What began with regrinding has grown over the years into in-house tool production and now we are writing the next chapter: we can now coat tools – directly in-house. For us, this is far more than just another process step. It is a strategic milestone that makes us more independent, more flexible and even more efficient.
What was previously handled by an external service provider will in future remain under one roof with us. This saves valuable time, reduces delivery routes and gives us the opportunity to respond even more specifically to your requirements.
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A milestone for Kopp Schleiftechnik
What began as a specialized regrinding company has developed consistently over the last few years. Following the successful introduction of our in-house tool production, we are now taking the next big step: we can now coat tools directly on our premises.
For us, this means not only an expansion of our range of services, but above all one thing: more independence, more flexibility and faster throughput times for our customers. This is because external routes, waiting times and interfaces will be eliminated in future.
Special thanks go to our partner Plasma Plus for the smooth commissioning of the system and the first-class training of our team over the last few weeks. Together, we have laid the foundation for a further leap in quality.
What is tool coating and why is it so important?
Tools used in machining are subject to extreme loads: high temperatures, friction, aggressive materials. All this leads to wear over time. This is precisely where tool coating comes in. It gives the tool a protective surface that significantly improves its performance.
This is not just about “protection”, but about targeted optimization. Modern coating technologies, such as those we use, allow properties such as hardness, gliding properties and heat resistance to be specifically adapted.
The right coating plays a key role, particularly when machining demanding materials such as titanium, Inconel or hardened steel. It enables cutting speeds that would be unthinkable without coating and thus contributes directly to the productivity of your production.
In short: coating tools is a decisive factor for economic efficiency, precision and competitiveness.
Advantages for our customers: The concrete benefits of coating
With the option of coating tools in-house, we are not only creating new technical possibilities, we are also increasing the benefits for our customers in a very tangible way. After all, a professional coating can make all the difference when it comes to performance, durability and cost-effectiveness.
1. longer tool life
The coating reliably protects the tool cutting edges from wear. This means that your tools last longer, failures are less frequent and production is more stable.
2. higher cutting speeds
Coated tools enable significantly higher cutting values – ideal when productivity is key. Fewer passes, shorter machining times, more parts per hour.
3. improved chip flow & reduced friction
The smooth, optimized surface of the coating ensures a better chip flow – this protects the machine and material and leads to cleaner results.
4. cost savings through lower tool requirements
Less wear also means fewer replacements. If you have your tools coated, you need to reinvest less often – and reduce tool costs in the long term.
5. corrosion protection including
In addition to mechanical protection, the coating also provides a barrier against chemical reactions – e.g. with aggressive coolants or certain materials.
6. ideally equipped for hard materials
In hard machining, every detail counts. The right coating makes tools fit for materials such as hardened steel, Inconel or titanium – precisely, reliably and economically.
7. more dimensional accuracy and component quality
Less wear also means that your components remain dimensionally stable for longer. A real advantage for consistently high quality, especially in series production.
What will change for us and why you will benefit from it
What improves behind the scenes has a noticeable impact on our processes, response times and the quality of our services.
1. shorter throughput times
No shipping to external partners, no additional waiting times. We coat directly on our premises. This saves time and speeds up the return of your tools.
2. more flexibility
Because we control the processes ourselves, we can react more individually. Whether it’s a special solution, a short-term requirement or a series order, we are much more agile.
3. independence from suppliers
We are no longer dependent on external service providers having free capacity. This makes us more predictable, more stable and less susceptible to delays.
4. more expertise in-house
Our employees are directly involved. This creates short paths, fewer misunderstandings and even better results.
5. greater delivery reliability
A reliable in-house solution is a real competitive advantage for us and for you, especially in times when supply chains are constantly coming to a standstill.
A look behind the scenes: The start of our coating plant
The new coating system not only changes our technology, but also the entire process for coated tools. Until recently, we sent all tools to external partners for coating. Depending on the type of coating and provider, lead times averaged one to two weeks.
Things are different today: Coatings, which we will carry out ourselves in future, are completed within one to three days. In addition, around two days shipping time is eliminated, as our previous partners were distributed throughout Germany. This not only reduces waiting times, but also the environmental impact of transportation. A plus point that is also important to us.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly, we have set up our own coating team: One new full-time and one part-time employee, who have been working intensively with the manufacturer Plasma Plus since the summer. Of course, this requires closer internal coordination between the departments. But this also promotes team spirit and ensures greater transparency along the entire process chain.
We would like to take this opportunity to say a very special thank you to our partner Plasma Plus and in particular to Markus Knecht, the managing director and founder. His expertise and personal support during the training and commissioning of the system have helped us enormously. Whether queries, technical details or individual adjustments, the cooperation was human, competent and solution-oriented right from the start. A real showcase project that would not have been possible without this commitment.
Have your tools coated: Get individual advice now
With in-house tool coating, we are not only expanding our range of services, we are also creating new opportunities for greater efficiency, shorter response times and more individual solutions. Whether single part or series order, standard or custom-made: We now think about your tools even more holistically.
If you are already a customer, we will be happy to check which of your tools could benefit from internal coating in the future. And if you don’t know us yet: Now is a good time to change that.