Hello neighbour!

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industrial

Hello neighbour!

A visit to Pentzold Metallbearbeitung und Musterfertigung in Chemnitz

Short distances, close ties – Holger Pentzold learnt and worked at Heckert and has also remained loyal to Heckert machines in his own company: “I know what the machines are capable of and that I can rely on them one hundred per cent.” His company, a service provider for precision machining, has been based at the ITC – the Chemnitz Industry and Technology Centre – for many years and is well worth a visit, and not just because of its proximity to today’s Starrag GmbH.

Pentzold Metallbearbeitung und Musterfertigung (PMM) was founded in 1992 by Günter Pentzold. His son Holger Pentzold has been running the company for 28 years, supplying foundries and companies in the automotive industry, agricultural machinery and general mechanical engineering as well as the hydraulics industry with precision parts. He explains: “We primarily manufacture series parts with varying batch sizes of 10 to 15,000 units, but also prototypes. Our in-house fixture and tool construction as well as a modular system for clamping fixtures allow us to react quickly and flexibly to customer requirements.”

“ I know what the machines are capable of and that I can rely on them one hundred per cent.”

Holger Pentzold, Owner Pentzold Metallbearbeitung and Musterfertigung

Nothing is possible without automation

Six years ago, Pentzold began to automate his machinery in order to further increase flexibility and be able to manufacture more economically. He argues: “Firstly, it is difficult to find good employees, and secondly, it is even more difficult to get them to work regular night and weekend shifts. However, high-quality machines cost a lot of money and therefore need to be utilised in as many shifts as possible.” And Pentzold does not compromise on the quality of his machines. “As we mainly machine gearbox housings, chassis and engine parts as well as hydraulic components made of steel and cast materials, we need very stable, reliable machines. As a contract manufacturer, the aforementioned flexibility and long-term accuracy are also important to us.” This is why he chose Heckert machining centres from Starrag GmbH in Chemnitz.

“ With the Heckert H50, we achieve the required concentricity of 10 μm.”

Holger Pentzold, Owner Pentzold Metallbearbeitung and Musterfertigung

The reason why the machining professional repeatedly buys Heckert machining centres is quite obvious. PMM has been located in the Chemnitz Technology Park (ITC) since 1999 – right next to the Starrag plant. “Nevertheless, we conduct research on the market for alternatives before almost every investment,” explains Holger Pentzold. “But it’s all in vain – we have repeatedly decided on universally applicable, horizontal Heckert machining centres.” This was also the case in 2018, when the entrepreneur started automated production with the then newly developed Heckert H50 compact machining centre including an integrated six-pallet system.

Beta testers just 500 metres away

“We took delivery of the H50 immediately after its initial presentation at the AMB and were effectively the first beta testers,” recalls Pentzold. “The proximity of our production hall to the manufacturing plant was extremely practical for Starrag and us. In the event of any problems, the Starrag technician simply had to cross a few halls and they were soon on site, where they were able to get an idea of the difficulties, which were then usually quickly resolved and incorporated into fundamental corrections.”

It was important for PMM to have an easy entry into automation, which was achieved with the Heckert H50. This is because it was equipped with a linear storage system developed by Starrag and a total of six pallets. It was a highly compact, user-friendly solution in which the pallets could be managed via the machine control system. “Our production manager can set up the machine and prepare the pallets in the first shift,” explains Holger Pentzold, “so that the machine operator then only has to press the start button.”

The machine itself impresses with its high dynamics (80 m/min rapid traverse) and precision. “For example, we machine a gearbox housing for lifts that requires a hole that we have to machine from both sides,” explains Holger Pentzold. “With the Heckert H50, we achieve the required concentricity of 10 μm.”

“ In addition to the high rigidity and damping in the basic structure, the thermo-symmetrical design should also be mentioned, which guarantees maximum accuracy.”

Sebastian Höbler, regional salesman Starrag, Chemnitz

Automation further expanded

The machine was quickly utilised to capacity. As the 500 pallet size was too small for many orders, in 2022, Pentzold and his team decided to invest in a Heckert HEC 630, automated with an Erowa Loadmaster shelving system with 21 pallet spaces. A major purchase in every respect. This machining centre works with 630 mm pallets and allows components up to 1500 kg in weight, 1550 mm in diameter and 1250 mm in height. “It covers an even wider range of components than our old CWK630, which we replaced with it,” Pentzold is pleased to add: “We also opted for an SK50 Big Plus spindle with 7500 rpm for the HEC 630. The higher speed of this spindle increases the machine’s range of applications even further.” PMM can continue to use its existing tools in this spindle, but can also use tool holders with a flange contact surface if required. The existing NC programmes can also be reused with minor modifications.

PMM was advised by Sebastian Höbler, the responsible regional salesman at Starrag GmbH Chemnitz. He points out the many details that contribute to high-precision machining: “In addition to the high rigidity and damping in the basic structure, the thermo-symmetrical design should also be mentioned, which guarantees maximum accuracy. The control system also compensates for any spindle growth that may occur.” PMM also opted for coolant temperature control, which enables high precision to be achieved even in a non-air-conditioned hall. “The HEC 630 is ideal for automation thanks to its high process reliability,” explains Holger Pentzold, mentioning the free chip fall, tool breakage monitoring and Balluff identification of the tools, which are available in sufficient variety in a magazine with 270 slots.

Speaking of automation: The decision was made in favour of the Loadmaster system from Erowa, as this is also suitable for heavy and large parts up to 1400 mm. Erowa was also able to customise the pallet system to the machine and the spatial conditions. In order to be prepared for the future, Pentzold had the automation system equipped with a second set-up station and prepared for an additional machine and further pallet spaces.

“ The HEC 630 is ideal for automation thanks to its high process reliability.”

Holger Pentzold, Owner Pentzold Metallbearbeitung and Musterfertigung

Pentzold – Heckert fans for many years

When Günter Pentzold founded Pentzold Metallbearbeitung und Musterfertigung (PMM) in 1992, he was still employed as a fitter at the former Heckert plant. After work and at weekends, he used a second-hand Heckert CW500 to carry out small milling jobs in an old tractor workshop in the Ore Mountains. In 1999, PMM was one of the first tenants to move into the Chemnitz Industrial and Technology Park (ITC), which back then was built in the office tower and six halls of the former Heckert site. Business was successful. PMM invested in further Heckert machines. Today, Holger Pentzold is the owner of the company, which employs ten people. Like his father, he is completely convinced of the quality of Heckert machines. After all, he is familiar with their performance as a user, and he knows what's behind them: Holger Pentzold trained as an electrician at Heckert.