Question 1

How does the first contact work?

Accepted Answer

You describe the task in a few sentences and attach whatever exists: part, drawing, quantity, timeframe. We usually come back within one working day with questions or a first assessment. A short call often clears up more than a long email.

Question 2

What do you need for a reliable quotation?

Accepted Answer

Part data (STEP or Creo), a drawing showing the functional dimensions, the annual quantity and the target date are the most useful. If the press, material or strip width is already fixed, please mention it. Where information is missing we work with assumptions and mark them in the quotation.

Question 3

How quickly do you send a quotation?

Accepted Answer

For manageable design tasks, usually within two to three working days. Progressive dies and automation take longer because a feasibility review and a rough concept come first. We tell you at the first contact what to expect.

Question 4

Who is my contact during the project?

Accepted Answer

Gerald Vogt, throughout. There is no handover to a project office and no routing through several departments. That shortens decisions noticeably when something has to be settled at short notice.

Question 5

How do I stay informed about progress?

Accepted Answer

At fixed intervals and at every agreed milestone. Interim states are shared as 3D models or screenshots with short notes on open points, so you see the status before larger changes become expensive.

Question 6

What happens if something changes mid-project?

Accepted Answer

Changes are normal in tool and fixture work. We assess what they mean for the design, the schedule and the cost, and agree that with you before implementing. Smaller adjustments are absorbed within the ongoing effort.

Question 7

Do you keep committed dates when several projects overlap?

Accepted Answer

We only commit to what fits the capacity plan, and we flag shifts early. An honest change of date with lead time is better than a promise that fails during ramp-up.

Question 8

Do you work with our toolmakers or suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Regularly. We align the design status, standard parts and manufacturing details directly with the toolmaker producing the tool, and act as technical contact towards your suppliers if you want. The How we work page describes this in more detail.

Question 9

Which CAD system do you use?

Accepted Answer

Creo Parametric. The models are built parametrically so later changes to the part or the tool stay traceable instead of requiring a rebuild from scratch.

Question 10

Which data formats can you handle and deliver?

Accepted Answer

Incoming: STEP, IGES, Creo files, DXF and PDF drawings. We deliver native Creo models, neutral formats such as STEP, drawings as PDF and, where needed, DXF flat patterns for wire EDM and laser cutting.

Question 11

Can you continue from our existing design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build on existing models, including data from other CAD systems. With imported geometry we check data quality first and get in touch when surfaces or tolerances are not clear.

Question 12

Do you offer reverse engineering from a sample?

Accepted Answer

When a part or tool only exists physically, we work from measurement data, manual measurements or scan data and derive a clean 3D model with drawings. This is often the starting point when old tools are replaced or spare parts are remade.

Question 13

Do you assess feasibility before starting the design?

Accepted Answer

That is usually the first step. We look at forming degrees, radii, material flow, tolerance situation and the planned manufacturing steps, and say openly where it becomes critical. Sometimes a small change to the part is cheaper than a complex tool.

Question 14

Do you produce manufacturing drawings and bills of materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, drawing derivation is part of the work: dimensioned single-part and assembly drawings, tolerances, material and surface specifications, plus a bill of materials including standard parts. On request following your drawing standard and title blocks.

Question 15

Do you use standard part catalogues?

Accepted Answer

We use common standard components such as die sets, springs, guides and ejectors, and follow the supplier catalogue your toolmaker already works with. That keeps spare parts and maintenance simple.

Question 16

Do you carry out calculations or simulations?

Accepted Answer

Design-relevant calculations such as cutting force, spring force, blank size and strip width are part of the design work. We do not run extensive FEM or forming simulations ourselves, but we incorporate results if you or your toolmaker provide them.

Question 17

Which types of tools do you design?

Accepted Answer

Blanking, bending, trimming, piercing, restrike and sizing tools, fine blanking tools and progressive dies. Alongside those: clamping, welding, milling and inspection fixtures.

Question 18

How long does designing a progressive die take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the number of stations and the complexity of the part. Several weeks is realistic for a medium die, starting with the strip layout and station sequence, followed by the tool structure and drawings. We name the concrete timeframe after the first part review.

Question 19

Can you produce the strip layout separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the strip layout can be ordered on its own. Many customers use it as a basis for decisions: it shows the station sequence, material utilisation and critical forming steps before the budget for the complete tool is released.

Question 20

Which materials and sheet thicknesses do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Typically steel, stainless steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals in thin to medium sheet thicknesses. With high-strength materials or unusual thicknesses we take a closer look at springback and tool load beforehand.

Question 21

Is a progressive die worth it for small quantities?

Accepted Answer

Often not. For small series, single-operation tools or a combination of laser blanking and a bending tool are usually more economical. We compare the options roughly before a decision is made.

Question 22

What belongs to a welding or clamping fixture?

Accepted Answer

A defined support and clamping concept, accessibility for torch or tool, a look at distortion, and usability within the cycle. Pneumatic or hydraulic clamping and sensor-based position control are added when the process calls for it.

Question 23

Do you support tryout and series ramp-up?

Accepted Answer

On request, yes. Tryout reveals points that are not visible in the model, such as springback or material flow. We document the rework and feed it back into the design status so model and tool match.

Question 24

Do you also modify existing tools?

Accepted Answer

That is a frequent job: the part changes, the tool should stay. We check which stations or inserts are affected and design the change so that as little as possible of the base structure has to be touched.

Question 25

Do you build the tools yourselves?

Accepted Answer

No, we design them. Manufacturing is done by your toolmaker or a partner workshop. We hand over data that lets production start without follow-up questions, and stay available while the tool is being built.

Question 26

What kind of automation do you design?

Accepted Answer

Manageable solutions around existing processes: handling and part manipulation, feeding units, transfer stations, assembly and inspection fixtures with pneumatic or electric drives. Large plant projects are outside our scope.

Question 27

Can automation be integrated into an existing line?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is the normal case. We record the interfaces on site, check installation space, cycle time and accessibility, and design so that the existing process needs as little rebuilding as possible.

Question 28

Do you handle controls and programming?

Accepted Answer

Control engineering is not part of our work. We define the mechanical interfaces, sensor positions and actuators and feed that to your controls partner or maintenance team so mechanics and controls fit together.

Question 29

How do you address occupational safety?

Accepted Answer

Safety distances, pinch points, maintenance access and emergency stop operation are part of the design. The formal CE assessment and documentation of the complete line stays with the manufacturer or operator; we supply the design input for it.

Question 30

From what quantity does automation pay off?

Accepted Answer

Cycle time, ergonomics and quality risk matter more than quantity. When parts are positioned manually again and again and mistakes happen in the process, even a small feeding or positioning solution often pays for itself.

Question 31

How does a process optimisation start?

Accepted Answer

With a visit to the process. We observe the sequence, talk to operators and maintenance, and look at figures and defect patterns. The result is a list of measures, prioritised by effect and effort.

Question 32

Do you take on technical project management?

Accepted Answer

Yes, towards suppliers as well. We coordinate toolmaking, purchasing and production and make sure technical decisions come together in one place and are documented.

Question 33

Can you take over a running project?

Accepted Answer

That happens regularly, for instance when a colleague is unavailable or capacity is short. We work into the existing status, name gaps in data or documentation and carry the project on from there.

Question 34

Do you support relocations of tools or equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. That includes taking stock, assessing tool condition and documentation, adapting to the new press or line and supporting the restart.

Question 35

Do you help temporarily with capacity bottlenecks?

Accepted Answer

Working with your team for a limited period is possible, for example during a ramp-up or to cover holidays and illness. It is often the fastest route without committing to permanent headcount.

Question 36

How do you invoice?

Accepted Answer

Time and material at an agreed hourly rate, or fixed price. Clearly defined packages such as a strip layout or a fixture suit a fixed price; open development tasks suit time and material with an agreed cap.

Question 37

Is there a minimum project size?

Accepted Answer

No. A single fixture, a set of drawings or a feasibility review is a perfectly sensible job. Many long-running collaborations started exactly like that.

Question 38

Are framework agreements possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for recurring design work a framework agreement with fixed conditions is common. Individual jobs are then released with a short approval instead of a new negotiation each time.

Question 39

Do you work remotely or on site?

Accepted Answer

Design work is location-independent, and reviews run via video calls and shared models. For process recording, tryout and ramp-up we come on site, because those points cannot be judged properly from a distance.

Question 40

How are travel costs handled?

Accepted Answer

On-site visits are agreed in advance, and travel time and costs are shown in the quotation. We bundle appointments so that as few trips as possible are needed.

Question 41

Which countries do you work in?

Accepted Answer

We work for customers in German-speaking countries and elsewhere in Europe. Project languages are German and English; drawings and documentation are delivered in the language your production uses.

Question 42

Do you sign a non-disclosure agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, usually before the first exchange of data. Your NDA template is welcome. Even without a signed agreement we treat enquiries and documents as confidential.

Question 43

How do I send large CAD files securely?

Accepted Answer

You can upload files directly through the contact form, for example STEP, DXF or ZIP archives. Uploads go into non-public storage that only we can access. Alternatively we use your customer or supplier portal.

Question 44

Who owns the design data in the end?

Accepted Answer

You do. Once the job is paid, the rights of use for the models and drawings created pass to you, including native Creo data where that is agreed.

Question 45

How long is project data kept?

Accepted Answer

We keep project data for the duration of the project and a reasonable period afterwards so questions and follow-up jobs can be handled. On request we delete data earlier and confirm the deletion.

Question 46

Are reference projects published without approval?

Accepted Answer

No. Projects shown on this website are anonymised or explicitly approved. Customer names, part designations and sensitive details stay out unless something else is agreed.

Question 47

How do you handle personal data from the form?

Accepted Answer

We process only the details you enter in the form and use them solely to handle your enquiry. The privacy policy sets out the details.

Frequently asked questions about design, tooling and working together

Working together & process

Design & engineering

Tools & fixtures

Automation & special machines

Process optimisation & project management

Cost, contracts & engagement models

Data, confidentiality & rights

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