Reproducible accuracy for precision tools
C 22 U | SECO | Tool technology
With a population of around one billion, the state of India belongs to the so-called BRIC group of nations, and in that context it is regarded as one of the most politically stable and still positively developing markets. That alone would be reason enough for a manufacturer of metal cutting tools and tool systems to pay close attention to this region. But Seco Tools’ management anticipated the great potential of the Indian market, especially regarding its large pool of qualified people, a great deal earlier, and founded Seco Tools India in Pune as long ago as 1988. With a definite orientation towards exports, this is where Seco produces high-quality tools and components for the world market to Seco standards. As is also the case in other Seco factories, this is done mainly on Hermle machining centres. Atul Mohkhedkar, Head of Production at Seco Tools India, explains: “The decision in favour of Hermle machines was easy to make, as we were already convinced about the high performance capabilities, the precision, the reliability and good service on the basis of our experience from other Group companies. We put our trust in Hermle machining centres right from the start, and still do: Currently, we have several C 22 U, C 30 U and C 50 U 5-axis machining centres in operation. The good partnership has now lasted for many years, while we have been steadily extending the capacity of the Pune location and what we have to offer there year by year.
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A view of the ‘C 22 U machining centre parade’ in the Seco Tools India production plant in Pune
However, there is something else behind the success story of Seco Tools India and Hermle AG that is not so obvious, as Atul Mohkhedkar continues: “In our company, significant fluctuations in temperature of 10° Celsius or more can occur within 24 hours. This has to do with the regional climate and happens despite the countermeasures taken. As Hermle machining centres have a special polymer concrete machine bed and because the machine concept and the selection of components, as well as the control software (e.g. temperature compensation), are designed for optimal temperature stability, the machines maintain their precision and process-related capabilities. Even under extreme conditions, we always work within the specified tolerance range of 4 to 30 µm to deliver Seco quality and we remain flexible in terms of variability and batch numbers.” Here, too, the tried-and-tested Hermle service organisation is there to ensure that these Hermle machines – and of course those of the other Indian customers – can continue working with their customary reliability, efficiency and precision. “With the competence of trading company Phillips Machine Tools India, customers and other interested parties have a local point of contact. Maximilian Waizenegger, the responsible Sales Manager, concludes: “Phillips provides support with sales, consultancy, training and supplying spare parts, so together we can offer a coherent supply and service package that is tailored to the local market requirements.”
