precision-engineering

We specialise in providing a comprehensive package

The “Precision Engineering” business unit was seeking experts for the new German TechCenter for Medical Technology and Precision Engineering and found five specialists. One of these is Marc Lehmann, Head of Sales for the medical-technology market segment, who has been already met with a very positive response in Germany’s Medical Valley.

TechCenter for Medical Technology and Precision Engineering, Immendingen, Germany: The launch of the medical- technology think tank

Marc Lehmann, Head of Sales of the medical-tech- nology market segment, involved in setting up the newTechCenter in Germany’s Medical Valley

Mr Lehmann, Jean-Daniel Isoz, Head of the “Precision Engineering“ business unit, had been searching for experienced specialists for the medical-technology think tank in Immendingen (Tuttlingen, Germany) since the autumn of 2015.What stands out for you and your new job?

Marc Lehmann: I worked for many years with leading manufacturers of surgical instruments and implants before moving to become a Key Account Manager Medical for the machine tool manufacturer, Chiron. One day, the Starrag Group offered me the opportunity to set up a new technology centre for the medical technology and precision engineering market segments in the heart of Germany‘s Medical Valley. It was an extremely tempting offer because we would literally be starting from scratch.

What do you–as a newcomer to the Starrag Group–see as its advantages?

Marc Lehmann: We are able to access the expertise of other members in the group, such as Berthiez, Heckert or Starrag, which means there is crossindustry dialogue. The global, well-established service of the Starrag Group also offers support.

In terms of theTechCenter:What is the current state of play?

Marc Lehmann: We are located in the building of a former supermarket, which has been fully converted into a technology centre. The team consists of two sales representatives for southern Germany and a programmer who supports customers with sample processing. They will shortly be joined by an application expert. All members of the team are very familiar with the special materials and requirements of the Medical Technology and Precision Engineering sector.

What sets the new TechCenter apart?

Marc Lehmann: Our main expertise is intensive consultation with customers: For example, a customer comes to us with the prototype for a medical product that he wants to manufacture in a costeffective way and to a high quality. We start by determining the machine concept to use and we then use this choice to recommend a customised machine configuration, plus the appropriate tools. To do this, we receive support from well-known manufacturers of cutting tools for medical technology and precision engineering based nearby, with whom we have been working closely over the years to develop customised applications. We also work with other companies in the industry, which supply us with systems for coolant supply, for example. Good equipment and support makes it possible for us to intensively test how technologically challenging materials, such as cobalt, titanium and stainless steel, react to other components on the machine tool during machining.

Safety - A perfect customised machine configuration matched to the customers application brings process reliability

And then you present the results to the customer?

Marc Lehmann: No, that‘s when we really get going. Application specialists and programmers start to optimise the machining process to achieve the fastest possible cycle times – while still complying with process reliability and quality requirements. We do not only pay attention to the speed but try to achieve a tool life that is as long as possible, while bearing cost in mind. This means the customer can finish as many work pieces as possible without replacing the tool. And in the end, under ideal circumstances, they will purchase one or more machine tools – including the complete process knowledge, which is developed jointly with the customer. This also includes consultation on clamping devices or coolant supply. But we do not leave them alone: We continue to offer support services and also provide training for the customer‘s employees, for example, in the areas of machine operation and programming. This means we can offer the customer a comprehensive package, as proof of our claim “Engineering precisely what you value”.

But other manufacturers also have technology centres. What is the unique selling point of the Starrag Group TechCenter?

Marc Lehmann: What sets us apart is the excellent machining concept of the traditional brand Bumotec, from the Swiss canton of Fribourg, a company that is part of the Starrag Group. Bumotec machines have a very robust and solid construction. Their complete thermal stabilisation and the use of linear drives means they achieve excellent values with a machine stability of < 2.5 μm. Also in the area of machining centres, they have distinct advantages compared to concepts from other manufacturers. They also draw on their experience and expertise gained from a portfolio of 500 machines used for customers in the watch industry, medical technology and precision engineering.

So, the value to customers also comes from the fact that they benefit from the experience gained from 500 very different and challenging applications: But what actual value does the TechCenter offer customers?

Marc Lehmann: They receive enhanced production solutions. Building on the wealth of experience from 500 machines in the field means that we can up the ante for customers following the test run. Our team looks very closely at how the machine responds and what needs to be changed in the ergonomics. We take a close look at how the machine can be constructed to make it even more stable during the process than it has been so far.

The pool of machines is a very important part of a technology centre: What systems are used at Immendingen?

Marc Lehmann: Firstly, the S191 linear CNC turn-mill centre is a proven solution for the six-sided complete machining of components with backlash-free, repeatable precision in the μm range. In the summer, this will be supplemented by an S128 five-axis turn-mill centre and also the new S181, which Bumotec presented for the first time at EMO 2015 in Milan. This five-axis turn-mill centre with a retaking unit for the complete machining of complex and high-precision workpieces is well-suited for the individual machining of very small components or for bar-stock machining with a maximum diameter of 32 mm. These three machines enable us to offer customers a wide range of machining options, with high-precision, bar-stock machining as the focal point. This Bumotec speciality also provides a form of automation that enables fast retrofitting from the start. Other manufacturers may not offer this option.

The S191H 16 linear CNC turn-mill centre is a proven solution for the six-sided complete machining of components with backlash-free, repeatable precision in the μm range

Bumotec machines are also used in the watch and jewellery industry: How do customers benefit from the expertise in this area?

Marc Lehmann: These sectors also work with titanium, stainless steel and ceramic materials, so many years of experience has also been gained from countless applications in this area. We can also tap into that expertise. The TechCenter will essentially focus on machining medical technology and precision engineering components but in the long term we will also carry on working for the jewellery industry.

How do you share the work with the other technology centres?

Marc Lehmann: Within the “Precision Engineering“ Business Unit there are four TechCenters: The institution in Sâles in the Swiss canton of Fribourg primarily serves the watch and jewellery industry as well as precision engineering, while Immendingen is mainly responsible for the German medical-technology sector. There are also two technology centres in the USA and in China and the new German TechCenter also exchanges expertise and experience with them. Immendingen also functions as a service centre for Germany, which the customers in the region especially appreciate because it is in the immediate vicinity.

How has the initial feedback been?

Marc Lehmann: There has been a lot of interest: We have already performed initial sample processing and more will follow.

What is next?

Marc Lehmann: We will gradually continue to expand the TechCenter to relieve Bumotec in Switzerland. I would like to double the number of team members by the end of 2017. In the long term for medical technology and precision engineering, as well as for the jewellery industry, we are planning special events with presentations by us and by suppliers.

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