The cutting edge

Trajectory Optimization in Face Milling Operations: Impact on Costs, Energy, and CO₂ Emissions

Trajectory Optimization in Face Milling Operations: Impact on Costs, Energy, and CO Emissions Face milling is a fundamental machining operation used to generate flat surfaces with high precision. Traditionally, it has been optimized based on parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. However, the trajectory followed by the tool also plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency of the process, both in terms of energy consumption and the usual effects on tool life, productivity, and surface quality. Types of trajectories in Face Milling Thanks to the development of CAM systems, we now have a wide range of options for machining trajectories for roughing and finishing surfaces. Among all these options, there is a main difference: some operations keep the tool always in contact with the workpiece, while others include idle (non-cutting) movements. We can classify them into four basic categories: Unidirectional : The most basic and easiest operation to program. The tool works with linear trajectories in the same direction and returns without cutting. Acceptable surface finishes are obtained, but if direct entry is used, it can affect tool life and increase the total cycle time. Zig-zag (bidirectional) : Linear movements with the tool moving in both directions, reducing idle times, but with negative effects on the resulting surface quality. Managing the changes in direction can affect tool life. Spiral: Either towards or from the inside of the workpiece, it allows for continuous cutting with controlled engagement, offering good surface finishes and good control of tool life while reducing machining times. Adaptive and trochoidal : Trajectories that optimize tool-material contact by maintaining controlled radial engagement, improving surface quality. They usually include small idle movements in hard-to-reach areas but aim to keep the tool in contact as much as possible. They are highly recommended for difficult-to-machine materials. Each of these trajectories has different implications in terms of machining time, workload, energy consumption, and heat generation. CO Emissions In this article, we will mainly address the energy effect of trajectories by comparing those that maintain constant contact between the tool and the workpiece with those that, due to their configuration and different orientation, involve idle (non-cutting) movements. To illustrate this comparison, we will use, an alternative unidirectional trajectory and a spiral trajectory from the outside, both under the same cutting conditions, and compare the energy consumption of both options. Subsequently, we will compare both trajectories with improved cutting conditions. We can calculate the power consumed on different materials, selected from a wide data base, and using specific combination of tools and inserts geometries, during a milling operation using “ToolGuide,” available at this link. ToolGuide For a face milling operation with the CM345 ref 345-050Q22-13H Z6, with inserts 345R-1305M-PM 1230, on a 32CrMoV12-28 P3.0.Z.AN steel workpiece with 230 Hb, we will start from these two cutting conditions, which will give us two different cutting power consumptions. During rapid movement at speeds of 5,000 to 10,000 mm/min (without cutting load) on a conventional 5-axis CNC machine with a maximum power of 40 kW, typical energy consumption ranges between 4 and 7 kW. For our example, we will use 5.5 kW as the calculation value. The components that make up this basic machine consumption are: Software and electronic equipment of the machine. Machine movement, plus the rotation of the cutting spindle itself. The higher the feed rate, the greater the energy demand. Machine movement, plus the rotation of the cutting spindle itself. The higher the feed rate, the greater the energy demand. This range is useful for estimating energy consumption during rapid positioning phases or movements between operations, especially in intensive machining cycles. Case Studies Case 1: Unidirectional vs. Spiral trajectories. In a face milling operation on a 250x250 mm steel plate, two trajectories were compared: unidirectional and spiral. The spiral trajectory has a total cutting length of 1,250 mm, which is equivalent to 38.26 seconds of cutting time. In the unidirectional trajectory, there are 5 paths of 300 mm each, and we must add 4 return paths with a table feed of 7,500 mm/min. This allows the total machining to be completed in 45.918 9.6 55.51 seconds, an increase due to the non-cutting return time. The cutting power is 16.7 kW, and the power consumed during idle movements is 5.5 kW. Therefore, the total energy consumption during the cutting time is 0.2276 kWh for the unidirectional trajectory and 0.1774 kWh for the spiral trajectory. The graph provides a clearer view of the kWh savings. Comparison between unidirectional and Spiral trajectories Case 2: Comparison between original and higher Fz0,4 cutting conditions. We have already seen how idle movements of the machine affect energy use. Now, if we take our second set of cutting conditions, with a feed per tooth of 0.4 mm, we can observe the effect of increased cutting parameters on both energy consumptions. The working power will increase to 18.1 kW, but the cutting time for the spiral trajectory will decrease to 33.48 seconds. In the unidirectional operation, the cutting time will be 40.17 9.6 50.07 seconds. Therefore, the new total energy consumption during cutting time is 0.2166 kWh for the unidirectional trajectory and 0.1683 kWh for the spiral trajectory. This is a counterintuitive result, cause with higher cutting power, we obtain lower energetic total consumption thanks to cycle time reduction. Increase feed on unidirectional trajectories effect Increase feed on unidirectional trajectories effect Energy and CNC Machine Cost Analysis by Region The following table presents a comparative analysis of energy costs, CNC machine hourly rates, and average CO emissions per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across different regions. This data is useful for evaluating the environmental and economic impact of CNC operations globally. And here are the data for all the cases studied. kwh y CO2 emissions and cost based on average data for all regions. Conclusion The choice of trajectory in face milling operations not only affects quality and productivity but also has a direct impact on process sustainability—energy costs, direct machine costs, and CO emissions into the atmosphere. Adopting optimized trajectories through advanced CAM software allows you to: Improve energy efficiency. Reduce tool wear. Decrease CO emissions. Lower direct machining cost and increase productive capacity. For CO consumption, the reduction is 26% when comparing the unidirectional trajectory with Fz0.35 to the spiral trajectory with Fz0.4. This also results in a 40% economic reduction . In an industrial environment increasingly focused on sustainability, these technical decisions can make a significant difference. Selecting tools that allow us to work at the highest cutting conditions will achieve both direct economic savings and reductions in CO emissions. Alvaro Ruiz Global product solution specialist Milling Trajectory Optimization in Face Milling Operations: Impact on Costs, Energy, and CO Emissions Face milling is a fundamental machining operation used to generate flat surfaces with high precision. Traditionally, it has been optimized based on parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. However, the trajectory followed by the tool also plays a crucial role in the overall ... Face Milling Trajectories Explores face milling trajectories' impact on energy, tool life, and quality. The article explores how different trajectories in face milling impact energy consumption, tool life, and quality. It compares unidirectional and spiral trajectories, analysing their effects on power usage and CO emissions using specific cutting conditions. Conclusion highlights sustainability benefits of optimized trajectories. chevron_right

Mastering high-volume hole making

Mastering high-volume hole making Overcoming common drilling pain points with CoroDrill DE10 High-volume drilling requires precision, efficiency and reliability to meet demanding production schedules and maintain cost-effectiveness. For manufacturers, these requirements often pose challenges, such as ensuring tool longevity, achieving consistent hole quality and minimizing downtime. So, what’s required to achieve more efficient hole drilling in an increasingly competitive environment? Here, Mikael Carlsson, Global Product Specialist for Indexable Rotating Tools at Sandvik Coromant, explains how a new drilling innovation could reinvent high volume hole making. Several shifts in manufacturing trends are increasing the demand for high volume drilling. Producing electric vehicles (EVs), for example, requires drilling thousands of precise holes in battery enclosures and thermal management systems, intensifying the need for reliable, scalable solutions. Similarly, renewable energy sectors, such as wind and solar power, rely on high-volume drilling for producing key components like wind turbine shafts and solar mounting systems, where accuracy and durability are paramount. In industries where efficiency and reliability are non-negotiable, finding solutions that balance these demands is critical. Drilling down the challenges High-volume hole making often reveals challenges that can be underestimated, even by experienced manufacturers. Many already recognize the critical importance of tool wear and cycle times, but it is the hidden complexities of high-speed and high-penetration operations that can profoundly impact productivity and operational efficiency. Take, for example, thermal and mechanical stresses encountered during the drilling of thousands of holes — especially in typically more challenging materials like hard steels and heat resistant super alloys. These forces can lead to accelerated tool fatigue, burr formation or even deformation of the workpiece. Such challenges go beyond tool durability. They involve understanding the interplay between the tool's geometry, coatings and material composition with the specific characteristics of the workpiece. Effective heat dissipation, resistance to microfractures and the ability to maintain edge sharpness over prolonged use are all crucial factors for ensuring consistent quality across extended production runs. Another consideration is the cost impact of seemingly minor inefficiencies, such as setup or tip changes. In large-scale operations, for instance, even a small amount of downtime per shift — whether due to recalibrating machines for a new tool or replacing worn-out tips — can accumulate into substantial productivity losses. These inefficiencies highlight the importance of streamlined solutions, such as systems designed for quick setup, precise alignment and easy tool changes. Additionally, eliminating unnecessary steps in the drilling process can drive significant time and cost savings. For example, tools that remove the need for pilot holes or pre-setting equipment can drastically reduce cycle times and minimize the reliance on operator intervention, thereby increasing overall process stability and throughput. Addressing these pain points with thoughtful planning and optimized tooling strategies is essential for manufacturers striving to meet the demands of high-volume production without compromising on quality or efficiency. A streamlined approach Introduced by Sandvik Coromant in March 2025, CoroDrill DE10, an advanced exchangeable-tip drill designed for high-volume hole drilling, aims to address these drilling challenges. CoroDrill DE10 is shown to boost productivity while streamlining operations, due to its advanced -M5 tip geometry. This innovative design achieves an ideal balance between high feed rates and precise penetration, enabling the tool to deliver exceptional performance across diverse materials. From steel alloys to stainless materials, CoroDrill DE10 can ensure consistent hole quality while also minimizing the risks of burr formation or workpiece deformation. A crucial feature of CoroDrill DE10 is a patented pre-tension clamping interface, which combines familiar design with enhanced security. The interface enables fast and easy tip changes without spare parts, ensures reliable drilling at high feeds and speeds, delivers superior clamping strength and achieves straighter holes with tighter tolerances. It also extends drill body life, making CoroDrill DE10 the most robust exchangeable-tip drill of its kind. Furthermore, CoroDrill DE10 also eliminates the need for pilot holes to further streamline workflows and reduce cycle times and inventory complexity. Its robust design supports extended tool life, with more tips per tool body, which ultimately drives down the cost per hole. As a plug-and-play solution, CoroDrill DE10 integrates effortlessly into existing setups, making it a practical upgrade for manufacturers looking to enhance productivity without overhauling their systems. It also integrates seamlessly with digital machining systems through Sandvik Coromant's CoroPlus platform. This compatibility provides operators with precise cutting data and real-time performance insights, so parameter settings can be optimized and tailored to specific materials and applications. Operational and cost-saving benefits Several success cases have highlighted how CoroDrill DE10 drastically improves productivity in high volume drilling. In testing conducted in Italy, CoroDrill DE10 demonstrated significant performance advantages over a competing tool while drilling AISI316L stainless steel. The case involved 52 mm through and blind holes, using emulsion coolant at 70 bar. CoroDrill DE10 achieved a remarkable 57% increase in productivity and 43% longer tool life compared to its competitor. The tool also delivered excellent hole surface quality, consistent chip control and sound-level performance aligned with expectations. The tool’s robust design and advanced -M5 tip geometry ensured reliability and repeatability — and both were key factors for the high-value components in this application. With a higher feed rate, extended tool life and reduced need for downtime, CoroDrill DE10 proved to be a cost-effective, efficient and sustainable solution for high-volume drilling in challenging materials. In another case, an automotive manufacturer faced issues with high cutting forces deforming its drill bodies, specifically while machining gearbox housing components from 47CrMo4 alloyed steel. This issue led to tool failures and increased costs. Instead, switching to CoroDrill DE10 resolved these challenges. Using a feed rate of 0.35 mm/rev at a depth of cut of 2.5 times the drill diameter, the tool delivered a 17% productivity boost. As in other applications, CoroDrill DE10's robust design and patented pre-tension clamping interface ensured exceptional accuracy, extended tool life and minimized downtime. These examples demonstrate how CoroDrill DE10 meets industry needs while offering significant operational and cost-saving benefits. High-volume hole-making demands precision, durability and efficiency, making it essential for manufacturers to overcome its challenges to achieve greater productivity and remain competitive. With its advanced features, tools such as CoroDrill DE10 offer a new perspective on drilling, and a strategic solution for the future of manufacturing. Learn more about CoroDrill DE10 Sandvik Coromant info.coromant@sandvik.com Mastering high-volume hole making Mastering high-volume hole making High-Volume Hole Drilling This article discusses high-volume drilling techniques and challenges, highlighting solutions like CoroDrill DE10 for improved efficiency. Exploring efficient techniques for high-volume drilling, addressing challenges in precision and durability. CoroDrill DE10 offers innovative solutions with extended tool life and streamlined operations to meet competitive manufacturing demands. chevron_right

Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills

Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills Versatile drilling offers a key to more productive manufacturing In January 2025, the World Economic Forum reported that facilities identified as part of its Global Lighthouse Network are achieving remarkable productivity gains of 70%, while simultaneously reducing energy costs by 40% and time to market by 40%. Lighthouses aside, how can all manufacturers raise their productivity, without increasing costs? Here, James Thorpe, Global Product Manager for Hole Making and Composite Machining at Sandvik Coromant, explains how a new drilling tool can enhance manufacturing production goals for multi-material applications. Beyond the Lighthouse facilities, manufacturers across the globe are increasingly tasked with producing parts from a diverse array of materials — from hardened steels and composites to softer metals and plastics — all while striving for uncompromising precision and efficiency. Addressing these challenges head-on requires tooling solutions that not only push the boundaries of traditional drilling capabilities but also streamline operations in an increasingly competitive market.  Overcoming pain points   Drilling is a fundamental yet technically demanding operation in modern manufacturing. One of the most persistent challenges involves material variability. Manufacturers often work with a wide range of materials, from tough hardened steels to lightweight but ductile metals. Each material presents unique difficulties —hardened steels can cause excessive tool wear, while softer metals may deform under drilling forces.  Heat generation and tool wear are also significant concerns in drilling operations. High cutting speeds, prolonged machining cycles and demanding material compositions contribute to excessive heat buildup. This not only accelerates tool degradation but also impacts machining accuracy, leading to surface defects and deviations from required dimensions. Effective heat management solutions, both in tool design and machining strategies, are therefore critical for extending tool life and improving component quality.  Another key challenge is chip evacuation. In deep-hole drilling or high-feed applications, inefficient removal of chips can lead to clogging, increased heat generation and even tool failure. Drill flutes must be designed to facilitate smooth and consistent chip evacuation, preventing operational disruptions and maintaining stable machining conditions.  Process stability is equally essential for precision manufacturing. Accurate hole positioning and straightness are critical for high-quality components used in sectors such as aerospace and automotive. Any deviation can compromise the functionality of the final product, leading to costly rework or component rejection. Achieving and maintaining stability requires a combination of robust tool geometry and optimized machining parameters.  Lastly, manufacturers face growing pressures to adopt sustainable and cost-effective production practices. Reducing waste, extending tool life and minimizing energy consumption are priorities as companies strive to meet both economic and environmental goals. These factors drive the demand for drilling tools that deliver superior performance while lowering the total cost per part.  A drill for all materials    To boost productivity and maintain cost-efficiency, there’s a growing need for versatile drills that can handle multiple materials, eliminating the need for frequent tool changes while lowering tooling costs. Advances in coatings and tool design enable these multi-material drills to perform well without compromising quality, offering both cost savings and improved sustainability.  A prime example of this is CoroDrill Dura 462, which is specifically engineered to enhance performance across a wide range of materials. Featuring a fine-grained cemented carbide substrate, CoroDrill Dura 462 offers exceptional wear resistance and reliability with a well-controlled microstructure that ensures consistent results, even when working with challenging materials like hard metals or ductile alloys. This makes it an invaluable tool for manufacturers seeking uniform precision and stability, no matter the material composition of their components.  CoroDrill Dura 462’s geometry is designed with versatility in mind. The tool’s point design significantly reduces cutting forces, improving positional accuracy, especially in high-tolerance applications. The drill’s clearance angles reinforce point strength, while its single-margin configuration helps minimize heat buildup, further enhancing tool stability and overall performance.  Further enhancing its performance is Sandvik Coromant’s patented Zertivo 2.0 PVD coating, which, alongside the fine-grained carbide substrate, provides superior wear resistance and enables high-speed drilling while maintaining process stability.  Benchmarking results have shown the tool’s clear competitive advantage. In one customer case, CoroDrill Dura 462 increased productivity by 110% and extended tool life by 36%. Another case demonstrated an 85% productivity gain and a tool life that more than doubled compared to a low-cost competitor.  While WEF's Lighthouse facilities guide the industry toward more efficient manufacturing, manufacturers need the right tools to navigate the complexities of multi-material production. By adopting versatile solutions that tackle material variability, heat management and process stability, they can chart a course toward significant productivity breakthroughs and operational excellence.  Learn more about CoroDrill Dura 462 Sandvik Coromant info.coromant@sandvik.com Unlocking the benefits of multi-material drills Multi-material Drill Benefits Learn how multi-material drills improve productivity and efficiency in manufacturing. Explores the advantages of using multi-material drills to enhance manufacturing productivity and efficiency, addressing challenges like material variability, heat management, and chip evacuation. chevron_right

GC1230: A Serendipitous Success Story

GC1230: A Serendipitous Success Story Since the successful introduction of GC1230, our innovative Zertivo nano-multilayer PVD coating, we've witnessed unprecedented success across various material groups. Originally designed for ISO P alloy steel square shoulder milling applications, GC1230 has also excelled in ISO S materials, including Titanium alloys and Inconel billet materials. Unmatched performance across materials GC1230's performance in Titanium alloys (both clean and forged skin conditions) and Inconel billet materials is remarkable. This success is attributed to its improved edge line toughness, wear resistance, and coating adhesion. Unlike its predecessor, GC1130, GC1230 demonstrates exceptional versatility across multiple materials. Adaptability in modern processes For ISO S materials, GC1230 has proven effective in modern coolant-based processes, showcasing its ability to operate in both dry (preferable in steel) and wet conditions. This adaptability was not initially within our development scope, making this outcome a pleasant surprise for our global customer base, particularly in Aerospace, Defence, Pump & Valve, and Energy sectors. Supporting productivity and sustainability As industries strive for enhanced productivity and sustainability, GC1230 stands out as a solution aligned with these goals. Its durable nano-layered coating addresses key challenges in steel milling and other material groups by balancing heat resistance and durability. For manufacturers aiming to improve performance while meeting sustainability targets, GC1230 offers a practical and adaptable choice, supporting the industry's transition towards more efficient, sustainable practices on the shop floor. Conclusion GC1230's serendipitous success across various material groups highlights its versatility and reliability. As we continue to innovate, we are excited to see how GC1230 will further contribute to the productivity and sustainability goals of our diverse industry segments. Wayne Mason Global Product Application Manager Grades wayne.mason@sandvik.com GC1230: A Serendipitous Success Story Since the successful introduction of GC1230, our innovative Zertivo nano-multilayer PVD coating, we've witnessed unprecedented success across various material groups. Originally designed for ISO P alloy steel square shoulder milling applications, GC1230 has also excelled in ISO S materials, inclu... GC1230 Coating Success GC1230 excels in milling steel and exotic alloys with improved durability. GC1230 nano-multilayer coating excels in milling ISO P alloy steel and ISO S materials like Titanium and Inconel. The coating offers improved toughness, adaptability in dry and wet conditions, and supports sustainability goals. chevron_right

A higher learning

A higher learning The rigorous and comprehensive Sandvik Coromant E-Learning program helps apprentice engineers keep up with the latest developments in metalcutting. As the level of technical innovation in the metalcutting sector increases, so too does the need to train future engineers in the latest methods. For subcontract machining specialist Metaltech Precision Ltd in England, the introduction of the Sandvik Coromant E-Learning program has added a new dimension to its apprenticeships as it looks to meet ever more strenuous demands on quality, productivity and delivery. Workshop manager Steve Larcombe has been at Metaltech Precision Ltd for 18 years. Responsible for overseeing the apprenticeship programme, he sees benefits for both the students and the company. “The colleges don’t cover the tooling side in depth,” Larcombe says. “They can’t afford the machinery or tooling we can here, and they don’t cover the new innovations. In the past four or five years we have seen new innovations, new grades, chip breakers and different thought processes on how to machine using new programming techniques, so this is a way of getting that into our training.” Before the apprentices took the E-Learning program, Larcombe completed it himself. The next step will be for team leaders and management to do the program as well. “I found it good to refresh my memory, and I was seeing things in it that I’d either forgotten or not covered for a while,” Larcombe explains. “The program is not too time-consuming or too difficult to understand. The content is good and it fits with what I want to do, rather than having two or three apprentices in a room trying to train them on something.” The students tend to undertake the program early in their apprenticeship. They usually need around 20 hours to complete it, broken up into sessions of four to five hours. At the end of each section is a test, and upon completion they are awarded a certificate. “It is very informative and there is lots I didn’t know, especially about inserts,” says Geoff Peacock, a recent student. “I find having the videos is really useful, because it helps give me a better picture of what I am working with. It’s early days for me, but if I’ve got more information to help the company make better products with greater efficiency, then it is a helpful tool for me.” For those who have completed the program, the opportunity to recap areas of knowledge that need attention is also a plus. “I like the recaps and the mini tests,” says apprentice Richard Padfield. “The hardest part for me was taking in so much knowledge. Tool cutting has changed and accelerated so fast over the past five years. I could take it home and recap over the course after I’d finished it, learn how to do something properly and then do the final test.” On a practical level, students find that they can directly apply what they have learned online to their tasks in the workshop. Metalcutting Technology Since its introduction, the E-Learning program, which is based on the Sandvik Coromant 360-page Metalcutting Technology training handbook, has been a huge success. “The response has been very, very good,” says Sandvik Coromant Academy EMEA Manager Nils Hedar. “We already have more than 12,000 users, and we soon saw a demand to have it translated into more languages. We expect this number to increase a lot. As well as companies, several well-known universities are using it for their metalcutting training.” Hedar can see benefits in the short and long term both for clients and for Sandvik Coromant. “It is important for us in terms of building relationships and helping people get more acquainted with Sandvik Coromant tooling and ways of using them,” he says. “For us, students are future customers and employees.” “Students at a well-known research centre in the UK have been putting positive pressure on Sandvik Coromant to do a level 2 E-Learning program,” Hedar says. “Also, the teachers appreciate the eMCT as they continually try to find new ways of improving the learning. “Our aim is to provide a better understanding of metalcutting,” Hedar continues. “It is an easily accessible form of training and one that is interesting and fun. Ultimately, better competence leads to higher productivity. By the introduction of Badges & Awards every user can also very easily follow their training progress, and follow their Achievements on their personal Achievement page." Geoff Mortimore A higher learning The rigorous and comprehensive Sandvik Coromant E-Learning program helps apprentice engineers keep up with the latest developments in metalcutting. Metalcutting E-Learning Sandvik Coromant's E-Learning program trains apprentices in modern metalcutting techniques. This article discusses Sandvik Coromant's E-Learning program, designed for apprentice engineers, focusing on the latest metalcutting techniques. It highlights how Metaltech Precision Ltd has integrated the program into its apprentice training, enhancing quality and productivity while providing hands-on, accessible learning experiences. chevron_right

Making it BIG

Making it BIG An order for 50 compressor houses was tempting. But the large, cubical, 2.4-tonne workpieces would send Swiss newcomer PRO-CAM CNC AG into uncharted territory. With help from partner Sandvik Coromant, the company won the contract, and six months later it delivered the goods. PRO-CAM CNC AG (PRO-CAM) owner Heinz Krähenbühl is passionate about his work. “I must manufacture things or I get all fidgety,” he says with a broad smile. His company’s production facility, situated in the town of Huttwil, 50 kilometres east of the Swiss capital, Bern, is bathed in light, and the floors are spotless. It’s a pleasant work environment, and it’s where the PRO-CAM founder can be found each day, starting as early as 5 am. He runs the company with his wife, Sandra, who manages purchasing and the administration. Large workpieces have always been PRO-CAM’s speciality, starting more than 20 years ago when Krähenbühl saw a need and started his company. At the time he was still employed as a machine operator in a workshop. “They constantly had to turn down assignments because they couldn’t handle such large pieces,” he says. Krähenbühl started his business in a rebuilt stable less than 240 square metres in size. “It was one machine and me,” he remembers. Here he could turn pieces up to six metres in length. Demand was high. Investments in new and bigger machines and a move to larger premises followed, and finally Krähenbühl built an entirely new facility in Huttwil, centred around the humongous portal machines that could accommodate workpieces of up to 50 tonnes and 16 metres in length. The company grew rapidly, with orders coming in from customers as diverse as train manufacturers, solar energy companies and even a large machine manufacturer in southern Germany. Early on, Krähenbühl started looking for new tools and new strategies for machining processes to meet the demands of his customers and his growing company. An intense collaboration began with Max Dreier, the senior technical specialist at Sandvik Coromant in Switzerland. “It was totally outstanding,” says Krähenbühl. He describes Dreier as a “thoroughbred technician” with “decades” of experience, who “came immediately for even the smallest problem”. The collaboration gained a new dimension in 2015 when PRO-CAM needed to invest in a new machine to be able to compete for an important order for compressor houses. Instead of the typical large, long workpieces, the order required compact, cubic parts of cast iron 1,400 x 1,700 x 1,200 millimetres in dimension with a weight of 2.4 tonnes. “This was uncharted territory for us,” Krähenbühl says. At the time, PRO-CAM lacked experience in drilling pieces. “For us it was extremely important that we were able to benefit from Sandvik Coromant’s experience,” Krähenbühl says. Together with the Sandvik Coromant technical support in Switzerland, the machinery was planned along with a selection of milling tools and a large number of special tools from Sandvik Coromant for different drilling methods. “Since then we stick together, no matter what,” he says. Max Dreier looks back on those hectic months. “It was a lot of hard work,” he says. “But we were convinced that PRO-CAM had all the best chances to win the order.” The solution they came up with was to acquire an FPT Spirit. It’s a heavy drill and mill machine with a hydrostatic slide system and two turning tables of 3,000 x 2,000 mm that each can move 2,000 mm and with a work area of 10,000 x 1,500 x 4,300 millimetres, mainly used in areas such as power generation, heavy machinery and shipping construction. The big investment for the machine and its equipment was a stretch for Krähenbühl. But at the same time, he understood that it was an entry ticket to a whole new market segment. And the return on the investment came quickly: PRO-CAM won the sought-after order of 50 compressor houses over fierce competition from a number of well-established manufacturers who didn’t have the newcomer on their radar. Krähenbühl is looking towards still bigger things. His next project is to invest in 3D measuring technology, which will allow his company to compete in the highly demanding aerospace industry, where 100 percent accuracy and safety are a must. “For our company we’ll only buy the best equipment on the market,” he says. “A machine that gives customers a ‘wow effect’ when they see it.” PRO-CAM CNC AG PRO-CAM is a small Swiss company specialized in machining processing of large work pieces. The company has grown quickly and has invested in new machines that process work pieces of up to 50 tonnes. Sandvik Coromant is the main supplier of tools and a partner when it comes to machine processing strategies. Investments in new machines, for example with advance measuring technology, shall open for new market segments, such as the aerospace industry where requirements for precision and safety are extremely high. At the moment, Sandvik Coromant is implementing a standard milling tool as HighFeed, among them CoroMill 725. Already in place are productivity enhancing solutions with dampening mill adapters. Read more Tomas Lundin Making it BIG An order for 50 compressor houses was tempting. But the large, cubical, 2.4-tonne workpieces would send Swiss newcomer PRO-CAM CNC AG into uncharted territory. With help from partner Sandvik Coromant, the company won the contract, and six months later it delivered the goods. Compressor Houses Success PRO-CAM CNC AG won a contract for 50 compressor houses with Sandvik's help. PRO-CAM CNC AG tackled an order for 50 large compressor houses, overcoming challenges with the help of Sandvik Coromant. The company expanded its capabilities and machinery to handle the complex, heavy workpieces. chevron_right