06.07.2025
Fresh Insights!
How does the Multigrind® Radical tool grinding machine stand the test? We asked! What do the experts at Kristen + Görmann KG, Silmax S.p.A., Akko Makina, mimatic GmbH, and Utilis AG think of their Radical? We met, asked questions, and gained fascinating insights into their experience with the Multigrind® Radical. On the following pages, you'll find first-hand reports from five leading companies in the tool grinding industry. A fresh perspective well worth reading!
The Multigrind® Radical user experience: Fresh Insights
Choosing a Multigrind® Radical is always a step into the future of tool grinding. Beyond its many immediate advantages, it often marks a shift from familiar workflows to a new era of automation. It’s a step forward on the path to fully automated manufacturing. We’re excited to exchange insights with five top-profile tool grinding experts. Join us for the Multigrind® Radical user experience!
Kristen + Görmann KG: “We were looking for a way to expand production capacity to 2–3 shifts per day, ensuring greater flexibility, especially in adapting to order volumes. To address the growing shortage of skilled workers, we rely on automation – so the performance of the Nachi robot was a key focus.”
mimatic GmbH: “Large batch sizes are the focus of our production. We were impressed by the efficient four-position grinding wheel changer. Workpiece changeover is also a crucial factor at these volumes. The Multigrind® Radical’s minimal chip-to-chip time clearly demonstrates its efficiency. Our goal for the future is a three-shift operation – 24 hours a day, five days a week, plus any production running into the weekend is a welcome bonus. Mimatic operates on calloff orders, where a competitive unit price is key. The Radical simply needs to run reliably and produce consistently.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “We recognized and correctly assessed the potential of Haas Schleifmaschinen. Not only with the Multigrind ® Radical but also with the Multigrind® CA. The flexibility of the Multigrind® Horizon software is important for our production. 50% of the production is catalog products, and 50% is custom tools. This also includes even the smallest modifications in geometry, length, etc. We specifically searched for a fully automated tool grinding machine that could produce more than just a few workpieces and handle more than one process. With the Multigrind® Radical, we can produce 80% of our catalog.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “The Smart Factory is a key aspect for us. With the Multigrind® Radical, we are taking an early step into this manufacturing strategy – an essential move to stay prepared for the future.”
Akko Makina: “The speed! For Minicut cutting tools, the Multigrind® Radical is 50% faster. In terms of our entire portfolio, it’s about 20%. What stands out are the structurally superior quick changes of the tool and grinding wheel. Very short path to the workpiece, short travel paths, compact and fast. The entire design and automation are very well thought out. It was a perfect fit.”
Utilis AG: “There was a need to expand our machinery fleet. We already have two Multigrind® AF, one Multigrind® CA, and three Multigrind® CU machines, and adding another Multigrind® was the next logical step. The decision to go for a Multigrind® Radical came late, but it’s been in operation since December 2024. The basic concept is familiar to us from the other Multigrind® grinding machines, but for a true tool grinder, it’s something new. The impressive performance exceeded our expectations. The minimal downtime was a key factor for us. While we haven’t fully tapped into the machine’s potential yet, we’re working on it.”
mimatic GmbH: “At Mimatic, multi-tooth thread inserts are ground. Previously, this involved multiple machining steps to produce the circumference, chip surface, and profile. Initially, it was done on three machines, and more recently on two machines with an extended workbench. This meant re-clamping thousands of plates, which not only resulted in quality issues but also caused scheduling difficulties and, as a consequence, delivery delays. On top of that, human error became a factor. Now, the entire manufacturing process runs on the Radical.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “A wonderful ‘Aha moment’ in the first few months: We received a request for a highly complex tool. Without the Radical and the support from Adelbert Haas, we would have had to decline it. This would have been unimaginable with our existing machinery.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “The output is remarkable. Why? The fast tool change makes a significant difference with our large quantities. With identical spindle speed and feed rate values, the Multigrind® Radical produces more tools in the same amount of time. Together with the 10% time savings, this means for us: You need 9 Radicals instead of 10 other machines.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “The all-in-one machine convinced us. Our customers’ orders are becoming increasingly smaller and more detailed. Currently, Kristen + Görmann manufactures turning inserts, milling inserts, and special cutting tools. Now, we can offer our customers rotary tools, skiving tools, shaft tools, and indexable inserts. This flexibility convinced us.”
Akko Makina: “Our reality today is clearly Industry 4.0 manufacturing. Production runs 24 hours a day. One day shift with a machine operator, and the other two shifts are definitely covered without personnel. What we are still missing are a few pallets with diameters of 3 and 4, otherwise, we would have let the Multigrind® Radical run through the weekend as well.”
Utilis AG: “The chip-to-chip calculation is something for our controllers. We evaluate the technical performance of our entire production cluster. The Multigrind® Radical lives up to its name. It is radically conceived and different from all others. A tool grinding machine that did not base its development on the competition. That aligns perfectly with Utilis.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “Especially the SwissChuck is a big improvement! The reduced setup times are outstanding. You don’t have to change the gripper fingers, the maintenance effort is low, and we produce with a roundness accuracy of less than 5 μ. That’s Radical.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “Everything in one clamping. Previously, grinding was done on two machines. The quality and repeatability are now many times better. As more measuring machines are being used in our customers’ incoming goods inspections, this has led to an increase in complaints. The more precise Multigrind® Radical helps to address this issue.”
mimatic GmbH: “We now have much better control over the tight tolerances of the produced inserts. Special inserts, in particular, come with high complexity. The ability to manufacture an entire tool on just one machine is a gamechanger for Mimatic. As for setup times, we’ve saved 60-70% compared to the previous process. This is especially noticeable in our production method, where we work with large batch sizes – it has a very positive impact.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “Unmanned production offers enormous advantages. We can calculate more accurately and have shorter delivery times. A current example: we are now about 50% faster in step grinding.”
Akko Makina: “We have two Multigrind® AF and two Multigrind® CU in stock, and now the first Multigrind® Radical. As for precision, it’s still too early to make a statement because we haven’t produced more than 500 parts on the Multigrind® Radical yet. On the other hand, I’m not concerned about precision because all Multigrind® machines are very precise.”
Utilis AG: “We’ve been automating in three shifts for 20 years and have full control over our processes, including quality and precision. For us, the Multigrind® Radical is more of a valuable addition. Indeed, a highly complex geometry can be produced better on a Multigrind® Radical. For Utilis, another aspect is crucial: a lot of tool grinding machine in around 4 square meters. Space is expensive in Switzerland, and with the Multigrind® Radical, we optimize our space requirements. Replacing another machine with two Multigrind® Radicals is a compelling argument.”
Utilis AG: “Something completely different: The idea and possibility of remote control is particularly interesting for us. Utilis currently manufactures 100% in Switzerland. The new machine certainly makes internal support much easier for us. Now, we can log in from any workstation in seconds, check the current status, and retrieve all relevant data. This is made possible with the Multigrind® Radical.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “People don’t like change, but as an entrepreneur, I absolutely cannot close myself off to progress. We have many machines with different processing focuses and different software in the shop. A new machine always means a learning curve for the machine operators. Multigrind® Horizon wasn’t entirely easy for us. Our team is used to working with simple software. The time investment was high at the beginning, but step by step, everything became more logical. The effort is worth it and is rewarded with flexibility. Multigrind® Styx was a great help when learning Horizon, but also in production overall. The parameterization works, and files can be linked. This is very helpful, especially for new projects. It means the machine operator has to think less.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “Programming is often associated with a certain level of uncertainty. The Multigrind® Horizon software was initially a completely new world for us. The Multigrind® Styx simulation gave us the necessary confidence. This Styx 1:1 output shows exactly what the machine needs.”
mimatic GmbH: “The thermal expansion of the Multigrind® Radical is minimal – only 1 to 2 hundredths on the first 1 or 2 inserts. The machine operator quickly gets a feel for this adjustment as an experiential value and can reliably counteract it. Unlike conventional manufacturing, the results with the Multigrind® Radical were truly surprising. The results are very precise. Looking at the overall process, everything fits together: complete machining, oscillation of the linear axes, chip time, less measuring time, and dimensional improvements. The result: the work has become easier.”
Akko Makina: “We have a young team in our company. On average, they are around 30 years old and adapted to the Multigrind® Radical very quickly. The machine is very well received, and the team enjoys working with it. We first saw the Radical in 2023 at the Intec in Leipzig, but at that time, we decided on another Multigrind® CU. Our first impression of the Multigrind® Radical? A low-cost machine, but we were very mistaken. Now, with the Multigrind® Radical in production, we realize it is easy to operate, compact, and a real technological giant packed into a small cube.”
Utilis AG: “The speed, the axis movement, and the robot’s performance – the way the machine accelerates at this speed is not trivial. The clarity and ergonomics, with the large door opening, are also very impressive. We trained two employees ourselves; there’s enough expertise at Utilis, and the onboarding process went relatively quickly. We prefer to program complex requirements ourselves, as it gives us 100% control. That’s why we typically don’t use parameter programming. Multigrind® Styx is only used in rare cases when an unexpected error in the micron range is detected. At Utilis, we know exactly what’s going on. Our goal is always self-analysis. Whenever possible, we aim to acquire the know-how ourselves.”
Kristen + Görmann KG: “On the topic of industrial PCs: Scrapping entire machines due to parts availability is not uncommon. Hard drives from 10 years ago are practically unaffordable today. Haas has perfectly solved this issue with the cloud control system on the Radical, without any risk. Additionally, there is always a backup on a server farm. With the Multigrind® Radical, you no longer have to worry about this.”
mimatic GmbH: “We are big fans of expanding mandrel clamping systems! The flexibility of the clamping systems is impressive and perfect for the demands of our production with large batch sizes.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “The first thing that stood out positively for us: the precise SwissChuck clamping device, the speed of the tool changer, and the smart automation with the Nachi robot. Until now, there has been a lot of non-productive time. With the Multigrind® Radical, this is significantly lower compared to similar machines. This is helpful, as the workpieces per batch are always decreasing.”
Akko Makina: “The entire team at Adelbert Haas is simply excellent. The combination of technology, support, and technical service is absolutely professional. It starts with the consultation from Kenan and ends with Dirk Wember’s vision of future manufacturing. From a technical standpoint, Adelbert Haas offers everything we need at Akko Makina. This expertise is definitely not something you can get in China. Haas remains Haas, and with the Multigrind® Radical, it now also brings a new vision for the future of tool grinding.”
Utilis AG: “We have a location advantage. When things get really urgent, we hop in the car and are in Trossingen within an hour. Proximity is great, but even otherwise, the response times are now the fastest in the industry. The Multigrind® Customer Care team is doing an excellent job. The training sessions and in-house seminars are well attended by us, and GrindDate and GrindDialog are excellent sources of information for future developments. Just recently, we were presented with the brand-new Multigrind® Horizon V. With its clear folder structure, Horizon V is a real benefit for us.”
Utilis AG: “That reminds me of another ‘Aha moment’: The grinding situation on the Multigrind® Radical has continuously improved thanks to ongoing software development. We are now working with a different clamping setup and a newly developed double expanding mandrel. This is definitely not standard. The optimizations we proposed are currently being implemented. As a customer, you can immediately feel that the desire for mutual success is there.”
Is your production still competitive in the future—or is there far more potential waiting to be unlocked? Our Productivity Calculator reveals the truth! Simply select a reference workpiece to reflect your current production setup, then enter your key production data. Compare your current performance with the output of the Multigrind® Radical.
Conclusion: The Multigrind® Radical has arrived in the market
How the Multigrind® Radical proves itself in various production environments is evident not only in the positive feedback from our current customers but also in the concrete results that companies have achieved through the application of this innovative technology. The final customer conclusions and successes speak for themselves.
Kristen + Görmann KG: “The performance of the machine and the range it offers are not immediately apparent in the Multigrind® Radical. It’s small and compact, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The changeover times are extremely fast, even independent of the clamping system. Radical: The name says it all. Adelbert Haas is truly in tune with the times. The Multigrind® Radical was born from a vision, and you can tell right away.”
Silmax S.p.A.: “The Multigrind® Radical is a very good machine that lives up to its name. Great stability, no vibrations. After we tested the first machine, the anticipation for the next Multigrind® Radical was high. But it’s not just the machine that’s good. The strength lies in the team. It is Adelbert Haas as a partner who, together with us, unlocks the potential and actively engages in dialog to take in ideas and improvement suggestions.”
mimatic GmbH: “The relationship with Adelbert Haas: One point of contact for automation and no additional coordination issues with external automation providers. Everything from a single source is important to us. This also applies to service: short communication channels, especially when it comes to spare parts and service visits.”
Akko Makina: “The Multigrind® Radical is 100% Radical. In Turkey, we would call it Çevik. This means quick, nimble, swift, or in one word, agile. And agility is the new demand for entrepreneurs like us who want to succeed in the world. Those who do not act flexibly, quickly, and adaptively will not survive in our industry. In this regard, Akko Makina and the Multigrind® Radical go well together.”
Utilis AG: “When Utilis decides on a machine concept, the software and ease of use are the top priorities. Machine construction can be done by others, but the seamless development of software and machine is the key benefit with Adelbert Haas. That’s why our IT department is involved in the decision, and they are very happy with the Multigrind® Radical. The security aspect and the entire calculation process on our internal server are a big advantage. From a security perspective, a machine running on Microsoft XP is challenging. A server is much easier to protect. The update process is also running smoothly without any issues. The cloud is the future. While we are still hosting locally, the transition is underway. The entire concept of the Multigrind® Radical has been embraced at Utilis.”
Not only the machine performance, but also the partnership with Adelbert Haas has convinced our customers. Their experiences show how important customized solutions and active dialog are for success in production.
Carina Kabisreiter: Dear Radical partners, many thanks for your practical feedback. We at Adelbert Haas owe much to our customers. Your qualified responses and your commitment have always been an inspiration and a challenge to explore new paths. Thank you for accompanying us on this journey.
Team Radical: The company profiles.
Akko Makina, Selçuklu/Konya, Turkey
Turning tools. Threading tools. Grooving tools. Drilling tools. Milling tools. Special tools. An annual production capacity of 750,000 tools, 200,000 profile inserts, and more than 100,000 standard product types. Akko Makina is definitely a convincing example of the concept of Smart Production. With the clear goal of transforming experience, knowledge, changes, and development into unrivaled industrial solutions, and becoming the only choice in the world for customers who want to achieve added value in their metalworking production. For our questions, Vice General Manager Ömer Karakus took the time.
Kristen + Görmann KG, Renchen, Germany
Kristen + Görmann KG has been producing high-precision tool solutions for national and international customers from a wide range of industries for over 50 years. The focus is clearly on enabling customers to efficiently and cost-effectively produce customized tools. Kristen + Görmann’s expertise is clearly reflected in their range of services. In addition to technical tool design, their offering also includes process analysis to optimize existing applications, as well as extensive service offerings, positioning them as a technological leader in machining solutions. For our questions, Managing Director John Görmann, Daniel Lauffenburger from Production Management, and Frank Müller from Project Management took the time to speak with us.
mimatic GmbH, Betzigau, Germany
The production of standard and special tools for the automotive, mechanical engineering, aerospace, and woodworking industries is the core competence of mimatic GmbH. The globally operating medium-sized manufacturing company based in Allgäu stands for the highest quality and integrated system solutions in chip removal manufacturing. Tools from mimatic are used worldwide for the production of large series, enabling complete machining of these parts without the need for multiple clamping of complex workpieces. For mimatic, Mr. Richard Simion from CAD/CAM programming, Mr. Gerhard Walk from the hard metal grinding department, and Mr. Michael Weixler from the machining tools division took the time to answer our questions.
Silmax S.p.A., Lanzo Torinese, Italy
The Silmax S.p.A. group, headquartered in Lanzo Torinese, 6 production sites worldwide, produces a wide range of standard and special tools in solid carbide and high-speed steel for machining metals and light alloys, including roughing, semi-finishing and finishing, in its own production facilities. The more than 2000 tools produced each year, of the highest quality, make this Italian global player the choice of more than 2,000 customers. For these customers, Silmax working on reducing production times, tool life, machining costs, and improving process efficiency. Francesco Contis, the Production Manager at Silmax, took the time for us.
Utilis AG, Müllheim, Switzerland
Since November 9, 1915, Utilis AG has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing high-quality and precise cutting tools, particularly for micromechanics, watchmaking, and medical technology. The medium-sized Swiss family business has made a name for itself as a leading partner in standardized precision tools and complex custommade solutions. Department head Jan Herzog, who has been manufacturing on
Multigrind® machines for 10 years, took the time to answer all of our questions about the Multigrind® Radical.
The author
Carina Kabisreiter
Carina Kabisreiter is active in the marketing and communications department at Adelbert Haas.
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