The model making and mold construction company from Heilbronn relies on Zimmermann portal milling machines for almost 30 years and recently expanded its machine fleet with the compact FZU22, specifically developed for machining composite and plastic components.
Managing Director Rainer Eckelt sees this as a crucial competitive advantage: ” We are able to react very swiftly when it comes to client orders and able to deliver quickly.” The company produces models, molds, and prototypes for various industry sectors, including motorsports, automotive, as well as aerospace. The demands are especially enormous in motorsports
Often, there are only a few days between receiving an order and delivery. „Oftentimes we receive an order on Monday, and by Friday we already need to deliver – such as positive molds or direct machining tools for a race car’s sidepods or front spoiler.“ The executive manager usually declares these especially urgent projects a top priority for himself, being able to mobilize all resources to ensure fast processing.
To meet the high demands, the team of about 30 employees incorporates its extensive experience, using materials such as epoxy resin, Ureol®, plastics, aluminum, and steel. The NC milling machines are programmed in-house, ensuring maximum compatibility. Over time, the machine fleet has been adapted to meet the various requirements. The company received its first machine from Zimmermann, a FZ30, in 1997. Later, the FZ37 and FZ33 compact were added, which enabled five-sided complete machining. These machines process aluminum, steel, and composite materials with high precision, often eliminating the need for extensive post-processing.
Recently, the machine fleet was expanded with the FZU22, which serves as an economical solution for machining composites and plastic parts . Eckelt was looking for a cost-effective solution: They selected the FZU22, as its compact design, thermos-symmetrical design, and special 5-axis milling head make it well suited, even for hard-to-reach areas. The working area of 1.800 x 3.000 x 1.250 mm boffers flexibility, and the 12- or 24-position toll changer ensures efficiency. Eckelt then adapted the system to the company’s requirements, for example with a special zero-point clamping system and an independently manufactured dust extraction system. The air-conditioned hall provides the necessary cooling, and additional features were deliberately omitted to reduce costs and complexity.
The transport of the compact FZU22 was pretty uncomplicated: the machine could be directly transported on a truck and lifted into the hall without disassembly There, it has already successfully machined complex plastic parts. Eckelt is satisfied, as the minimally equipped machine processes small components precisely and efficiently in just one clamping process, and he feels validated in his decision.
CONCLUSION
- Efficient solution: The FZU22 offers high precision and is optimal for the cost-effective serial production of small plastic components.
- Tailored solutions: The FZU22 has been customized to further increase efficiency.
- Seamless service and partnership: The long-standing collaboration with Zimmermann ensures fast maintenance and a high level of trust.