Precise machining of tillers for Damen company Van der Velden® Marine Systems

Damen company Van der Velden® Marine Systems, specialist in maritime maneuvering and propulsion efficiency, has ample experience in the manufacturing of ship rudders and steering gears. Part of a steering gear (the so called rotary vane), is the tiller and this tiller is the important rotating heart of a steering gear.

Precise machining of the tillers is essential for the accurate performance of the steering gear. Van der Velden has started a cooperation with Niron Staal for this precise machining since early 2014. Richard Tijpens, Operations Manager Special Products at Van der Velden explains: “We are glad to outsource this kind of production within the Damen group and after the kick-off meeting, we have visited Niron Staal in order to audit their production method. From the start, I have confidence in their production method and their precise machining facilities”.

The tillers to be machined at our vertical milling machine ‘Dories’

The tillers after production