Standardizing on software: Inspection Efficiency

By Num Corp.

TN Vaerktoejsslibning ApS deploys Numroto, the programming system for tool grinding from Switzerland-based Num AG, across the entire production floor. (Num Corp. is in Naperville, Illinois.) TN, Denmark’s second-largest precision tooling company, cites highly successful long-term experience with the software, together with excellent technical support from Num, as the key reasons for standardizing on Numroto.

Founded by Torben Nielsen in 1987, which coincidentally was the same year that Numroto launched, TN has grown steadily to become a leading player in the manufacture of special solid-carbide tools, with a reputation for product quality and precision. Operating at a modern 2,000-sq.-m industrial facility in Bjaeverskov, about 30 miles southwest of Copenhagen, the company serves the world market and exports about 70% of its production.

One of TN’s prime business advantages is that it handles every aspect of manufacturing and therefore can track the movement of individual tools from initial order through delivery. The company maintains a large stock of high-quality subnanograin-carbide materials in the form of rods with internal cooling channels and solid bars, ranging in diameter from 2 to 70 mm. Using multiple advanced CNC grinding machines, TN produces a comprehensive range of standard TN brand high-speed endmills, step drills and form cutters, the designs and dimensions of which can be tailored to meet the needs of customers.

From left to right are Gustav Heer, Numroto application engineer at Num; Kent Nielsen and Henrik Larsen, CNC operators at TN Vaerktoejsslibning; and Torben Nielsen, founder, owner and CEO of TN Vaerktoejsslibning. Image courtesy of TN Vaerktoejsslibning

TN also operates advanced in-house tool polishing and coating technology. Tools optionally can be coated both before and after polishing to extend service life and help optimize chip evacuation. The company additionally offers tool regrind and re-coat services. Provided that a tool is undamaged physically, it often can be returned to full service after regrinding and possibly re-coating for less than 50% of the cost of a new tool.

Every aspect of tool manufacturing at TN is automated extensively. The main production hall is equipped with 15 five-axis CNC grinding machines and complemented by cylindrical grinding machines. All these machines are controlled by Numroto software and networked together to help simplify production management and software maintenance. Each machine has a dedicated programming station, enabling part programs to be created while grinding takes place, and the company is also in the process of expanding its multi-user programming facility, which currently has capacity for seven users.

An interesting facet of TN’s operational structure, which is possibly a factor behind its consistent success year after year, is that it deliberately has a flat hierarchy. There is no department for design. Each CNC machine operator is responsible for programming, grinding the tools and fully documenting the process.