As we arrived in Eindhoven to visit Settels Savenije, we were warmly welcomed by Guustaaf Savenije, who introduced us to the company. We learned about its rich history, company culture, fields of expertise, and design philosophy. One of the most inspiring aspects was their investment in personal growth and their innovative mindset, encouraging employees to think outside the box and develop creative solutions.
Following the presentation, we were challenged to design a pneumatic actuator within a restricted volume, adhering to criteria such as input pressure and required output force. Starting with a blank sheet of paper was challenging, but once we realized that increasing the contact area of a piston would generate the necessary force, we were able to develop a concept. This challenge perfectly showcased Settels’ approach to design, encouraging creativity and unconventional thinking.
During the tour, we explored the manufacturing halls and offices. The building, once part of a Philips factory with water purification installations, retained historical features like water pumps and concrete basins, adding a unique touch to the environment. Although we had to cut the networking drinks short to head back to Delft, it was a pleasure meeting the staff and seeing their enthusiasm for the company.
A big thank you to Settels Savenije for being so open and sharing such an inspiring and innovative work environment with us!
