Haitsma Engraving purchased a BRM 90130 laser machine specifically for cutting acrylic. They are a unique company with 40 years’ experience, specialising in engraving.
Haitsma Engraving has been using laser machines since 1996
Haitsma Engraving was founded in 1978. Starting out with a pantograph, they now operate a well-equipped fleet of machines, including computer-controlled engraving equipment, milling machines, and solid-state and CO₂ laser machines. The first Nd:YAG laser was introduced in 1996, and they acquired their first CO₂ laser in 1999. Haitsma Engraving does not only engrave flat surfaces; they are also one of the few organisations that perform rotary milling. They do this, for example, on ship’s bells. First milling, then painting. Urns made of steel, wood, marble and various other materials are also engraved in this way. Cremation is becoming increasingly common, so the demand for urns is growing.
Why the BRM Original 90130?
Owner Tjalling Haitsma chose the BRM 90130 because of the price. The size and power – they have a 150W machine – were the most important factors for them. And compared to the competition, BRM was the best. ‘Of course there are other brands, but they come with completely different price tags,’ he points out. Because the price is attractive, he can put the machine to work very quickly to cut a particular material. They are very happy with their machine and find the BRM 90130 a really great piece of kit.
The machine is accurate enough for the work required. Haitsma actually only uses it to cut acrylic. Among other things, for the lids of coffins. The largest of these measures 125 cm; they don’t come any bigger than that. So they opted for a size that was close to that. He couldn’t accommodate anything much larger anyway, as the rebates would have had to be removed from the door for that size. Small tables, supports for coffins, plaques for graves and little butterflies for small children are also cut using the BRM 90130. As they build up a stock, the machine isn’t used every day. They schedule a specific day and then the machine runs all day long.
Off to VROTECH for a demonstration
The demonstration took place at VROTECH in Tholen, and the purchase was quickly arranged afterwards. Haitsma naturally also asked others who already owned such a machine about their experiences. Based on what he heard from them, he felt confident about visiting VROTECH. He had therefore done his homework thoroughly beforehand. The visit to the showroom in Tholen confirmed his instincts. The demonstration was excellent, and afterwards he knew he would be working with them.
“The laser machine is extremely precise, which is ideal for us.”
Specialised machines for every task
At Haitsma, wooden discs for natural burial grounds are also produced using a CO₂ laser. However, they use a different machine for this. Cutting wood causes the machine to become dirty more quickly, and over time, the cutting performance deteriorates. They also use separate machines for engraving wine glasses or photo tokens for jewellers.
