Faster production, better responsiveness

How Künzner saves time with HURCO

by Tobias Krist, HURCO Sales

“By the time others have finished programming, our parts are already done.”

Michael Künzner, Managing Director

At Michael Künzner Metalworking in Pittenhart, six of our machines are in use, including four 3-axis and two 5-axis machining centers. Around 95% of programming is done directly at the machine. The company makes full use of the machines’ capabilities, including AdaptiPath for trochoidal milling.

Programming directly at the machine

“This makes us much faster,” reports Managing Director Michael Künzner. At the company, they jokingly refer to the “hare and the hedgehog,” he says: “It’s a running gag here—by the time others have finished programming, our parts are already done.” Programming directly at the machine provides significant support to operators. CAD programming at a workstation would be more time-consuming, as regular customers frequently reorder parts, but almost always with variations in dimensions and specifications. Customers recognize and appreciate these efficient processes. As Michael Künzner puts it: “We are constantly proven to be faster than the competition.”

His employees work independently and organize themselves flexibly in their day-to-day operations. The machine park is structured accordingly: high-quality, flexible, and designed for a high level of in-house production depth. “There is always something in motion here”—this credo has shaped the company for years. With every investment, production continues to evolve. Recently, a VMX 84i has significantly expanded the range of parts that can be produced. Welded frames up to 2,500 mm in length along the X-axis can now be machined. At the same time, capacity is deliberately kept available to handle short-notice orders.

The company manufactures, among other things, for automation specialists, including components for palletizing systems, grippers, and packaging machines. 5-axis machining is frequently required. Materials processed include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastics—often within H7 and H6 tolerances, as well as in the hundredth-millimeter range. HURCO machines ensure quality and reliable delivery times.

Practical understanding makes the difference

For Michael Künzner, the difference is also evident in service. “When it matters, there is always someone available who helps or gets help underway.” This understanding of the requirements in contract manufacturing is what provides the decisive added value for him. The combination of robust hardware and intuitive software ensures that everyday production demands are met reliably. In practice, the company uses almost all machine functions. “We do 95% of our programming at the machine. That makes us much faster,” says Künzner. Features such as “AdaptiPath” further improve process stability and significantly extend tool life.

Der Kurs für die Zukunft ist klar: Automatisierung und weitere 5-Achs-Kapazitäten stehen im Fokus. The course for the future is clear: automation and additional 5-axis capacity are key focus areas. Flexibility remains crucial. Because that is exactly what matters in contract manufacturing—now more than ever. “Whether it’s application engineering, service, or sales, at HURCO they understand what contract manufacturers like us deal with and how we operate. They know the needs of SMEs precisely,” he concludes.

Michael Künzner Metallverarbeitung