For 22 years, SFG Gärtner in Burkhardtsdorf has been successful in precision manufacturing, with batch sizes of up to 50 pieces. The first machine at that time was already a Fehlmann PICOMAX 82 with a workpiece robot. Managing Director Steffen Gärtner sees the reason for 22 years of successful precision parts production in the fact that he started automating in 2000 and still does so today. The three main pillars that he uses as a base for investing in machines are the following: the machine must be able to produce the range of parts and the price, as well as service, must also be right. Now that's not quite as easy as it sounds in Burkhardtsdorf, because the focus is on complex, high-precision components for medical and measuring technology. For this reason, as well as development in technology, there is a continual investment in new machines. Steffen Gärtner relies on Fehlmann almost exclusively: “We had a Fehlmann machine, for example, that ran 55,000 spindle hours. It was simply time to replace it. We have also found that the new machines, including controls and linear technology, can generate time savings of up to 30 percent for components that we have been manufacturing for years. These machines also provide more comfort and safety. Furthermore, more kinematic adjustments can be made with the new control systems and the machine's precision is more stable with regard to temperatures. “This precision is a basic prerequisite for SFG Gärtner, because the component tolerences are usually within one hundredth of a millimeter. With the PICOMAX 75 this achieved by,  among other things, a stiffness-optimized machine set-up, appropriately dimensioned monorail guide systems and precision glass scales with air purge in all axes.

This is how the precision of the machine is transferred to the components
Although SFG Gärtner now has more than 15 machining centers, most of them with five axes, in a total of six machining cells, the development of the PICOMAX 75 machining center has been closely monitored. Fehlmann first introduced the PICOMAX 75 in 2012 and positioned this machining center between PICOMAX 60 and 90 with travel distances of 600mm x 400mm x 610mm (XYZ). This was more than enough to convince Steffen Gärtner:  with the 600mm travel distance, the machine fits exactly into the product range and that’s why he has stayed with Fehlmann. According to Steffen Gärtner, the five axes enable complete machining in one clamping set-up and the precision of the machine is transferred to the components. Therefore, at the end of 2017 the first PICOMAX 75 with automation was installed in Burkhardtsdorf and in 2018 a second one was ordered due to a required capacity expansion. Steffen Gärtner was already thinking ahead and had planned the expansion with a second machine when he ordered the first one.

Benefits for existing and potential customers
Be it the VERSA 825, PICOMAX 75 or 90, all of which are connected to a workpiece robot , Steffen Gärtner seems satisfied with Fehlmann, especially with regards to precision and reliability. He doesn’t make comparisons with competitors. According to him, he would only get “something equivalent” and he doesn’t see any advantage in that. Fehlmann's machining centers are designed in such a way that they can be easily automated. The working area is freely accessible from the front in any arrangemen - for set-up, process monitoring and tool changes during machining (tool storage at Gärtner 80 places). On request, the three-axis PICOMAX 75 can be retrofitted with a 4th or 5th  axis at any time.
Fehlmann has been regarded as a manufacturer of precision machines for decades now. This also brings Steffen Gärtner advantages and recognition when existing or potential customers from the medical or measuring technology sector inspect his production facility On the other hand, he doesn’t see any competitive advantages with this situation because companies in the same segment, dealing with similar product ranges, all machine with Fehlmann. He sees the reason for their continued success, therefore, primarily in automation: “During the day we manufacture the smaller workpieces. The second shift fills the workpiece magazines and measures the components again. Then the lights go out and the machines run unmanned in the third shift.”
But there is another reason why Steffen Gärtner relies on the Swiss mechanical engineers. All of his employees are qualified and expect components that are complex, highly precise and, thus, demanding.

SFG Gärtner GmbH in the spotlight
The company was founded in 1995 and has 25 employees. The focus is on mechanical precision workpieces made of aluminum, complex special parts and components. The customer base mainly includes companies in the fields of medical and measuring technology. Due to high demand, a separate electroplating plant with modern wastewater treatment technology was put into operation in 2014, in a new production hall. It is especially for the production of precision mechanical parts in single or small batches. The company now also offers this surface finishing for aluminium and cast aluminium, as well as all common aluminium alloys as an external service.

By the way
After 55,000 spindle hours, Gärtner doesn’t question whether retrofitting is an option, because the machines have already done their job. In addition, Fehlmann Germany Sales Manager, Roland Sandmeier, says: “If you take into account all CE regulations when retrofitting such a machine, it just doesn’t pay off in this price category anymore.”

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