EMO 2009 in Milan - a review

An EMO trade fair is always important to spindle manufacturers. This is generally the case, no matter where it takes place (Milan or Hanover) and regardless of the overall economic climate. With hindsight, our decision to attend the Milan EMO was fully justified. Our shared exhibition stand with our German partner TRAMEC GmbH, of Gingen an der Fils, was a resounding success.

We were delighted with the positive customer feedback concerning our new exhibition stand. We exhibited a well-balanced mix of proven and new products, focusing on the three FISCHER PRECISE Group brands, FISCHER, PRECISE and FORTUNA, rather than on the Group as a whole as we had done in previous years.

There was an interesting distribution of nationalities among the visitors to our stand. While we were expecting Italy to dominate, we were surprised by the low numbers of German attendees compared to those from Switzerland, Japan, the Czech Republic and India. Moreover, fewer Chinese visitors attended, compared to other shows. Whether this should be attributed to the recession and/or the location of the show remains open.

This year found the EMO returning to Milan after six years’ absence. Although privately seen as a ‘second-class’ EMO by some, this Milan event turned out to be the most important machine tool fair in 2009. Our expectations (which were modest, due to the general economic climate) were entirely surpassed. The trends we spotted during the EMO leave us reasonably optimistic about the future.

Racine, Wisconsin, USA- September 4, 2009 …. Fischer Precise USA (FPUSA) is excited to present new spindle repair options for machine tool customers in booth #329 during the show from October 6-8. To handle the capacity of customers seeking reliable spindle repair, FPUSA has undergone extensive building renovations as part of the mission to be a Service Center of Excellence. The results not only satisfy customers needing repair of Fischer Precise products, but also the repairs of other spindle brands.

FPUSA has realized substantial increases in spindle service from new customers and added services. This is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction, and reveals a real need of customers to find a reliable spindle service partner. Located between Milwaukee and Chicago, FPUSA is a convenient source for local and regional repair service, eliminating a lot of added time and cost versus shipping product elsewhere.

Customer services include on-site installation support, tap testing of tooling to help optimize machining parameters, and testing/design assistance. But the primary change in service is the added capability to repair spindles produced outside of the Fischer Precise product line. Examples of these repairs will be provided at the show, along with further explanation of repair, support, and installation services.

Beyond providing spindle repair services, Fischer Precise USA can also provide new spindle solutions to optimize productivity in a wide range of manufacturing applications. Fischer Precise USA is ready to assist and provide spindle users full and complete resources in their machining or grinding processes. 

USA, 4th February 2009 - After months of construction Fischer Precise USA (FPUSA), manufacturer of precision machine tool spindles, is excited to announce the recent completion of major facility renovations to handle expanded demand and services for machine tool spindle repair. This investment of well over $500,000 redesigned the shop floor layout to better accommodate a wider variety of spindle products while improving workflow through the facility for the complete repair process.

The building renovation creates a high standard for the industry in North America, and creates dedicated areas for each step of the spindle repair process. There are separate disassembly, cleaning, assembly, and test rooms to provide the best overall environment for quality work for what is most often the most critical component on a machine. This has resulted in:

• The doubling of floor space in every repair area
• Addition of 1,000 lb. cranes
• 8,000 sq. ft. of re-assembly space
• 4,000 sq. ft. of disassembly and analysis space
• 1,000 sq. ft. of test and run-in space

FPUSA President Ryan Brath explains, "This renovation supports and expands our mission to be a Service Center of Excellence for our market and provide reliable, convenient service options for customers seeking a better value in the repair of their spindles. Everything that we have done here should provide assurances to machine tool users that they will have a good experience using FPUSA as their partner to maintain, and even improve, spindle life."

With a convenient central location just north of Chicago, production plants throughout the region and country can now be assured that multiple brands and types of spindles can be serviced by FPUSA. One benefit will be a shorter turnaround time for machine users who might otherwise consider shipping spindles overseas for repair. Other benefits supporting the renovation include full testing capabilities, on-site installation assistance following repair, and the widest range of equipment, tooling, and personnel in the industry to service the greatest variety of spindle products at one location. Belt drive, air turbine, and electric powered spindles can all be handled using the latest equipment and tightest tolerance standards to provide reliable repair service.

Beyond providing new spindles and spindle repair, Fischer Precise USA can also provide spindle service, training, and support solutions to optimize existing manufacturing applications. Fischer Precise USA is ready to assist and provide spindle users our full resources in their machining or grinding processes.