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Press releases
sional accuracy and enable the production of highly complex geometries. A special feature among the presses at Boehlerit is one of the largest carbide presses with a pressing force of 650 tons. It is used to press cubic and round parts with an area of up to 250 cm2 economically and in series produc- tion. Overall, the production range extends from the smallest carbide part weighing a few tenths of a gram to large parts weighing more than 100 kilograms. The tools for this are produced in the company’s own press tool shop. This guarantees μm-accurate tools with which complex inserts are preci- sion-manufactured. “Very special know-how is required for our hand shaping, through which we produce more than 7,000 differ- ent types of carbide parts annually,” adds Kolbeck. Here, the constructive shaping, taking into account the so-called sintering shrinkage, requires a great deal of expe- rience. In addition to sintering, Boehlerit’s expertise is based on its own coating center. The main coating technologies (PVD, HT-CVD and MT-CVD) for hard coating of indexable inserts are available.
State-of-the-art production facilities guarantee top quality
As part of its quality and automation drive, Boehlerit has decided on a comprehen- sive investment package that specifically addresses the three decisive factors of its products - substrate, cutting edge finishing and coating. Four new high-end sintering systems (three pressure sintering systems and one vacuum sintering system) were procured, as well as a large 5-axis turning/ milling machine on which preforms are produced. In addition, six new grinding machines for inserts ensure a long-term guarantee of the high quality level. Boe- hlerit produces around 150 to 200 press tools made of sintered carbides per year for customers, but also for its own needs. For this purpose, Boehlerit procured a
new 5-axis hard milling machine that now performs milling, grinding and testing in a single clamping operation and replaces the EDM technology previously used for this purpose in this area. In particular, invest- ments are naturally being made on an ongoing basis in coating technology - one of the company’s core competencies. In addi- tion to the latest PVD technology (HiPIMS),
ITAtube Journal May 2023
Boehlerit is expanding its CVD plant park to include a new coating plant equipped with its own innovations. Boehlerit is using its expertise in coating technology here and thus has the entire process in its own hands. This is one of the reasons for the company’s technological edge and offers new possibilities with regard to the deposi- tion of innovative hard coatings.
The investment program is rounded off by one of the world’s most modern 4.0 piston extrusion lines, a new double-sided fine grinding machine with planetary kinemat- ics, new cleaning and washing systems, new shot blasting systems and new simula- tion software which, for example, examines chip formation and chip flow even before the step into the machining laboratory. All the new systems are networked with each other. Of course, sustainability and energy efficiency have also long been high on Boehlerit’s agenda. Particularly in times of energy crisis, these investments are par- ticularly effective in many respects.
From powder to rapid prototyping and machining trials
The development tasks of the carbide pioneers at Boehlerit are defined by the performance requirements of the tool manufacturers and users respectively. Process-optimized manufacturing technol- ogies, from in-house powder production, coupled with the latest pressing and grind- ing technologies to the most advanced coating technologies, guarantee toolmak- ers a head start in the productivity of their tools time and time again. A particular advantage in product development for toolmakers is the production of prototypes using state-of-the-art laser-assisted rapid prototyping. Boehlerit thus helps custom- ers save time and money in tool develop- ment. This also includes machining tests including evaluation and advice. Finally, one of the most modern testing and packaging systems for indexable inserts in the indus- try contributes to the high quality standard. It guarantees 100% quality assurance in the μm range. With particularly strict dimen- sional checks and monitoring of all metal- lurgical parameters, Boehlerit guarantees Toolmaker consistently high tool quality.
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