In recent decades, there has been fundamental change in the world of ceramic materials. The variety of different compositions influence the properties of ceramics depending on their intended use. However, two characteristics make processing these materials especially difficult: their high degree of hardness and their brittleness.
This necessitated the use of complex production methods in the past. Grinding and polishing processes were often employed.
ZECHA has recently developed an innovative solution for exactly this type of material.
State-of-the-art laser technology is used to create previously impossible tool geometries from ultra-hard cutting materials such as PCD and CVD. Thanks to the use of lasers, these geometries can be designed to be even more delicate, precise and intricate. In addition, many more cutting edges can be applied to the tool, especially with small tool diameters. A 0.6mm torus cutter with 42 cutting edges is just one example of the many possibilities offered in our 3D-Marlin series brochure.
A higher number of cutting edges means a better distribution of cutting force, less heat generation and an increased tool life. It helpful that the MARLIN-3D series internal and shank cooling, which also minimises friction and tool wear. All of this contributes to our goal of achieving great surface quality and process reliability.
Successful workshop raises the profile of ceramic milling:
A new approach to micro-machining
In May 2023, ZECHA and its main partners organised a seminar at Teisnach University of Applied Sciences to highlight both the challenges of ceramic machining and the performance of this new generation of tools. In addition to presentations on the material properties of technical ceramics by Teinach University, tool selection by ZECHA, programming by OPEN MIND and machine technology by Röders and WESCHU, there was also a live machining demonstration. A total of 40 participants from 21 companies were particularly impressed by the measurement results from Teisnach University.
- Surface roughness Ra in the nanometre range
- Minimal shape deviations from CAD
- Flatness in the µm range
- Chipping in the µm range
The success story continues: upcoming workshops
The success of the Teisnach seminar means that we are going to do it again! In November 2023, another purely ceramic workshop will be held in the Allgäu Regio, once again focussing on micro-machining. Further workshops on this topic are also planned for 2024 in German-speaking areas so we can keep the industry up-to-date with the latest ceramic milling developments. The first date for 2024 had already been set and we are delighted to be able to invite you to Bad Dürkheim on 30th January 2024. Discover the incredible possibilities of machining this unique material.
Moreover, ZECHA will also be present at the ceramitec trade fair in April 2024 with its own stand in Hall A6. Visit us in Munich and discover the possibilities of our tools for yourself!
Foto : Workshop sample component and cutters and drills used from the MARLIN tool series.
ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH has been a pioneer and trendsetter in the field of micro cutting, stamping and forming tools for over half a century. The company's origins in the chronograph industry can be seen not only in its uncompromising specialization in the producing miniature tools of the highest precision, but also in its special tool solutions.
Precision and quality are key for the international employment in different industries, such as, for example, in medical and dental technology, the chronograph industry, automotive industry, or in tool and mould making. Experts in the company's own research and development department are constantly developing groundbreaking geometries and tools for sophisticated applications and cutting-edge materials.
In addition, tool reproducibility is also guaranteed even for years on account of the life number stamped at the end of the shaft of every tool.
Modern CNC machines, high-end measuring and testing technologies and carefully selected hard metals from leading manufacturers as well as an intensive cooperation with our customers and partners ensure the exceptional perfection of our Tools.
For more information:
ZECHA Hartmetall-Werkzeugfabrikation GmbH
Benzstraße 2
75203 Königsbach-Stein
Tel: +49 7232 3022-0
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Tel: +49 (0)7232 3022-0
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