The process shortening of the machining of valve springs by 96% through the use of OTEC disc centrifugal force (CF) technology was a defining experience for Volker Hensel and his former employer in 2003. When the company was founded four years later, he and his business partner Horst Blank relied on OTEC as their technology partner.
In an interview, Volker Hensel describes what has made the partnership with OTEC valuable for over 20 years from his personal and entrepreneurial point of view.
Mr. Hensel, what started your company and what role did OTEC play in it?
“We already received a lot of support from OTEC in the start-up phase. Helmut Gegenheimer and his team offered us good used machines for an easy start as a contract surface grinder and supported us with word and deed during process development. There have always been and are joint development and research projects. We really owe a lot to OTEC.
A request from a leading German fashion jewelry manufacturer regarding the reworking of stainless steel plates made in China was decisive for the development of our company. With the support of OTEC, we were able to develop a process recipe in a very short time that enabled us to complete this machining task with the required quality, and so convincingly that we were able to take over the complete production of these parts. Since then, the manufacture of mirror-polished stamped parts made of stainless steel has been a focus of our work, ”explains Volker Hensel.
Would you say that Hensel & Blank has grown with OTEC precision finish?
“Viewed from the retro perspective, we can definitely say yes. The competence for which we are valued by our customers as a subcontractor in the field of vibratory grinding has its origin in the cooperation with OTEC. Over the years we have repeatedly resolved process definition challenges together with the OTEC experts. Without this support and the transfer of know-how, we would certainly not be where we are today. "
In your opinion, are there any surface finishes for which OTEC disc finishing systems are particularly suitable?
“The OTEC disc finishing systems are particularly suitable for small and micro parts with high demands on surfaces and edge geometry. We are able to economically achieve almost any desired roughness value with these systems and the associated processes. "
In your opinion, what are the advantages of the OTEC systems and the corresponding processes?
“The OTEC CF disc finishing system offers us the fastest possible and high-quality processing as well as a high degree of flexibility with which we are able to process even small batches economically for our customers. Stored process recipes ensure that the machining quality of the most varied of workpieces and components is repeatable and independent of the operator.
In addition, we benefit from the quick and easy replacement of wear parts during operations, which our employees carry out themselves. The operation of the systems is intuitive and new employees can be trained in a short time.
With OTEC drag grinding systems of the DF series and the associated processes, we have primarily specialized in the preparation of cutting edges on punches and dies for punching tools. The tools finished by us achieve a tool life increase of up to 500%. "
Mr. Hensel, from your point of view what defines the cooperation - what do you value about OTEC Precision Finishing?
“The long-term cooperation in process definition and sample processing is excellent. Thanks in particular to Walfried Wölk and Mauro Ferdinandi. The gentlemen have enormous experience and great interest in our processing tasks and challenges. There is a great willingness to go individual ways when modifying the recipe development or system programming. The reliably short response times for the procurement of spare parts and process materials are also commendable. "
Thank you Mr. Hensel for the interesting insights and good luck for the future!
Since 2011, Hensel & Blank GmbH has been working successfully in the "Precision Finishing" business field for a wide variety of partners in the industry. The portfolio ranges from the quick finishing of jewelry parts in accordance with drawings to the processing of small and very small parts in precision mechanics and electronics to additively manufactured parts made of plastic or metal. The in-house stamping shop produces precision stamped parts with defined surfaces bi
