Innovations in Sheet Metal and Dished End Cutting
Bosch Industriekessel GmbH, part of Bosch Thermotechnik GmbH, with over 120,000 installed boiler systems worldwide, selected MicroStep technology for metal cutting at its Gunzenhausen site. Since 2015, the company has been using two 3D plasma cutting machines, operating in two- and three-shift systems. One of the machines is an MG series with a double gantry, capable of processing both sheet metal and dished ends. The other, a CombiCut, is dedicated solely to sheet metal cutting. These machines handle steel thicknesses from 8 to 45 mm, producing unique and small-series parts. Bosch made the decision after extensive tests and development work to meet tight tolerances for hole and bevel cutting. The experience gained from a similar installation in Russia further solidified the choice of MicroStep, ensuring high precision and improved efficiency.
Automated Dished End Processing for Increased Quality and Efficiency
The new machines have been in continuous operation since their installation, providing significant benefits, particularly in dished end processing. Previously, dished ends were supplied semi-finished and required extensive manual finishing, a time-consuming process that made achieving the required precision challenging. With the new systems, holes and bevels are applied automatically, streamlining production and improving accuracy. This automation has eliminated manual interventions, reducing both time and the potential for errors. “It’s a great leap in quality, a whole new world,” says Christian Loschmidt, head of technical planning at Bosch. The combination of sheet metal and dished end cutting on one machine has greatly simplified workflows and allowed Bosch to meet high-quality standards while increasing production efficiency.
Proven Precision and Reliability in MicroStep Technology
The decision to choose MicroStep technology was based on the company’s previous positive experience with the brand and its ability to meet stringent precision requirements. Bosch’s plants in Russia had already used MicroStep’s MG series plasma cutting machine, which delivered excellent results. The machines at the Gunzenhausen site were selected after rigorous testing, with MicroStep adjusting their technology to meet Bosch’s precise specifications for hole and bevel cutting. These developments were essential for Bosch, which regularly requires complex cuts for special parts, including ignitions and unique geometries. With these new machines, Bosch now enjoys enhanced cutting speeds, high precision, and reduced production time, making MicroStep the ideal partner for their cutting needs.
