GF Casting Solutions Enhances Die Casting Production with Emco CNC Turning Machines

GF Casting Solutions, a leading Austrian company specializing in magnesium and aluminium die casting for the global automotive industry, is enhancing its manufacturing processes with advanced CNC turning technology. Founded in 1972, the company operates 12 production sites worldwide, including a state-of-the-art facility in Altenmarkt Styria that employs approximately 650 people. GF Casting Solutions focuses on producing high-quality die-cast parts for premium car bodies, interiors, and drive systems sold globally. With increasing demands on tool performance and rapid set-up times, the company relies on advanced machinery to maintain its high production standards.

To meet these growing requirements, GF Casting Solutions utilizes CNC turning machines from the renowned Austrian manufacturer, Emco GmbH. Based in Hallein, near Salzburg, Emco supplies precision equipment designed to improve efficiency in manufacturing spare parts for die casting tools. Among the machines employed are the Hyperturn 65 Powermill G2 and the EmcoTurn E65 CNC turning centre, the latter of which was added to the facility in 2023.

Thomas Klade, a team leader at GF Casting Solutions, shared his experience with the Emco machines: “I have been familiar with Emco machines since my training, and both models are perfectly suited to our needs. The EmcoTurn E65, in particular, is used to produce screw cores, significantly reducing machining times in the process.”

Screw cores are critical components for the company’s die-casting tools, and the demand for them is high. The EmcoTurn E65 has streamlined production, allowing the company to handle these parts internally and store them for future use. “The parts are collected in a pot and unloaded via the partial conveyor belt, eliminating the need to open the machine doors,” Klade explained. “This improvement has revolutionized our spare parts management.”

Leopold Zenz, head of sales for Emco in Austria, highlighted the key features of the EmcoTurn E65, noting its versatility: “It is equipped with a 65mm-diameter spindle bore, counter spindle, radial turret with 12 driven tools, and a Y-axis with 80mm stroke. The greatest benefit for GF Casting Solutions is the significant time savings. The machine can produce 15 pieces automatically, engrave them, and eject them onto a conveyor belt with no manual intervention, cutting production time by two-thirds.”

Klade also praised the Emco Hyperturn 65 Powermill G2, which was purchased in 2022. “This machine has helped us simplify processes, minimize work steps, and drastically reduce set-up and clamping times, further enhancing our operational efficiency.”

Thanks to these advanced CNC turning machines, GF Casting Solutions continues to meet the increasing demands of the automotive industry while maintaining high levels of productivity and precision.