Cutting tool production Palbit adds fifth Cemecon coating system

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Expanded coating capacity will support cutting tool production at Portuguese manufacturer Palbit, which has installed its fifth Cemecon system. The new CC800 Hipims also marks Cemecon’s 500th installation worldwide, extending a partnership spanning more than two decades.

In June 2026, Palbit, a leading European manufacturer of cutting tools, took delivery of its fifth Cemecon system. This marks a significant milestone in many ways: For over two decades, the Portuguese company has expanded its coating capacity relying primarily on PVD coating technology and peripheral equipment from Cemecon. The commissioning of the CC800 Hipims also marks the 500th installation worldwide for Cemecon, the technology and global market leader in cutting tool coating.

The latest success story for the provider of premium coatings for cutting tools has been written: in its 40th anniversary year, Cemecon has delivered its 500th coating system. The renowned Portuguese tool manufacturer Palbit, which recently received the CC800 Hipims, has relied primarily on Cemecon coatings for over 20 years. At its facility, Palbit now operates a few systems, including all peripheral equipment, from Würselen. “Our partnership with Cemecon is a key pillar of the performance and success of our tools,” emphasizes Jorge Ferreira, CEO of Palbit.

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“Since the beginning of our partnership we have been able to rely completely on Cemecon’s expertise and service, and we have benefited immensely. I am confident that, with the current expansion of our capacity, we are well-positioned to meet both current and future demands.” And this is the confident claim of the Portuguese company: Even more than a century after Palbit’s founding in 1916, innovation, alongside customer focus and reliability, remains an integral part of the company’s DNA. “It shapes our approach to every solution, every geometry, every carbide, and every coating.”

Palbit’s key differentiator is its high level of vertical integration. “We produce our tools from start to finish,” emphasizes Jorge Ferreira. From powder production to the manufacturing of tool bodies and holders, right through to final coating, every step takes place in-house. This complete control over the value chain, supported by state-of-the-art production facilities, gives the company exceptional agility: it can develop, optimize, and manufacture solutions without relying on third parties, enabling it to respond extremely quickly to market demands.

Continuity as a strategic strength

In 2016, Palbit invested in its first CC800 Hipims in-house turnkey system from Cemecon and has continuously expanded its in-house coating center ever since. To ensure maximum process stability and product quality, Palbit relies consistently on the complete Cemecon service package, including consulting, throughout its manufacturing process. Palbit procures consumables and replacement parts quickly and easily via Cemecon’s online shop. When capacity peaks occur — such as during the installation of the latest Hipims system — Cemecon’s coating service seamlessly compensates for them.

Dr. Beate Hüttermann, CMO at Cemecon, views the professional relationship between Palbit and Cemecon as a blueprint for how the coating expert provides optimal support to tool manufacturers over the long term: “Our shared history started with our initial collaboration on coating services, through the first turnkey complete system, to today’s independent, highly optimized coating center, which we closely support with comprehensive consulting and service offerings. This close partnership is a prime example of how companies can grow together successfully in the long run in terms of technology, performance, and market success.”

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Palbit’s product range covers virtually all machining processes: milling, turning, drilling, threading, as well as grooving and parting off, in a full catalog solution. “Optimizing tools for specific applications is one of our strengths,” emphasizes the managing director. When a customer faces a challenge that cannot be overcome with standard solutions from the catalog, Palbit’s perfect mastery of the manufacturing process and its technical expertise enable the development of a custom-made tool. “This strengthens the trust that motivates customers to turn to us when it really matters.”

For its comprehensive portfolio of carbide cutting inserts and round tools, Palbit requires and demands high performance coating solutions. This is because a wide variety of machining tasks demand a broad range of coating specifications. This is precisely where the Hipims systems demonstrate their advantages. More than 20 years ago, Cemecon was the first manufacturer to use the PVD process to apply the coating material Altin in greater thicknesses of up to 6 micrometers to cutting tools. Today, Hipims even allows for thicknesses of 12 micrometers.

In addition to the coating recipes from the Cemecon portfolio, Palbit also carries out its own R&D and makes specific adjustments for the different coated grades. “With Hipims, these customizations are very easy to implement on the systems. In our market segment, this allows us to clearly differentiate ourselves both through our tool geometries and through optimized coatings,” explains Jorge Ferreira. “Our customers appreciate our high level of vertical integration and also view tool coating as a core competency of Palbit in its own right.”

Quality as a strategic growth driver

And, of course, this also builds trust in every customer relationship: “It is this trust that Palbit, tool by tool and market by market, is constantly expanding, always with the promise: ‘Machining Excellence. Built into every cut!’” emphasizes Jorge Ferreira. Having operated globally for a long time, the United States is Palbit’s next declared goal. The company is currently significantly expanding its presence in the U.S. machining technology market, which is considered one of the most competitive in the world. “After all, close proximity to customers as well as reliable local service and support are integral parts of how we work. This will enable us to win over more and more customers in the U.S. with our tools.”

Proud of 500x premium quality

“The 500th plant project was something very special for everyone involved, especially since its implementation coincides with our anniversary year,” sums up Jens Jordine, the Cemecon project manager in charge. He emphatically underscores Cemecon’s fundamental philosophy: “The same highest quality standards apply to every order. At the same time, we share a long-standing, very trusting partnership with Palbit. It’s a wonderful affirmation of our own commitment that we were once again able to serve a customer to their complete satisfaction. It also meant a great deal to me personally to have been part of this project.” Jordine thus expresses the almost euphoric mood that characterized the work of the entire project team, from the initial contract negotiations through the kick-off and repeated monitoring during the plant construction phase, all the way to the optimal preparation of the customer, for example through in-house training.

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