Frank Dietsche: Mr. Dahlhaus, you have a large exhibition stand here in Hanover. What are the tool highlights from Horn this year at EMO 2025?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Yes, we have brought many innovations as well as proven products. This year's highlights focus on the topic of chip formation. We have a lot of new information for the trade fair visitors regarding turning, parting, and grooving. For example, our new turning system 66T with six cutting edges, the two-edged parting system S234 for parting depths up to 33mm with sintered chip formation geometry. And several other tools.
FD: So the focus is on chip formation, chip control, and chip formation geometry, also with regard to machining lead-free brass or aluminum?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Correct! Here we have achieved great results with our sintered chip formation geometry and set the bar very high.
FD: Last year you introduced the first super mini tools with sintered chip formation geometry. Are there any new developments in this area?
Phillipp Dahlhaus:We have consistently further developed them. Last year, the introduction of the super mini tools for boring before and at AMB in Stuttgart, and this year completely new with chip formation geometry for internal threads.
FD: And how will it proceed with the super mini now? Has Horn already planned new geometries or further developments?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: That is indeed the case. Right now, it's about the geometry for thread turning. There will also be more, smaller dimensions. Our goal is, of course, to be able to process even smaller hole diameters. Our developments are currently in full swing.
FD: So the development of the sintered chip formation geometry has already had the effect that Horn hoped for. Especially compared to, for example, laser-produced geometry?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Yes, that is indeed the case! With this very difficult, complicated, and special development, we have achieved what our original goal was. To bring a benefit to our customers and stabilize the processes. And that at a very low additional cost compared to the Supermini without geometry.
FD: The introduction of the new products was therefore positive and successful?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: With new products, customers do not immediately recognize the benefits, and a considerable amount of persuasion is required. With the new Supermini tools, it's a bit different because the market has actually been waiting for this solution. We can clearly see this in how quickly it has been accepted. We have achieved very high market acceptance very quickly and have already achieved significant penetration.
And it is definitely the case that we have only received positive feedback from customers who use the new tool. Also internationally. The feedback is very clear. Once the customer has used the tool, they want to stick with it.
FD: With the sintered chip formation geometry, Horn has created a unique selling proposition?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Yes, in principle. With this geometry, the Supermini is certainly a unique tool at this point in time, purely in terms of shape and geometry. But we will increasingly implement developments in the area of clamping form geometry in other areas and tools as well.
If we look at long-turning machines and small parts machining, we still see a lot of potential. Or the transition to difficult-to-machine, lead-free materials, for example, from the connector industry to the automotive industry, a lot is being demanded from us.
FD: This new development surely also sparks the interest of market competitors. Have you already seen copies or imitations at EMO 2025?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Here at the EMO, many competitors we know are unfortunately not exhibiting at all. What we are increasingly seeing are competitors from the Far East who will naturally try to copy our products. But as already mentioned, from the idea through development and manufacturing to market introduction, it has been a long and labor-intensive process. From a technological perspective alone, it is very difficult to copy that. And I believe the competitors are still quite far from that. Besides the product, service, meaning customer support, is also very important. I would say that everything belongs together. On one hand, there is the tool and on the other hand, the person and the application. Ultimately, the process must also fit. The competitors from the Far East probably cannot offer this service so easily yet. To answer the question: So far, I haven't seen any copies.
FD: Are there any more innovations that the company Horn has in the pipeline after the trade fair?
Phillipp Dahlhaus: Yes, we have quite a bit in the pipeline. We are indeed actively developing further. But I don't want to stick my neck out too far right now. At the latest next year at the AMB in Stuttgart, you will see more.
FD: Thank you very much for the detailed conversation.
The interview was conducted by Frank Dietsche, Dieonlinemagazine.de
