Tooling

MAPAL is investing in countersink manufacturing

February 2022

No bore without a countersink, that is a widely applicable rule. For this reason, MAPAL has a very successful product in its portfolio for the machining step. The production of the patented countersinks is being taken to a new level in 2022, both in terms of technology and processes, making a significant contribution to sustainable production.

The patented countersinks are designed with three cutting edges and have extreme unequal spacing. The design reduces the axial forces by 50 per cent as well as the forces acting perpendicular to the tool axis. This results in significantly less vibration on the tool during machining and consequently increased accuracy and better surface values. The contact of bolt and rivet hole connections is directly improved, and there is no setting under load. The smooth running of the tools also reduces the load on the machine. Users therefore run the MAPAL countersinks at higher cutting speeds and achieve long tool lives.

High-quality countersinks for better rivet hole connections: MAPAL countersink (left) compared to a conventional countersink tool (right). ©MAPAL

Frank Dreher, Managing Director of the Centre of Competence for multi-bladed reamers at the MAPAL Group, explains: “Our countersinks prove themselves time and time again in use – both the HSS variant and the solid carbide countersinks for machining demanding workpiece materials such as titanium, high-alloy cast iron, Inconel or CFRP.” This is why MAPAL is investing millions in the Winterlingen site in 2022 and particularly in countersink manufacturing. As a result, a completely new manufacturing technology is being introduced outside of machining: “This reduces our use of material and improves our energy balance.” MAPAL is also investing in the connectivity and automation of processes. For instance, through advanced image processing technology for pre-positioning in the machines, resulting in a reduction in non-productive time. Dreher points out: “We deliberately focus our production to the Winterlingen site, on manufacturing in Germany. Of course, we are encouraged by the feedback from our customers, who very much appreciate the value for money of our countersinks. Thanks to the investments in 2022, we ensure short delivery times and a reliably high level of quality.”

MAPAL – tooling the customer’s success
MAPAL Präzisionswerkzeuge Dr. Kress KG is one of the leading international suppliers of precision tools for the machining of practically all materials. The company founded in 1950 supplies leading customers from the automotive and aerospace industries and from machine and plant engineering. With its innovations the family-owned company sets trends and standards in production and machining technology. MAPAL sees itself as a technology partner, supporting its customers with the development of efficient and resource-conserving machining processes using individual tool concepts. The company is represented with production facilities, sales subsidiaries and representatives in 44 countries worldwide. The MAPAL Group generated sales of EUR 460 million in 2020 and has around 5,000 employees. 

www.mapal.com

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