With a clear focus on precision and innovation, Zimmermann has established itself as a leading supplier of portal milling machines. Daniel Demlang, Technical Director at F. Zimmermann, explains what makes these machines so special, what challenges are being overcome in development and what the future holds.
Zimmermann machines are renowned for their precision. How do you manage to meet such high standards?
Daniel: Our machines already offer a level of precision in their standard configuration that usually far exceeds customer requirements. We achieve this by implementing our thermo-symmetrical box-in-box design. This construction minimizes thermal influences that could negatively affect the machine’s geometry. We put the highest emphasis on accuracy in structural and drive components and have designed all parts to expand only in non-critical directions. This ensures stability, even with alternating temperatures or the heat while processing.
What does precision mean for clients in their everyday life?
Daniel: Thanks to high precision, time-consuming rework is often unnecessary. This saves labor time, materials, and thus significant costs Additionally, our customers are able to deliver components faster, more flexibly, and with higher quality. An example: A customer from the aerospace industry was impressed by the repetitive accuracy of our machine, which drilled holes with deviations of only a few micrometers over the course of weeks. Such results open up entirely new business opportunities for us and our users—ranging from the aerospace to the semiconductor industry.
How does this quality impact the relationship to your clients?
Daniel: The positive feedback is clearly reflected in client loyalty. Many companies that have purchased a machine from us, do return. Our machines give them a competitive advantage because they can work more flexibly and precisely. We’re working in partnerships and don’t just deliver a machine, but a solution that supports our clients’ success in the long term.
In which areas do you see future development potential for the machines?
Daniel: How much more precise can components really become? At some point, the physical limits are reached. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but it becomes increasingly uneconomical and physically challenging That’s why we are focusing on automation, dynamics, and software. The deployment of artificial intelligence is particularly exciting—both for our internal processes and for the applications of our customers.
How does Zimmermann ensure that its machines also remain competitive in the future?
Daniel: We listen closely to our customers and customize our technologies to meet their needs. At the same time, we develop innovative solutions to respond efficiently to the increasingly complex demands. With our thermo-symmetric system, our software applications, as well as new technologies like AI, we are well-positioned to continue growing in the most demanding industries.
CONCLUSION:
Through consistent advancement of technologies, Zimmermann proves that highest precision and practical applicability can go hand in hand. Customers not only benefit from the technical capabilities of the machines but also from the close collaboration and solution-oriented approach of the company. One thing is certain: Daniel and his team will continue to set new standards in the future with their strive for quality and innovation.