New machining centres for CNC turning and milling
toolcraft performs all the steps needed to produce precision parts – from design and manufacturing to quality control and non-destructive surface testing. It uses multi-axis technology and angle heads to manufacture CNC turned and milled parts for a wide variety of industries. To cover the growth in demand, additional machining centres are due to be put into operation by the middle of the year. The DMG NHX 5000 machining centre has a horizontal design, which guarantees optimum chip flow and high rigidity during machining. Besides a cycle-controlled C30 lathe from Weiler, toolcraft will also produce precision parts on a G550T 5-axis turning/milling processing centre from Grob, which features a 10-position pallet changer and a setup area facilitating the production of extremely precise components.
Greater demand for moulds and injection-moulded parts
In addition to recording consistently strong sales in metal precision parts, toolcraft is also enjoying the effects of the flourishing economy in the area of small parts and micro-components made from plastic. In light of these developments, the company is investing in an additional milling centre from Hermle (C42 U) for the production of mould bases. Moreover, a new HSC 600 machining centre from Exeron with an Erowa ERM pallet changer is in use at toolcraft's plant in Spalt. As well as extending its pool of mould making machinery, the company has chosen to work with a new injection moulding machine manufacturer, Engel, investing in two of its injection moulding machines equipped with removal robots.
New wire cutting and eroding machines for faster machining
Since die sinking is an essential part of mould making, demand in this area is also increasing. The two new EDM 312 and 313 CNC die-sinking machines from Exeron are helping to boost toolcraft's machining speed in this field. Wire cutting is used to perform a variety of processes, including the separation of 3D-printed components from base plates and high-precision machining work during the manufacture of tools and precision components. Here, toolcraft is extending its machine park by adding two wire-cutting machines from GF Machining Solutions (AgieCharmilles Cut 2000 and E 350) as well as an additional River 600 hole drilling machine from Ocean Technologies.
Additive manufacturing continues to gain ground
Metal 3D printing has become a well-established manufacturing technology, with more and more industries becoming aware of the innovative production method. This increasing demand has prompted toolcraft to expand its machine pool in this field as well. As a result, the company now uses two Trumpf TruPrint 3000 metal laser melting machines during its production of precision parts. This means that, all in all, the machine park comprises nine machines from three different manufacturers. Moreover, toolcraft is constructing its own laser melting centre, which is due to be completed in October of this year.