Tool-Temp AG is expanding: On 1 December, the Swiss specialist and manufacturer of temperature control and cooling units will open a new branch in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Swiss company is thus responding to the growing global demand for its products and developments.

Tool-Temp AG is further expanding its business activities and strengthening its international presence in the Middle East and Africa. All customers and interested parties in these regions will be supported from there. Manufacturing companies from a wide range of industries will have access to the Swiss manufacturer’s first-class temperature control and cooling equipment. However, the production of the units for the whole world remains at the headquarters of Tool-Temp AG Sulgen, from where the units are delivered to all branches and from there to the end users. This ensures that all products are designed and built to the same high Swiss quality standards.

Saad Ahsan is responsible for the new Tool-Temp MEA branch. With many years of experience in a well-known international engineering and technology group, as Technical Sales Advisor MEA he has extensive knowledge in business strategy, business development, sales excellence, sales management, aftermarket sales and leadership. “We are very excited about the expansion of the Tool-Temp family. The manufacturing industry in the Arab region is growing and having a branch in the heart of this region was a logical step for us,” said Marco Pellegrino, Chief Sales Officer of Tool-Temp AG. “The new location will not only allow us to reach more customers and prospects, it will also enable us to provide our existing customers with even more individual and personalised support and further improve our response times.”

The 28th Fakuma, International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing, successfully took place from 17 to 21 October 2023. With 1,636 exhibitors, the trade fair was a fully booked celebration of plastics.  A full house, satisfied exhibitors and 39,343 enthusiastic trade visitors made Friedrichshafen the center of the plastics industry – at least for these five days.

Tool-Temp AG was pleased to present the new MATIC range of temperature control units, designed to meet all the requirements of a digitally networked production environment. The interest in this innovation “made by Tool-Temp” was enormous, because also in the plastics industry, optimal temperature control and even temperature distribution throughout the entire processing process play a decisive role. The MATIC product line is equipped with the new IRIS controller developed by Tool-Temp and is modularly expandable.

During the five days of the fair, valuable new contacts were made and existing relationships were maintained once more. The successful participation at the fair has proved that personal contact is the basis for good cooperation, especially when it comes to successfully implementing projects together! “The extremely positive response of the trade fair visitors once again exceeded our expectations. The high number of stand visitors confirms the great interest in our complete temperature control solutions in the industry as well as in our new MATIC temperature control units which take production processes to the next level”, says Marco Pellegrino, CSO of Tool-Temp. ” Industry 4.0 is another important step into the future of temperature control processes and the expansion of our product range for our customers. We are grateful for the valuable discussions and the lively exchange of experiences,” concludes Pellegrino.

With the MATIC and CLASSIC series, the Swiss company Tool-Temp AG is modernising its existing range of temperature controllers in terms of function and design. With the launch of the new MATIC series, Sulgen-based Tool-Temp AG responds to Industry 4.0, which means that there are “almost” no limits to temperature control. The CLASSIC series, the proven classic in a new design, is characterised by its durability and is the ideal solution when the temperature control unit’s range of tasks is limited to its core function, the control of the circulating medium.

The new temperature control units of the MATIC series meet all the requirements of production environments leveraging industrial networks. The entire MATIC product line is equipped with the new IRIS controller developed by Tool-Temp. It offers a broad range of connectivity features and is modularly expandable. The IRIS controller covers the timetested serial and digital/analogue interfaces, classical fieldbus protocols, as well as the current state-of-the-art-industrial ethernet (Profinet, EtherNet/IP).

The MATIC temperature control units focus on energy efficiency. The energy-saving eco mode leverages the latest-generation variable-frequency drive installed in every MATIC unit. Intelligent and predictive temperature control prevents unnecessary energy expenses for heating and cooling. All the while the proven immersed heaters offer a 100% conversion efficiency. In short, MATIC reduces both the energy consumption of the temperature control processes and downtimes to a minimum.

Chief Operating Officer, Serge Koller, is convinced of the MATIC line of units and explains: “Users can look forward to a new, self-developed controller with an easy-to-use touchscreen display and a more modern design. The IRIS controller continuously informs, reports and optimises the operation of the temperature control unit. In addition, the cable pull can be attached to either the front or the rear of the unit, which offers the user advantages in operation. In future, the customer will also be able to decide on the protection class – IP44 or IP54 – of the housing. Last but not least, the customer can save energy and money thanks to the newly integrated frequency converter.”

Tool-Temps temperature control units have been used successfully in a wide range of industries for 50 years. Moulds and tools can be brought to the required temperature with temperature control units. In addition, they ensure a stable heat balance throughout the entire production process, which delays premature damage to moulds or tools and thus significantly increases service life. The temperature control units from Tool-Temp combine economic thinking, permanent and intelligent monitoring with troubleshooting as well as predictive and adapted control during the entire temperature control process.

Tool-Temp AG spoke with Ardit Kamberi, Technical Manager of Stüdli Plast AG, about the temperature control of injection moulds, the challenges in the production process and the development of the plastics industry.

Stüdli Plast AG, based in Romanshorn, Switzerland, has been supporting industrial customers in the realisation of technically demanding innovations in various industries since its foundation in 1954. Decades of tradition and the expertise gained from a wide range of projects make Stüdli Plast an innovative and efficient partner for all needs relating to plastic injection moulding. With its subsidiary Grischa Plast AG, Stüdli Plast has built up an even stronger sales network, which offers customers considerable advantages. The temperature control units of Tool-Temp AG are used throughout the production of plastic parts. A large number of units are already in daily use.

For many years Tool-Temp AG can count the company Stüdli Plast AG among its valued customers. Four TT-142 N pressurised water units are in daily use and recently a TT-54’500 cooling unit with a cooling capacity of 54 kW was put into operation.

1. What exactly is tempered at Stüdli Plast?

Injection moulded plastic parts weighing 3 – 3000 grams are tempered. The temperature range to be covered is between 140 °C and 220 °C. In addition to the heating function, cooling also plays a decisive role so that a constant temperature of 10 °C can be supplied to the production process and maintained. This is achieved with the Tool-Temp cooling unit TT-54’500.

2. What is the challenge of producing plastic parts?

Customer requirements are becoming increasingly greater. In addition to function, appearance is becoming more and more important. Producing a finished product from the granulate that meets the customer’s specifications is a major challenge. This requires reliable functioning of the peripherals, such as temperature control units. Only then can the narrow process windows be adhered to.

3. How has the plastics industry developed since your company was founded in 1954?

The plastics industry, like many other industries, has become much faster moving due to globalisation. Only a few weeks are needed from the 3D drawing to the finished product. The digital tools enable an almost perfect visualisation of the problems that could occur in the real process. In this way, these problems can already be counteracted in mould making. In recent years, the sustainability of the use of resources has developed significantly.

4. How do Tool-Temp units simplify your production process?

Due to the integrated controller and the strong pump power, the Tool-Temp units are easy to operate, reliable and very robust. This guarantees us a safer production of the products.

5. We are very grateful for our long-standing good business relationship. What brought you to Tool-Temp years ago?

The flexible and targeted cooperation led us to Tool-Temp. In addition, Tool-Temp is located close to Stüdli Plast. Tool-Temp has always been a high-performance partner for Stüdli Plast, even in situations where everything must be done quickly.

2’200 companies from 56 countries presented their products and innovations in the Düsseldorf exhibition halls from 12 to 16 June. 63’300 trade visitors from all over the world attended the world’s most important trade fair for foundry technology. Tool-Temp AG took the opportunity to present its new MATIC line of temperature control equipment, which covers all the requirements of a production environment with digital networking. A large number of visitors were interested in this innovation, as optimal temperature control and uniform temperature distribution during the entire process are crucial in die casting.

In addition to the precise temperature control, the Tool-Temp AG temperature control units will impress their future owners with other advantages such as the long-life magnetically coupled pump developed in-house, the precise temperature measurement at the mould and the clear digital flow measurement and pressure display on the unit. The robust industrial design, which can easily withstand the harsh everyday conditions of die casting, also guarantees the customer a long service life.

At the Tool-Temp stand, visitors were able to see for themselves the capabilities of the temperature control units and take a close look at the exhibits. Jasmine Koller, Managing Director of Tool-Temp AG, explains: “We are very satisfied with the outcome of the event as well as the positive customer feedback and the high number of visitors to the stand confirms the lively interest in complete temperature control solutions in the foundry industry. Our temperature control unit portfolio was very well received by the trade visitors. Especially the new MATIC temperature control unit line with the new IRIS controller was of great interest.”

During the five days of the show, very good new contacts were made and existing customer relationships were cultivated.  “We are grateful for the many valuable discussions and the lively exchange of experiences. The extremely positive response from visitors exceeded our expectations and encourages us to continue investing in our smart and intelligent temperature control solutions for production plants, which are perfectly tailored to our customers’ requirements,” concludes Jasmine Koller.

Tool-Temp AG travelled to Portals Nous on the Balearic Island of Mallorca and welcomed its international branches to talk about Tool-Temp innovations, strategies, markets, applications coming onto the market and to share experiences. The conference was followed by a celebration of Tool-Temp’s 50th anniversary.

Participants from the Czech Republic, Holland, Singapore, England, Poland, Turkey, Germany and Switzerland arrived in Mallorca with enthusiasm and commitment. Interesting presentations were given on strategies, innovations and developments, as well as on the different application areas, and the branches shared their experiences in their markets.

During two intensive days, interesting information was exchanged as well lively discussions and comparisons were made. Contacts were deepened and forged, and the opportunity for further synergy was created. “Both days were packed with valuable information, interesting discussions and great presentations. We are looking forward to the promising time ahead. In particular, we are looking forward to enriching the Swiss and international markets with the new and intelligent MATIC line of temperature control units, which cover all the needs of a production environment with digital networking,” says Jasmine Koller, Managing Director.

Tool-Temp AG spoke with Eugen Vigini, Managing Director, and Luis Gil, Foundry Manager, about the temperature control of casting tools. The challenges in the production process and developments in the industry were also discussed.

Sidrag AG is known as an experienced supplier for small and medium series in Switzerland. Based in Baar, Switzerland, they have been successfully producing die-cast components made of aluminum, magnesium and zinc alloys from a single source for many years. In 1998, the range was expanded to include the multifaceted material magnesium. Sidrag AG was honoured with the Innovation Award by the Canton of Zug for this successful pioneering achievement. Sidrag AG is characterised by outstanding quality, flexibility, short response times and just-in-time deliveries. In addition, the company takes care of the entire implementation of the value chain for the components in question.

The experienced supplier Sidrag AG has been one of Tool-Temp’s valued customers for more than 25 years. Over 13 temperature control units are in daily use in the die casting foundry. “Simplicity, trouble-free, user-friendly, the units are optimally integrated into the manufacturing process” says Luis Guil, Foundry Manager at Sidrag AG.

Tool-Temp devices optimise and stabilise the manufacturing process for Sidrag’s most important industrial sectors, such as medical technology, measurement technology, optics, the construction supply industry, sensor technology, and the electrical and electronics sectors. An extremely positive development has been seen in recent years in lightweight construction, namely optics and medical technology.

Mega- or gigacasting – the production of oversized die-cast parts – is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, especially in vehicle body construction. However, this does not affect Sidrag, which specialises in the production of small and medium series outside of the highly competitive automotive sector. The focus lies on the development and optimisation of the classic casting cell. Throughout the casting process, the equipment is networked with peripheral devices, resulting in increased automation. This substantially increases productivity, reduces costs and creates a 30 % higher degree of staff independence so that freed-up time can be used elsewhere. Another advantage of a higher degree of automation is more consistent production processes with optimised cycle times, less waste and thus a high quality standard.

Sidrag AG uses very small die-casting moulds with sizes from 200 x 200 x 200 mm to 800 x 800 x 800 mm. Parts with weights of 3 – 4 g up to max. 3 – 4 kg are produced. The units are used for tempering mould inserts, mould frames, slides and nozzles.

Sidrag’s challenge and core competence is its huge knowledge in the casting process and the processing of aluminium, zinc and magnesium. Sidrag is particularly challenged in the production of magnesium components; this is because liquid magnesium with a melt temperature of 650 °C hardens twice as fast as aluminium and therefore requires a high flow rate. In order to achieve stable temperature control and good heat dissipation, it is essential to have higher mould temperatures and the largest possible mould channels to optimise flow. Therefore, eight 2-circuit oil temperature control units from Tool-Temp are used on several die casting machines. From different device generations, the TT-370/2, TT-380/2 to TT-388/2 perform at the highest level at continuous temperatures of 240 to 280 °C. The powerful and high-quality 2-circuit units guarantee stable temperature control and trouble-free continuous operation, even under tough everyday conditions, especially in the die-casting industry. The easy application of the units and their usability are appreciated by the employees. The equipment, which is fitted with time switches at the customer’s request, in addition to various other additional features, ensures an even greater user-friendliness. Thanks to the pre-programmed, autonomous unit start, the heating process is already complete by the beginning of the shift.

Tool-Temp offers customised solutions to optimise production processes. Especially for Sidrag’s magnesium application, five TT-168 E/PHE temperature control units were modified for operation with heat transfer oils. Here, only nozzles and individual slides are cooled between 20 – 40 °C. Due to the high melting temperatures of the magnesium of 620 – 640 °C, a very high cooling capacity is required to dissipate the heat.

Tool-Temp supports its customers with comprehensive services from a single source. Sidrag AG is also very satisfied with the services, which fully meet their expectations. Particularly important are the short delivery routes, the permanent availability of spare parts with fast delivery times, as well as the fast response times with customised support and solution proposals.

“The geographical location of the company, the highly competent contacts who are available to us whenever we need them, either in the sales, service or spares departments had been instrumental in our long standing supplier customer relationship which continues to this day. The high quality materials and the experience with Tool-Temp equipment is unrivalled”, concluded Luis Gil.

Tool-Temp spoke with Jens Paul, Technical Manager of Macrocast die casting foundry, about the tempering of their moulds, the challenges in the production process and the development in foundries. 

Marcrocast GmbH is a specialized die casting foundry based in Samstagern on the upper side of Lake Zurich in Switzerland and is an affiliated company of Franz Binder GmbH & Co. El-ektrische Bauelemente KG in Neckarsulm, Germany. One of the core competences of this successful Swiss company is the production of complex zinc die cast components, mainly with mechanical CNC finishing, and specialises in the production of small components as well as small series. Macrocast is one of the renowned manufacturers for connectors with its vertical range of manufacture and produces most of the zinc die casting series for the Binder Group (65 %).

Tool-Temp AG is proud to count Macrocast among its valued customers for many years. Ten oil temperature control units are in daily use in this die casting foundry and recently a large TT-216’000 cooling unit with a nominal power capacity of 216 kW was put into operation for the entire die casting foundry. We visited Mr. Paul and asked him a few questions. 

1. What exactly is being tempered at Macrocast? 

Steel moulds weighing 120 – 180 kg are tempered. The temperature range to be covered is 90 °C for large- or thick-walled die castings, and up to 200 °C for very thin-walled die castings that require high and fast flow properties. An average of 4 parts per cycle are produced in the tool sizes used. 

2. Zinc casting is suitable for countless applications, from simple window fittings to complex electronic components and automotive components to spectacle cases. To which industry do your biggest customers belong? 

The die cast parts are mainly supplied to the electrical industry and drive technology. Brackets and fittings for doors or windows are also produced for the fastening industry. 

60 – 70 % of these die cast parts are exported and approx. 30 % are produced for Swiss customers. 

3. How has your industry and applications developed in recent years? 

Many die casting foundries are following the trend and investing in Megacasting, the joining of several components into one die cast part. It has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing process of automobiles. Since Macrocast specializes in small-series parts and produces small parts, Megacasting is not done. There are no such changes coming in the casting process for small parts. The more cavities a mould has, the greater the challenge to ensure that all castings in the same production cycle are cast in perfect and equal quality. 

However, there is a clear trend towards connectivity. Connecting the temperature control unit to the machine control system simplifies the production process significantly and is indispensable in terms of quality assurance. The temperature controller ensures that the die cast parts are produced without quality problems. 

4. In what way do Tool-Temp units simplify the production process in your die casting foundry? 

The greatest risk in the production of die cast parts is material doubling, which can occur due to cold fronts during casting (too low casting speed leads to premature solidification). Especially with thin-walled castings, material doubling is particularly visible and cannot be accepted. The solidification temperature of zinc is 387 °C and therefore, Macrocast relies on Tool-Temp oil tempering units, by controlling at high temperatures. 

Our goal is the continuous optimization of cycle times, and this is achieved by using the Tool-Temp oil temperature control units TT-248 (up to max. 200 °C), TT-288 / MP988 (up to max. 250 °C). 

5. How many hours are the Tool-Temp units in use every day? 

We use the units for 13 hours per day (at the end of the shift the units are switched off), but they can easily be used in 24/7 operation. 

6. We are very grateful for our long-standing good business relationship. What brought you to Tool-Temp years ago? 

More than 6 years ago, employees came across Tool-Temp through internet research. Since the focus was on independence, individual solutions, quick communication channels and fast availability of equipment and spare parts, it quickly became clear that Tool-Temp would become the business partner. 

7. What are your experiences with the Tool-Temp units? 

The temperature control units are very reliable, this is proven by their control accuracy. They easily withstand the rough everyday conditions in die casting. 

With very small cooling bore cross-sections, there is the difficulty of heat dissipation, and this can be easily compensated for by higher tool temperatures. Macrocast relies on the robust Tool-Temp oil temperature control units. The uncomplicated system design makes the units easy to operate. 

8. Are you satisfied with the performance of the units and the Tool-Temp service? 

We appreciate the very short reaction times and solutions from Tool-Temp-After-Sales and are pleased to confirm that we have not had any production downtimes with the use of Tool-Temp temperature control units. 

We are very satisfied with the unit’s performance, consequently, when we wanted to mod-ernize our cooling system a year ago, it was also clear to us that Tool-Temp would offer a solution tailored to our requirements. Since then, the TT-216’000 cooling unit has provided the cooling water supply for the entire die casting system and all temperature control units. 

The Swiss parent company Tool-Temp AG informs about an important mutation in the Czech subsidiary Tool-Temp CZ s.r.o., in Zubří/Czech Republic. As of February 1, 2023, Mr. Petr Čmelík will take over the operational management as the new Managing Director.

Lukáš Devera as President of the Board of Directors and current operational manager of Tool-Temp CZ s.r.o. hands over the operational management to Petr Čmelík. However, Lukáš Devera will continue to assist Mr. Petr Čmelík, as the new Managing Director, in an advisory capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Petr Čmelík has been working at Tool-Temp CZ s.r.o., in Zubří/Czech Republic for 2 years. He has 17 years of experience in plastic injection molding, blow molding and tooling and has been instrumental in the company’s success. As of February 1, 2023, he will officially take over the operational management of Tool-Temp CZ s.r.o. as Managing Director and will serve the Czech and Slovak markets with temperature control and cooling equipment.

“The company Tool-Temp AG would like to thank Lukáš Devera for his contribution to the company, especially in the establishment of the company as well as its successful development. At this point we wish Petr Čmelík a lot of success in his new position and we are looking forward to a good cooperation” says Jasmine Koller, Managing Director / CEO of Tool-Temp AG, Switzerland.

From left to right: Lukáš Devera, Marco Pellegrino, Petr Čmelík, Jasmine Koller