SERVICES
Services
As a company with a long tradition in forming technology, we know exactly that the optimal design and quality of the tools has a significant impact on the long-term success in the production of a cold- or hot-formed component.
An optimal tool through experience and expertise
These include among others the optimal determination of the material usage, the trouble-free operation within each production lot as well as low maintenance costs, even with highly stressed tools. Every day we make use of these decades of experience when designing and constructing the tools. You can also benefit from our expertise by building your tool in our tool shop in Attendorn.
All services combined in one internal process chain
Thanks to an optimized process chain, we can manage all tools from the beginning. After creating simulations, we can construct the necessary tools in-house in Attendorn. Therefore, we can maintain cost-effectiveness, and fulfill our customer’s requirements quickly. Cost and deadline compliance as well as a high degree of transparency in production and calculation are a matter of course for us. Customer specifications are at the heart of every project. Throughout the entire process chain, our goal is always to create the optimum tool for the component’s production.
Our Services - Our Advantages
- decades of experience in the manufacturing of a variety of tools
- optimized process chain which ensures an in-house manufacturing of tools
- synchronized manufacturing process
- support with regards to component optimization for an optimal quality and cost efficiency
- method planning through state of the art simulations
- construction of tool in Attendorn with our own skilled tool makers
Project Management
The complete production process of all tools manufactured in Attendorn is synchronized. In this way, the planning logic is divided into two parts. This consists of the fact that both the orders support fine control in operation and are visualized on the shop floor.
All functional areas are already integrated in the quotation phase. In addition to the optimal production method, this also allows reliable statements to be made about production costs and schedule for the required forming tools. From then on, a consistent knowledge feedback takes place. This transparency within the manufacturing process leads to the avoidance of process disturbances. On the other hand, it enables us to take into account last-minute customer changes to the tools under construction. Of course, this does not only apply to the current production project, but also to follow-up orders. The tool life cycle and a wiki system guarantee the necessary sustainable database.
This modern form of project management for the construction of forming tools has been awarded several times.
Component Optimiziation
The complete production process of all tools manufactured in Attendorn is synchronized. In this way, the planning logic is divided into two parts. This consists of the fact that both the orders support fine control in operation and are visualized on the shop floor.
All functional areas are already integrated in the quotation phase. In addition to the optimal production method, this also allows reliable statements to be made about production costs and schedule for the required forming tools. From then on, a consistent knowledge feedback takes place. This transparency within the manufacturing process leads to the avoidance of process disturbances. On the other hand, it enables us to take into account last-minute customer changes to the tools under construction. Of course, this does not only apply to the current production project, but also to follow-up orders. The tool life cycle and a wiki system guarantee the necessary sustainable database.
This modern form of project management for the construction of forming tools has been awarded several times.
Method Planning
Our ultimate goal is to meet customer requirements on time and within budget. In order to guarantee this as a tool construction company, we plan all necessary methods in Attendorn.
With Auto Form we carry out a forming simulation. In this way, we can simulate the forming process with the planned tool and then analyze the component quality, quality and material usage. This allows us to ensure that all customer specifications are met.
We then draw up a method and throughput plan. Together with our customers, we use this information to develop the optimum process and tool for manufacturing the component.
Construction
The software used for the construction of your tool is Catia V5. Customer requirements, preceding optimizations of the component as well as the results of the method planning flow together here. The component takes shape at this stage.
Our employees in Attendorn take advantage of their extensive experience as trained tool makers. This especially supports us during the critical transition between the construction phase and the tool making itself.
Tools
After method planning and construction, we produce prototype tools as well as series production tools with gripper and automation systems using the following manufacturing processes:
- cold forming tools
- hot forming tools
- single tools
- progressive tools
- transfer tools
The difference between cold and hot formed components
Hot formed components require the blank or cold pre-formed component to be heated to approx. 900 degrees Celsius (press hardening) before forming. A distinction is made between direct and indirect processes.
The direct process is based on a blank. KIRCHHOFF Automotive has several systems in operation at different locations for this purpose. Most of the tool sets in use were manufactured in our Company’s own tool shop.
In the indirect process, the cold pre-formed component obtains its required physical properties through the work step of press hardening.
Cold formed components are manufactured from a blank or a coil without the introduction of heat. The use of single, progressive or transfer tools is possible. The decision on the type of tool used depends on the component geometry, the production quantity and the available production requirements.
KICHHOFF Automotive has been practicing all of the above processes for many years.