In a Q&A session, WFL Millturn Technologies reveals how the new colour scheme and design of its MILLTURN machines has helped to create a uniform look that will be used for all WFL machines going forwards.

Complete machining is subject to different demands today, which is why WFL strives to integrate a wide range of technologies, measuring tasks and finish machining operations into its MILLTURN complete machining centres to suit the aerospace sector’s needs. However, WFL focuses on more than just the machining operation itself – the company chooses to cover the entire process. This means defining the machining process, workpiece programming, simulation, production and finally, support throughout the entire service life of a machine.

Q: Firstly, please provide an update on your company’s latest news?

We have a new design of WFL's MILLTURN machines. The colour scheme and design have been adapted to create a uniform look and will be used for all WFL machines going forwards.

What has changed? The most striking feature is the lettering and the new standard colour. These two stylistic elements clearly set the new design apart from the old one. The doors now feature a high-quality, liquid-resistant film. In the standard model, the distant blue WFL logo sits on a light grey background. The simple chisel pattern is also subtly included in the background of the sticker. All in all, the striking overall look of the new design rounds off the classic machine perfectly.

The new standard paint is also part of the brand-new look for the whole WFL machine range. The dusty grey used on peripheral components until recently has been replaced with a modern, anthracite grey. This grey is now used on all basic components and frames on the rest of the machine.

Q: What aspects of your latest CNC machining centres are your customers particularly happy with?

Our customers are particularly happy with the rigidity, accuracy and versatility of our machines, as well as the exceptional uptime. The flexibility to use a wide selection of tools in the machines is often of utmost importance. As a result, the MILLTURN impresses with its excellent tool handling using the large number of standard tools and the ability to accommodate large boring bars using the prismatic tool interface.

Also, dedicated software solutions and lifetime support, such as service, spares and application are of great importance. Our development as a total solution provider means we’re positioned to provide customers with comprehensive and sustainable support over the entire lifecycle of a MILLTURN.

Q: What are the types of performance demands placed on your company by today’s customers?

Sustainability in industrial production has become a decisive matter when it comes to the future. WFL sells MILLTURN complete machining centres worldwide and serves a wide range of industries. The machines therefore bear a lot of responsibility when it comes to both our environment and our future. Only energy-efficient components with the option of energy recuperation or use of waste heat are used in the MILLTURN turning-boring-milling centres. Frequency-controlled pumps are used alongside highly energy-efficient motors and drives, meaning that electricity is drawn only in the exact amounts required. When the spindle drives brake, the machine works as a generator and feeds valuable electrical energy back into the grid. The additional energy-saving standby mode for organisational downtimes requires around 90% less energy compared to conventional idling.

Q: What do you feel are the most important assets of a company?

Since the foundation of WFL Millturn Technologies 30 years ago, the company achieved many milestones and goals, largely thanks to the expertise and dedication of the employees. The goal is to take WFL Millturn Technologies to a new level and extend the technology leadership. The corporate focus of WFL’s thoughts and actions lies completely on the solution of the respective production task and thus the achievement of the customer satisfaction.

It is important to have a solid foundation in training and knowhow. More than 30 years of experience provides unique opportunities to tailor multifunctional machines perfectly to every individual customer. Special requirements need special solutions. WFL developed a modular machine concept for such challenging requirements, meaning to have become a pioneer in complete machining. That is not the end of the story: automation solutions have always been involved in buying a MILLTURN machine. The acquisition of FRAI Elektromaschinenbau represents another step towards innovation in complete machining, paving the way for a digital future. Automation is even becoming increasingly essential to provide productivity benefits in small-series production.

To sum up, we believe in a combination of a defined strategy, the commitment of our employees, our experience, technology, etc. to play a leading role in the global business market.

Q: Finally, what differentiates your company from the competition - why should a customer use you over your nearest rival?

WFL is the only manufacturer worldwide that concentrates exclusively on the production of multifunctional complete machining centres. In many high-tech companies today, the trade name MILLTURN stands for the central machine tool for the production of complex components with the highest precision.

The combination of different machining technologies, such as turning, milling, drilling or grinding in one machine tool is known as complete machining. ‘Clamp once – machine complete’ is applicable for parts that were previously manufactured in several process steps on various different machines.

Complete machining is about maximum quality, maximum flexibility, highest degree of utilisation, short lead-times and highest level of productivity. Complex machining components are manufactured to the narrowest tolerances and with minimal clamping. In-process measurements guarantee and maintain existing levels of precision and stability. Shortened setup times and a reduction in clamping devices and special tools increase flexibility in terms of machining options. This allows for an efficient manufacturing process and technological optimisation.

Several important factors come into play in achieving an increase in the degree of utilisation. Minimal clamping and few internal transport movements increase the efficiency of the production process significantly. Lead-times are minimised due to short wait and handling times. The combination of maximum quality, maximum flexibility, maximum utilisation and short lead-times results in the highest possible level of productivity.

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