XXL milling machines matter again in tool and mould making

Related Vendors

DIPROFIL Diamantprodukter AB

ETMM European Tool & Mould Making

MTE Deutschland GmbH

Verein Deutscher Werkzeug- maschinenfabriken e. V. (VDW)

Customer requirements

ETMM: What are the requirements stipulated by your customers?

Borbonus: That depends on the job profile involved: while one customer’s priority is sheer size, another one wants dynamic properties, while a third one goes for stability and a fourth for precision. In a sales talk, we may then sometimes even have to tell the customer that it’s not always possible to implement all of the properties required to maximum effect simultaneously.

ETMM: For many customers, it’s indubitably flexible deployment that plays a crucial role. How do you meet this requirement?

Borbonus: One solution for meeting it is the milling-head change-over feature, for example. This enables users to change over their travelling-column machine fully automatically to any new workpiece using their CNC control system. So in the program the machine operator can, for instance, switch from one milling head to another fully automatically, thus always using the head that is optimally suited for machining the workpiece concerned.

ETMM: Another important issue is dynamic properties: how fast are your XXL systems?

Borbonus: This question touches upon an important decision we took a few years ago. Back then, we had to make up our minds as to whether we wanted to build machines that are first and foremost especially stable or especially dynamic. We did not – as many others did – go down the path of putative dynamics optimisation, and through our stable machines have built up an enviable reputation. This means that we continue to opt for conservative stable machine designs, because conservative in this context means: keeping the good things.

ETMM: What is included in your service support?

Borbonus: We prioritise complete-system solutions, which is why from a modularised kit we put together each machine in the configuration that’s actually needed in practice. So obviously, a strategy based on stocks of machines is in clear contradiction to what we see as good customer service support and soundly based consultancy.

ETMM: How do you develop your machines?

Borbonus: As from the year 2000, our designers have already been developing the machines completely in terms of 3D models. The customer then gets a quotation tailor-made to suit his specific needs. Then when the order is placed, we create a realistic 3D image of the erection site, factoring in all the local idiosyncrasies. After that, we plan the foundation as a 3D volume model and check it for constructional validity once it’s been put in place on the customer’s premises. Order processing also includes close liaison with the safety officers – an aspect that’s gaining progressively in perceived importance. Not only must the machine ultimately comply with CE standards and the Machinery Directive, it must also and especially perform the functions it was designed for and be easy to operate.

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