Nearly 25 years ago, he came up with the idea for the Precision Fair, which is now thriving more than ever. In this interview, he discusses AI, collaboration, skilled migrants — and enthusiasm. "Precision professionals are always looking for the next step."
"Proud," says Henny Spaan, reflecting on the success of the Precision Fair. Spaan, often called the founding father of this event, recalls knocking on Mikrocentrum’s door 23 editions ago to propose a fair dedicated to precision engineering. The response was positive — but he had to secure exhibitors himself. With Heidenhain and seven other sponsors onboard, the Precision Fair became a reality. "So yes, I’m proud," he reiterates. "At our company, networking is key, and events like these are crucial for the industry."
Beyond leading IBS Precision Engineering, Spaan also chairs the EMINT Management Board of VDMA, where EMINT stands for Electronics, Micro, and New Energy Production Technologies. Recently, he was honored with the prestigious Martin van den Brink Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the high-tech manufacturing industry. Established in 2012, Spaan is only the fourth recipient of this honor.
What’s the current trend in precision engineering?
"Increased complexity. Everywhere I look, I see the rise of 3D printing. The complexity of products it enables is much higher, making it more cost-effective. Of course, the accuracy sought by precision engineers isn’t there yet, so post-processing is necessary. Precision engineering isn’t about making small mirrors; it’s about integrating increasingly complex systems.
"Where you once had a three-person mechatronics team, now it takes fifteen experts: acoustics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and flow specialists, because heat management comes into play. As systems grow more complex, collaboration becomes essential. 3D printing fits perfectly within this framework; you simply can’t do it all alone."
How far does collaboration go?
"It’s the new reality. When we started in 1993, some clients, especially in the automotive sector, were rigid. Tenders were locked down with 50 pages of specifications, and the lowest bid won. That’s no longer viable.
"Today’s complex machines require so many specifications that it’s impractical to define them all upfront. It must be a joint effort — collaboration is essential. You can’t do it alone."
Does the growing complexity require more knowledge?
"Absolutely. Knowledge must keep expanding. Without it, a company becomes too limited for today’s market. Technical firms increasingly hire real engineers, which is necessary. Look at a modern 5-axis machine; programming it isn’t simple. It requires skilled professionals with expertise in materials, machines, and processes, especially as exotic metals become more common."
How does our manufacturing industry compare to Germany’s?
"The Germans excel at incremental optimization, gradually improving their products. It’s their hallmark precision — Deutsche Gründlichkeit. However, market disruptions like complex product mixes, smaller production runs, and energy challenges require improvisation, which is less embedded in their culture. They lag in driving innovation."
If Germany is 'sneezing,' is the Netherlands catching a cold?
"Yes, and we’ve felt it for some time. Several Dutch manufacturers are seeing declining revenues, particularly conventional companies that haven’t adapted their processes."
ASML is also facing challenges. You’ve previously suggested the Netherlands should diversify beyond semiconductors. Where are the opportunities?
"Lithography continues to grow, but so does the demand for opto-mechatronics, medical technology, and even the textile industry. Opportunities lie in combining disciplines and thinking beyond conventional applications. For example, we’re working on satellite technologies, where satellites are optically linked to improve bandwidth. This emerging billion-dollar market offers opportunities for suppliers."
And AI? Is it an opportunity?
"AI is a hype but a real one. It will play a major role in semiconductor applications as machines reach their limits. Traditionally, you’d solve this with four years of research and modeling. AI accelerates this, especially physics-guided neural networks, which combine AI’s flexibility with established physical laws to deliver accurate and reliable predictions.
"I don’t believe in a 'black box' approach. Machines must remain safe, so we overlay physical models with AI, keeping strict boundaries. This combination will be showcased at the Precision Fair, highlighting the next smart steps in precision engineering. Precision professionals are always looking for the next step."*
What is the future of the Precision Fair itself?
"The fair will broaden, but it must remain relevant to precision technology. What I miss is the international audience. Recently, I attended the Big Science Business Forum in Trieste, where all of Europe was represented. I’d love to see that diversity at the Precision Fair. Our economy needs the global stage."
What about skilled migrants?
"Absolutely essential. I’m one of the younger ones among the old guard in this sector. As those in their fifties and sixties retire, vast amounts of knowledge will be lost. Skilled migrants are the solution; we simply don’t have enough qualified people locally. Without knowledge, we lose our industry."
Should we also invest in education?
"Yes. In the 1980s, the IOP Precision program was a huge success, producing world-class Dutch engineers who now hold key positions globally. The bottom line is: keep investing in knowledge at all levels and nurture enthusiasm. That’s the creative energy that drives progress."
Original article (in Dutch): https://www.technishow.nl/nieuws/nieuws/henny-spaan-ibs-precision-engineering-kijk-buiten-de-gangbare-toepassingen/
