Under the motto ‘Passion for Production’, Heller presented its latest 360° solutions for
tomorrow’s production at the recent AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart. Among the exhibits
was the latest generation of the F 5000 five-axis machining centre, equipped with a newly
developed rack-type tool magazine offering a particularly compact footprint.
The F 5000 is available with a work envelope of 800 x 850 x 1100 mm (X/Y/Z), a pallet size of
630 x 630 mm and a maximum clamping load of 2000 kg. Due to its modular design, it is
possible to configure the machine for a wide range of applications, ensuring maximum
precision and performance in the production of small to medium batch sizes.
Highlights include the completely redesigned swivel heads and integrated motor spindles,
developed and manufactured by Heller, with an HSK-A 100 tool interface as standard and an
HSK-A 63 interface available as an option. The dynamic swivel head with fifth axis ensures
maximum machining performance. Its drive is based on a backlash-free drive concept.
Tilt kinematics are now available as an alternative to swivel kinematics. Compared with
swivel heads, tilt heads offer a significant increase in flexibility for five-axis machining. Tilt
kinematics can also support the machining of recesses and undercuts, for example.
Heller’s head of development Dr Manuel Gerst explains: “Especially for the production of
integral components, which are often required in the aerospace industry, it’s very important
that the machines used can also operate at a negative angle. Mechanically, this is not

possible with swivel heads. We’ve designed the new tilt heads specifically with these
applications in mind. With an HSK-A 63 tool interface and a high-speed spindle, they are
predestined for these applications.”
More information www.heller.biz

With over 100,000 gearboxes already produced for wind turbines, the NGC Group from
China has eight machines supplied by Starrag at its main factory. This historical success was
reason enough for the Chinese specialist in wind turbine powertrains to increase the
number of Berthiez, Dörries and Heckert machines to 20.
 
China wants to be carbon neutral by 2060 and wind power plays an important role in this
plan. Huai’an, NGC’s third factory in China (in addition to production facilities in Nanjing and
Baotou), will set the course for a carbon-free future. Units for the large offshore wind
turbines with 15, 18 and 20 MW capacity have also recently been built there. This is where
Starrag comes in, with its ‘Renewables’ market segment, which has made a name for itself
with machines for manufacturing wind turbine drivetrains. Since 2006, 100 machines have
been delivered to China, of which about one in five went to NGC.
 
“In 2007, we won NGC as our first Chinese customer in the wind power industry there,”
recalls Jörg Heinrich, director of the Application & Technology Department at Starrag
Shanghai Co Ltd. “After successfully handing over the first machine, a Heckert horizontal
machining centre in 2009, NGC immediately ordered three more Heckert machines.”
According to NGC, the machining centres can process workpieces 25% faster than
competitor models. The production technology and the special on-site service were well
received in China and, since 2022, NGC has increased the number of Starrag machines in its
factories to 20.
 
A Dörries vertical turning machine has gone to Baotou and nine machines from Starrag’s
Berthiez, Dörries and Heckert product ranges have been shipped to the new factory in
Huai’an.
More information www.starrag.com

The Fair Friend Group (FFG) has initiated a comprehensive strategic realignment to address the current global challenges in the industry and strengthen its competitive position. As part of this transformation, FFG has appointed Dr Sebastian Schöning as its new CEO.

Schöning, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, brings over 20 years of professional and management experience. Since 2021, he has served as the group’s COO and as CEO of MAG IAS GmbH. In his new role, Schöning will spearhead global strategy development and lead the group’s operations.

As a global turnkey supplier, Fair Friend Group (FFG) delivers machine tools and machining centres for the manufacturing of internal combustion engines, electric motors, crankcases, axles and wheels. A key element of the realignment is the increased leveraging of synergies among Fair Friend Group’s globally operating companies. This enables FFG to provide customers with even more integrated and custom solutions.

Additionally, FFG plans to expand its range of standard machines and develop new technologies in emerging industries such as humanoid robotics and energy. By integrating AI, smart manufacturing, energy efficiency and decarbonisation, FFG aims to ensure future-oriented and environmentally friendly production. Customers will benefit from a wide range of highly specialist machines and production systems, allowing manufacturing companies to respond flexibly to both regional and global market demands.

“Our clear vision, strong management team and relentless drive to help customers succeed are the keys to future growth,” says Schöning. “With the measures we are now implementing, we’re ideally positioned to expand FFG’s market presence in the global machine tool industry.”

More information www.ffg-ea.com/en