox 2 days later. I even put our customer Worldline in direct contact with SKM when they needed a large number of ‘looks and works like real’ prototypes. I knew that SKM was the right partner who could make high-quality models quickly and with flexibility. If you want to have a model for a good price quickly, you have to be at SKM!’