Originally, FEHLMANN wanted to roll out the first series (eight machines) of PICOMAX 56 TOP (Touch Or Program), first introduced at the EuroMold 2011, in the company's immediate vicinity, primarily for service reasons. Heine Optotechnik, however, did not agree with this plan at all. Firstly, they had replacement needs at the time. Secondly, the machine was nearly perfectly tailored to their requirements: the machine had to have a compact structure, be easy to use and, if possible, be equipped with a Heidenhain control unit. Over 13 years, the company had consistently positive experiences with the PICOMAX 60 and, therefore, insisted on purchasing a PICOMAX 56 TOP of the first series. This was important because the areas of prototyping and tool-making were to be merged in Herrsching: but, some employees in prototype production did not have any CNC knowledge. However, a similar machine concept was not available on the market. The second machine of the same type was purchased in the spring of this year, not only for reasons of need, according to Production Manager Josef Schmidt: "We have to produce a very frequently changing product range and it has been shown here that on one hand the manual operation of the machine can be very economical, on the other hand the Heidenhain control unit provides many more options. It was particularly interesting for us to see how quickly staff without any CNC knowledge could shake off their initial inhibitions." Concretely, this means the PICOMAX 56 TOP is a vertical 3-axis CNC center, which can also be used manually via hand feed levers and hand wheels.
Milling, drilling and tapping tasks can therefore be carried out quickly, safely and efficiently without time-consuming programming work. Heine Optotechnik staff members were able to become familiar with the machine after a short training period. In contrast, manual operation for single parts or small series – for example where two holes or a pocket must be milled – is particularly fast and efficient because programming is not required. This factor was especially appreciated by the persons in charge because, in addition to the tools, simple devices for the 70 assembly stations are also manufactured. Georg Pfaffenbauer, head of tool-making, considers this flexibility to be absolutely necessary: "For such simple components, with batch sizes of 10 to 20 pieces, the use of a 5-axis machine would be like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. We're not looking for the tenth of a second or high torque, our priority was a high-quality machine with precision and reproducibility. The decisive factors were primarily handling, accessibility and compactness. Therefore, this machine concept is almost tailor-made for us."

A modern foundation on which to build
Manufacturing simple workpieces without programming work, but also a high-performance milling machine with a fully digital Heidenhain TNC 620 control unit if necessary, all of this in a compact design – Heine Optotechnik had an extremely small range of choice on the market. The tenacity they displayed in getting a machine from the first series ultimately paid off in many ways. Knowledge of the Heidenhain control unit was already available, staff without CNC knowledge is able to operate the machine today "blindfold" while trainees in particular have a state-of-the-art basis from which they can develop their expertise.
It is true, the PICOMAX 56 TOP is considered an entry-level machine. It is worth noting, however, that with this machine FEHLMANN has fully succeeded in bridging the gap between conventional machine and CNC machine. Instead of discussing indirect measuring systems, the company can rely on direct measurement systems. An oil-cooled motor spindle with speeds up to 12,000 rpm-1 is fitted and the machine shines with a completely novel, sophisticated user interface. Roland Sandmeier, Sales Manager Germany at FEHLMANN: "The PICOMAX 56 TOP is the successor to our PICOMAX 54, which we had to upgrade and make more universal. There definitely is a market for it, because 95 percent of the machines are ordered with hand feed lever and hand wheel." That is certainly an argument that cannot be dismissed. In Herrsching, the inhibitions they originally felt about the machine programming effort have disappeared; the machine is used at least five hours a day. For Josef Schmidt, the solution is more than satisfactory: "The concept convinced us, which is why we also invested relatively quickly in a second machine. At the beginning, the machine was operating from early to late, even by staff who usually worked on conventional machines; therefore, a much larger area had to be covered than we originally thought." Seen in this light, FEHLMANN seems to have gotten everything right. Especially since the bottom line is very positive, already today. The PICOMAX 56 TOP does not have to wait for the future to become a bestseller – it is already one.

Heine Optotechnik
Heine Optotechnik is a world leading manufacturer of high-quality diagnostic instruments, boasting over 550 employees and an export share of 85 percent. It is divided into the areas of general medicine and ENT, ophthalmodiagnosis, dermatology and respiratory equipment as well as the manufacture of headlights, loupes, power sources, etc. The family-run company sees the high vertical range of manufacture as one of the most important cornerstones of its success. This is why all injection molds and tools are developed and manufactured in-house by 12 employees.

Interesting side note
Precision and reproducibility were key factors for the persons responsible at Heine Optotechnik. According to their information, the PICOMAX 56 TOP achieves a precision of up to 5 microns.

Incidentally:
Georg Pfaffenbauer: "In addition to the simple components, we manufacture more complex components with CAM support. Here, the machine has the advantage that you can do everything with it and do not have to change from machine to machine."

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