Horn improves special tooling deliveries

Achieved through a radical reorganisation of its customised tooling operatio,n the Standard Plus program based at Ringwood is tasked with local production of orders from 6- to 50-off and is capable of supplying 80 per cent of UK orders. The facility offers delivery turn-around of five days on uncoated inserts, rising to a twelve day maximum for certain types of coated tooling. Recent major investment at the Paul Horn GmbH factory in Germany has expanded its special tooling grinding and coating facilities, enabling four-week delivery on larger quantities (50+) of customised coated inserts. As well as a greater number of multi-axis insert grinding machines and in-house coating facilities, a new more flexible system of order processing and production has been put in place to expedite progress through the various stages of manufacture. “Special tooling can range from a relatively simple detail alteration to an existing standard insert, right up to development of a fully customised insert and holder,” said Horn Cutting Tools’ general manager Mike Green. “It’s a hugely important part of Horn’s business worldwide and we are determined to provide a top quality service. Developments in Germany are already having significant positive impact on our customised tooling operations in the UK.”