The Lingenhöle Technologie GmbH, based in Feldkirch, Austria, supplies complex axes, shafts, and other components as well as assemblies for various areas of machine and plant engineering. Primarily, these are delivered to German-speaking regions of Europe. However, they compete globally and meet this challenge with high flexibility, fast response times, and a combination of machining and surface treatment. To achieve this, a high-quality machine park is essential. This is why, since early 2026, the five-axis milling-turning center F 6000 from Heller has been complementing the machining process. This allows Lingenhöle to reduce lead times for various components by up to 30 percent, increase overall productivity in chip removal manufacturing by an average of over 20 percent, and expand its component range.
How can contract manufacturing still be successful in a European high-wage country today? Lingenhöle Technologie has more than just a suitable answer to this. When asked about the secret of success, managing director Klaus Lingenhöle says: 'It's not really a secret. All our customers know what sets us apart. We are capable of completely manufacturing various, even very complex components and assemblies and refining their surfaces in different ways. This all happens in our company, so it's all under one roof. Accordingly, we respond incredibly flexibly and quickly when needed.'
As an example, the engineer mentions the failure of a large eccentric shaft at a customer, which could not continue production because of it. The manufacturing of this complex component requires turning, milling, and grinding work as well as subsequent induction hardening. Normally, this takes about eight weeks. 'Since this was a real emergency with machine downtime, we delivered within just a few days,' explains the company head. To handle such and all other orders with a hundred percent quality guarantee, Lingenhöle employs almost exclusively highly qualified staff who are highly motivated and know exactly how to handle the high-end machine park.
According to Klaus Lingenhöle, attracting such skilled workers is a real challenge. Although beautifully located in the mountains and near Lake Constance, it is difficult to attract qualified personnel from the surrounding area, as the commute to work is often long. Therefore, the company is currently training almost 20 percent of its workforce itself. Production manager Daniel Bischof explains: 'Anyone who learns with us knows exactly how we reliably achieve quality standards and that the versatility in our company, while a challenge, is also a lot of fun. It was no different for me.'
In 2012, Bischof himself started as an apprentice in mechanical engineering at Lingenhöle, qualified as a master, then led the training for three years and took over responsibility for mechanical production in 2023. Even in this position, he challenges and promotes his employees, who must constantly adapt to new market demands. To achieve this, high-quality machines and systems with modern automation solutions are essential.
A look into machining: great variety and a new technology
Various turning and turning-milling centers that can process axes and shafts up to six meters long have long been in use at the Vorarlberg company. There are also three-axis milling centers and various grinding machines that have been around for decades – in ever more modern variants. Completely new is a fully automated five-axis milling-turning machining center, which has been in the Lingenhöle workshops since early 2026. This was preceded by a detailed market analysis and numerous discussions with potential suppliers. The decision ultimately favored an F 6000 from Heller.
The reasons for this are diverse, emphasizes Daniel Bischof, highlighting the Heller service in particular: 'We have been working with Heller since the founding of Lingenhöle – long before my time – and we actually need the service very rarely. But when we do, it has to be quick for us, otherwise we cannot serve our customers accordingly.' To ensure this works reliably, Heller has established a service strategy based on direct communication with the same contact persons.
'I find this incredibly helpful – especially because we generally have a very professional service partner in Heller who always takes care of our concerns quickly. Joachim Schütz, customer advisor for Austria and Switzerland and our direct contact person, always ensures that we receive a solution for any problems by the next day at the latest. And if he is not personally available, another competent colleague helps us. I want to emphasize this because many other companies only communicate through portals or unqualified hotlines.'
'We have received a jack-of-all-trades for chip removal'
However, even the best service would not be worth much if the machine cannot do what is expected of it. And the expectations for the new five-axis milling-turning machining center were high from the very beginning. In short: The machine should be easy to operate and capable of manufacturing complex components with more than one meter edge length and 1.5 tons weight in a single setup. Additionally, various turning operations with large diameters and the incorporation of gears are desired.
The possibility of unmanned 24/7 production would also be greatly appreciated. 'In short,' comments Bischof, 'even if it sounds clichéd. We wanted the ultimate all-in-one solution for machining and we got it – not least thanks to the good advice and collaboration with our Heller area sales manager Erich Stolz.'
Since April 2026, the F 6000 with the Pro equipment package for high dynamics, low positional tolerances, and simultaneous 5-axis machining has been available at Lingenhöle.
Equipped with a fast rotating rotary table (up to 700 min-1), the Power Skiving function, and a flexible round storage. Particularly, the two responsible machine operators Michael Bestebener and Nico Brunnflicker are enthusiastic. After just one week of machine training and one day of automation training, they were well prepared to handle and utilize the capabilities of the innovative five-axis center. The user interface customized by Heller with numerous self-explanatory cycles is particularly helpful, while the modern Siemens CNC Sinumerik One reliably performs its duties in the background.
The Heller F 6000 opens up entirely new possibilities and business fields.
Accordingly, the machining center is already well utilized today. Many components that previously had to be set up multiple times for milling can now be manufactured in a single setup. Although subsequent grinding and finishing work often still add to the process, according to production manager Bischof, the use of the F 6000 often reduces the overall lead time by up to 30 percent:
'In other words, we can increase productivity in the production of certain components by a good 20 percent. Not to mention that this machine opens up entirely new possibilities and business fields.'
This means: Until now, Lingenhöle could turn shafts and axles up to six meters long but was limited to a diameter of 820 mm. With the F 6000, they now not only have a five-axis milling-turning center but also an 'integrated' vertical lathe capable of turning up to 1000 mm in diameter. Thanks to the gearing option Power Skiving, almost any tooth shape can be applied. Whether straight or helical gearing, whether external or internal gearing – everything is easily achievable.
Even profile modifications can be implemented easily, according to Erich Stolz, Area Sales Manager for Austria and South Tyrol: 'And the relatively inexpensive gearing tools, the fast processing times, and the short cycle times make the process additionally attractive compared to specialized shaping or broaching machines.'
Compact round storage enables mixed operation with two pallet sizes.
To save space while still being able to produce a large number and variety of workpieces, the contract manufacturer Lingenhöle has opted for a round storage as an automation solution. Particularly interesting is that this can store and process both pallets measuring 630 x 630 mm and 800 x 800 mm – even in mixed operation. This further increases flexibility, as Daniel Bischof emphasizes: 'Since we work in two shifts, we currently only need to bridge one employee-free shift.'
For the future, it is indeed important to allow the machine to produce over the weekend. We now have this option. We can always rely on the fact that the workpieces will ultimately meet the often-required dimensional accuracy of 10 µm to 20 µm and surface quality between Ra=0.8 µm and Ra=0.4 µm. Because the Heller F 6000 always delivers on its promises, based on our experience.
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