The UNITED GRINDING Group presented new automation solutions in the field of tool machining at this year’s GrindingHub. The exhibit at the exhibition was themed “Stay Connected” and focused on connectivity solutions.
Walter’s innovation
On the first day, a large number of visitors gathered at the UNITED GRINDING Group’s trade fair booth for the presentation of WALTER innovations. At 10 a.m., the cover was removed to reveal a mobile transport robot that autonomously moved between the high-end tool grinder HELITRONIC VISION 400L and the fully automatic measuring machine HELICHECK PLUS. This innovative automation solution named “Automated Tool Production” (ATP) enables automatic loading. and unload A cylindrical precision tool. The system consists of at least one front-accessible robot cell and a mobile transfer robot that transports workpiece pallets and individual parts between storage and processing stations. The new system can be easily integrated into existing equipment, not only on WALTER machines, but also on the machines of third-party suppliers.
In addition, WALTER surprises with another innovation and opens a new chapter in the history of tool machining by introducing laser technology based on the new VISION LASER machine. The main field of application of the new machine is the processing of cutting tools with inserts. The use of an innovative, reliable, and industry-proven laser system in combination with encapsulated optical modules enables extremely high machine availability in daily operations.
stay connected
In addition to this innovation, interested visitors can learn about the Group’s latest technologies, which will be exhibited with a total of 12 machines in the areas of grinding, erosion, laser processing, metrology and additive manufacturing. In the field of surface and contour grinding, BLOHM presents the tool changer for his PLANOMAT XT, a unique and cost-effective solution for automatic change of grinding wheels in this market segment. STUDER also showcased its new automation system insertLoad, which combines the benefits of standardization with great flexibility and allows automatic loading and unloading of S31 and S33 cylindrical grinding machines. Adjacent to this, IRPD also introduced innovative machine developments in the field of additive manufacturing. The IMPACT 4530 is the first industrial additive manufacturing machine tool “Swiss-made”, featuring particularly high repeatability and ease of use in manufacturing. Metal parts. The machine also sets new standards in its market segment in terms of accuracy, quality and scalability.
The exhibition at the trade fair was themed “Stay Connected” and allowed trade fair visitors to learn about a large number of connectivity solutions. These include a range of digital customer care solutions, the UNITED GRINDING Digital Solutions™ digital assistance system, and the manufacturer-independent universal umati data interface, which connects the group’s and third-party machines to the production environment. can be used for
The four were not only satisfied with the innovative technology on display at the group’s booth, but also with the PlayStation PS5 they won by playing at the CORE panel. Congratulations!
Group business development
The group also held a press conference at GrindingHub, where Stephan Nell, CEO of UNITED GRINDING Group, provided insight into the current state of the business. “Last year was one of the best three years in our group’s history,” Nel said, surprising the audience of invited representatives from international trade publications. Despite the difficult economic and geopolitical environment, the Group not only maintained its market-leading position in 2023, but also expanded its position. However, his 2024 outlook for the industry is less rosy. “Like the machine tool industry as a whole, we must also expect a decline in sales this year,” explains Nel. However, predictions are difficult because global events are unpredictable. “We have little to no influence on the external factors currently shaping the market. Different dynamics within regions and industries make predictions even more difficult. We expect orders to increase towards the end of the year,” Nel concluded, expressing cautious optimism about the future.
Stefan Nel also mentioned regional changes in the machine tools market size based on external market analysis. From a global perspective, we are seeing a decline in China, but a proportionate increase in North America. In Asia, excluding China and Europe, the relative market size is currently changing slightly. Meanwhile, within Europe, there is a clear shift from the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region to Eastern Europe. Central Europe has only slightly declined in terms of relative market size. “As a group, we are also very aware of these changes in volume and demand,” says Nel. “Therefore, in addition to our traditional home markets in Europe, especially the DACH region, North America and China, we are increasing our activities in Southeast Asia and have established a group branch in Singapore. Eastern Europe is also a strategic focus for us. We have already stepped up our operations there a while ago,” Nel continued, concluding with the following words: We will maintain a stable foundation for the group into the future. Given the current progress, I am optimistic about the future. ” Only a strong group can achieve the ultimate goal of making customers more successful.
About United Grind Group
UNITED GRINDING Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of grinding, erosion, laser, measuring and additive manufacturing machine tools. The Group has approximately 2,300 employees in more than 20 manufacturing, service and sales locations and is organized in a customer-oriented and efficient manner.
UNITED GRINDING offers broad application expertise, a large product portfolio and a full range of services through its MÄGERLE, BLOHM, JUNG, STUDER, SCHAUDT, MIKROSA, WALTER, EWAG and IRPD brands and competence centers in the Americas and Asia. I am. For manufacturing high precision parts.
“We want to make you even more successful – united in your success.”
