The Star Rapid factory floor
Low-volume manufacturing and rapid prototyping specialist, Star Rapid has today announced a partnership with Guhring, a German manufacturer of carbide and PCD cutting tools for the machining industry, to further elevate its CNC and prototyping services.
The partnership will see Star Rapid implement Guhring's Custom Tool Management System which provides tool storage, inventory control and real-time monitoring of tool consumption.
"At Star Rapid we are never complacent when it comes to high speed and quality, and are always looking for new strategies to increase these aspects of our service," said Gordon Styles, president and CEO of Star Rapid. "The partnership we have developed with Guhring allows us to gain a greater competitive edge to meet the growing demands of our global customers."
Star Rapid’s Founder, Gordon Styles with Oliver Guhring
Guhring's Custom Tool Management System creates a more efficient workflow through improved tool tracking and allows for more precise tool ordering based on anticipated future usage. Guhring's family of cutting tools also feature proprietary thin-film, vacuum deposited coatings which extend tool life and performance against high temperatures, friction, vibration and chip adhesion.
Applying its expertise on the metallurgy and complex geometry of each end mill or cutting insert, Guhring will also supervise sharpening and regrinding of the Star Rapid's current tools to ensure they are in peak condition and able to hold precise tolerances for excellent finished parts. Star Rapid's machinists will also work with Guhring's onsite technical support to optimise the "speeds and feeds" for every cutter, reducing total time and cost while increasing output.
"It's rare to work with such a forward-thinking customer," said Dr. Steffen Lang, head of Guhring's service department. "With the measures that have been put in place, Star Rapid will be able to ensure that its cutting services are running as efficiently as possible and creating parts that are of optimal quality."
