Gallery:1 imageNew customers in the mould making sector triggered a growth spurt and made 5-axis simultaneous milling a must.(Source: HF-Zerspanungstechnik)Gallery:1 image

Germany-based HF-Zerspanungstechnik has reduced machining and programming times by merging two CAM systems into one. In an increasingly competitive environment, the company can now make full use of its 5-axis machining capabilities. By Dr. Thomas Tosse.

What began in 1996 in Saaldorf, Germany, as an individual enterprise on a farm now presents itself as an efficient supply business. Since 2011 HF-Zerspanungstechnik has been occupying a 1300 m² light-filled hall and 300 m² of office space. Owner CAD/CAMFritz Huber has always invested in the right technology and conveys his own vigour and enthusiasm to the team spirit of the 14-member workforce. In a relaxed, performance-oriented atmosphere, the team works a two shift schedule on machines such as a DMU 50 and a DMU 125P from DMG MORI, and B300 and a Hermle C42U.

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Investment in technology, CNC machines pays off

There are also various lathes, such as a Gildemeister CTX 410 V6 with driven tools, Y-axis and counter spindle, as well as a DMT Kern CD 480 and a Wenzel LH87 3D coordinate measuring machine. Huber procured all milling machines with the iTNC530 control from Heidenhain: "For me they were exemplary in quality and user-friendliness from the beginning." Equipped with an automatic switch-off function, the machines are also suitable for lights-out operation.

HF-Zerspanungstechnik accepts commissions from many different sources. For a long-term customer, for instance, HFZ supplies welding electrodes for welding foil from which blood or infusion bags are made. These high-precision tools need to be completely measured, recorded and assembled.

Part of the turnover is generated as a supplier to the motor-racing industry. With self-designed moulds for carbon fibre parts - such as structural components for monocoque racing cars and components and assemblies such as wishbones and lateral control arms for GT3 vehicles. HFZ works as a main supplier to various well-known companies. Other focal points are the parts for mechanical engineering and mould making wher high demands are made on surface quality as well as the accuracy. In terms of materials processed, 80% are non-ferrous metals and the rest plastics or high-strength aluminium for the aircraft industry.