When it comes to precision in small formats, Schlor Precision Turned Parts makes no compromises. The family-run company from Walzbachtal specializes in turned parts with diameters between 0.8 and 10 millimeters – tiny, but technically well thought out. To stay ahead in competition, everything in production must fit: speed, repeat accuracy, quality. High-performance cutting tools are the foundation for this – like the FrontMax for front turning from Tungaloy-NTK Germany. It impressed Schlor not only with its technical properties but also with concrete improvements in daily operations: shorter cycle times, longer tool life, simplified processes.
For almost five decades, everything at Schlor has revolved around precision. With a well-coordinated team of 13 specialists, about a third of whom have been with the company for over ten years, the company supplies demanding customers from the automotive and electrical engineering sectors. The family-run company from Walzbachtal in Baden-Württemberg specializes in high-quality turned parts with diameters of 0.8 to 10 millimeters. Production is done to the micrometer – and in series where efficiency and process reliability are crucial.
Small Parts, High Demands
In daily production, the team at Schlor faces typical challenges of micro machining: minimal tolerances, tight space conditions in machining, and the highest demands on dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The variety of materials presents an additional challenge: Schlor processes not only non-ferrous materials like brass but also stainless steels and superalloys, which place high demands on tool geometry and cutting materials. In particular, front and back turning have established themselves as key technologies – playing a central role in the production of numerous components.
'Front turning is not an exception for us, but standard. Therefore, we need tools that work reliably, precisely, and economically – and that with every material,' says David Sanchez, Production Manager at Schlor.
Tool life is a crucial factor for the quality and efficiency of machining. Optimal cutting conditions must be created in the tightest spaces – without compromising dimensional accuracy or repeatability. At the same time, economic pressure increases due to high quantities of so-called 'runner parts', making process reliability and stability of central importance.
Full Integration, Cool Head
In search of a more powerful solution for front turning, Schlor Precision Turned Parts came across the FrontMax from Tungaloy-NTK Germany. The tool already impressed during the test run – today it is an integral part of series production. The tool holder TFTR1014H-0H2 with internal cooling is used in combination with the indexable insert TFX3301MRW, equipped with the cutting material type DM4. This has been specifically developed for machining demanding materials such as stainless steels or heat-resistant alloys – ideal for the material spectrum at Schlor.
'The FrontMax meets the exact requirements of these application areas: high cutting forces, limited space, and maximum process stability – ideal for micro machining like at Schlor,' says Jochen Mohr, Technical Consulting and Sales at Tungaloy-NTK Germany. 'Thanks to the combination of cutting depth, chip control, and internal cooling, the FrontMax is a real efficiency lever – especially when front turning complex geometries.'
The transition to the FrontMax went smoothly at Schlor. After a short training period, the tool was fully integrated into the ongoing series process – without extensive conversions. Only the cutting parameters were optimized to fully exploit the system's potential: cutting speed and feed were specifically adjusted to perfect chip control and efficiently utilize the maximum cutting depth.
'We were immediately impressed by how easy and effective the tool could be integrated into our process – no lengthy trial and error, but a quick, clean start,' describes Sanchez the introduction.
A special advantage is the tool holder with internal cooling, which ensures effective heat dissipation directly at the cutting edge. Especially when machining superalloys or stainless steel, this prevents overheating – thus creating thermally stable conditions even at high cutting values.
Four Became One: FrontMax Saves Machining Steps
In direct comparison with the previously used competitor tool, the difference quickly became apparent: Where four machining passes were previously necessary to fully machine the material, today a single cut is sufficient. This is made possible by the maximum cutting depth of 5.0 mm of the FrontMax. Additionally, the sophisticated TFX chip breaker geometry ensures excellent chip control, even with varying feeds. 'The FrontMax has noticeably changed our process. Instead of four passes, we now only need one – this saves a tremendous amount of time while simultaneously improving process reliability,' emphasizes David Sanchez.
The measurable results speak for themselves: Thanks to three saved passes, the cycle time could be reduced by around 75 percent, and tool life increased by approximately 35 percent. This means less machine downtime, fewer tool changes, and more productivity while maintaining high quality. This combination of efficiency and process stability makes the FrontMax today a staple in small parts production at Schlor.
Also in terms of surface quality and dimensional accuracy, the FrontMax shows strong results. The components impress with uniform, smooth surfaces and tight tolerances – a must for the often highly precise requirements of customers from the automotive and electrical engineering sectors.
Moreover, production benefits from a clear simplification of the overall process: Where previously several tool passes with complex programming and chip removal were necessary, the FrontMax allows for efficient complete machining in just one step. Fewer passes mean less potential for errors – bringing safety to the entire production process.
Technology with Backup
A tool is only as good as the service behind it. And here too, Tungaloy-NTK Germany scores on all fronts. The close collaboration was crucial for the rapid integration of the new system. Even after the introduction, the Tungaloy-NTK team regularly provides support – whether in fine-tuning cutting values or further developing existing processes.
"Our contacts at Tungaloy-NTK are always available and meet us on equal terms. Whether technical inquiries or application tips – we quickly receive well-founded answers that really help us. This is a collaboration as one wishes," says David Sanchez
The partnership has existed for several years. Meanwhile, tool solutions from Tungaloy-NTK Germany have become an essential part of many processes, such as grooving, parting, and conventional turning.
Experience shows: When tool performance and service quality come together, stable processes are created in the long term.
"The collaboration with Schlor shows how much potential lies in a good tool – and how crucial open communication with the user is. At Schlor, a high quality standard meets technical understanding. That's exactly what it takes to get the most out of a tool like the FrontMax," adds Jochen Mohr.
FrontMax as a pace setter
The FrontMax from Tungaloy-NTK Germany has not only improved one process at Schlor – it has set new standards. With its combination of maximum cutting depth, excellent chip control, and high tool life, it is the perfect tool for demanding small parts machining. "We must be able to rely on every tool – and the FrontMax has more than earned our trust," summarizes Sanchez. What remains is a tool that can do more – and a manufacturing team that can fully concentrate on what it does best: turning at the highest level.
Contact:
www.tungaloy-ntk.com
