Cost pressure, shorter lead times and growing product variation are part of daily life for many manufacturers. Yet the bottleneck is not always the machine. It often lies in production engineering. CNC programmers spend valuable time searching for similar projects, adapting strategies and transferring code, while proven knowledge remains buried in historical CAM projects and in the minds of individual specialists. Manukai unlocks this knowledge for CNC programming, fully onpremise.

New parts, small batches and variants increase programming effort. For components with similar geometries, programmers must locate a suitable reference, assess it and adapt it to the new part. If none is found, programming often starts from scratch. “An Italian manufacturer described the situation to us like this. When a new part comes in, no one can say for sure whether the company has machined something similar before. If the programmer remembers a suitable project, it can be adapted in two to six hours. Without that reference, programming takes days, or even weeks for complex parts,” says Pascal Weber, CEO of Manukai.

What That Costs
The question of how much this actually costs was examined in a master’s thesis at ETH Zurich, supported by Manukai. It looked at how much of a part’s cost sits in CNC programming and how much of it automation can remove. Automating the repetitive parts of programming lowers production cost by around 10 to 20 percent today. Extended further over time, roughly 30 percent is realistic.

Based on Proven Production Data
The software analyses a company’s manufacturing history, identifies similar parts and machining features, and finds proven CAM operations to adapt them to the current geometry. Nothing is generated from scratch. Every recommendation comes from the real production data, meaning the machines, tools, materials, tolerance requirements
and completed orders that already exist in the shop.

Recommendations stay traceable, because they rest on strategies that have already worked in that specific company. Programmers remain in control. They review, refine and approve every operation.

Optimise First, Then Automate
“Automation should not simply repeat existing workflows faster,” Weber says. “Otherwise, you risk automating unnecessary loops, errors or instabilities. First, strategies and parameters must be analysed and refined. Only then does automation repeat the right processes.”

Secure, Scalable Knowledge
Everything runs on premise, inside the manufacturer’s own IT infrastructure. The know-how stays in the company and is not transferred to an external cloud. The models behind it are Manukai’s own, developed for geometry and machining physics, and they are not trained on customer data. Over time, proven machining experience becomes a growing knowledge base. With every variant processed, validated solutions become available for future projects and across teams. Dependence on individual key people drops, and new programmers get productive sooner. Standardised strategies also make it possible to run fewer tool and fixture variants and to shorten throughput times.

Manukai works as an add-in to the CAM system a shop already runs, including Mastercam, TopSolid, Siemens NX CAM and GibbsCAM, with Alphacam, ESPRIT, and SolidCAM to follow. Manufacturers who want to see what it finds in their own part history can ask for a demonstration on their own data.

COMPANY PROFILE
Manukai is a Swiss technology company and ETH Zurich spin-off developing AI solutions for smarter manufacturing. Founded in 2023, the company focuses on CNC programming and machining, using production data and machine learning to automate repetitive tasks, optimise processes and make manufacturing knowhow reusable across teams. Its software integrates with existing CAM environments and runs fully on-premise, allowing manufacturers to retain control of their data and infrastructure.

www.manukai.ch

Tormatic is a trusted manufacturer of precision parts and components, serving a wide range of industries worldwide.
Known for advanced technology and strict quality standards, the company combines technical expertise with reliable production capacity. Its focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction makes Tormatic a solid partner for complex and high-performance solutions. In this article, you will discover more about its capabilities, technologies and commitment to quality.

With an experience of more than 30 years, Tormatic s.r.l. is specialized in the manufacturing of special parts and components in steel, special steels, stainless steels and alloy steels, as well as in aluminium, brass, bronze and plastic materials. Our products are used in a great variety of fields, for instance automotive, hydraulics, earth moving, agricultural machinery, industrial washing, coffee machines and general mechanics.

It is our goal to satisfy the customers and fulfil their needs and requests thoroughly. We cooperate with top notch external partners, in order to provide our customers with a wide range of services– e.g. grinding, machining in machining centres, broaching, heat and surface treatments, assembling. Our production facilities are fully equipped with machinery able to produce special parts with great precision, both in small and large series.

The CNC LATHE department boasts 35 single-spindle CNC lathes of the latest generation (Mori Seiky, Miyano, Biglia, Muratec), with high-tech devices for very complex machining respecting concentricity, axiality and restricted tolerances. We have a continuous technological development and we can now also take advantage of two new CNC machines just arrived in the company:
a Biglia 470 with 2 spindles and double turret and a Miyano with 8 Axis. We have the possibility to work form Ø5 to Ø80 and till Ø160 with outloader. Among the ten long-sliding head machines we
have five new Hanwha, Citizen, Star and 2 Celoria Machines able to produce 1meter long parts.

The MULTI-SPINDLE LATHE department includes 22 multi-spindle lathes (Gildemeister, Schütte, Mori Say) with 6 or 8 stations, spindle stop for holes and side millings, bar passage from
Ø 6 to Ø 45. The department Multispindle-CNC boasts a Mory Say TMZ 6-42 CNC lathe, three Schütte SC 7-46 lathes with 36 axis, two Schuette Sc7-32 and a new Gildemeister 35 suitable to work also lead free brass. These lathes represent the most advanced technology now available in the market and permit us to produce items of extreme complexity with a very high quality standard and a shorter production time from Ø20 to Ø46.

Quality is one of Tormatic’s main strengths: we strongly believe that investing in sophisticated and innovative machinery and instruments is extremely important to guarantee processing systems among the most advanced ones. This is why we use modern instruments for the verification of the quality standards of our products. In our two laboratories we have at disposal threedimensional control machines, profiles projectors, roundness-, hardness- and roughness-metres, micrometres, digital callipers, and threaded rings. Our technicians have the possibility to use four 3D checking machines Hommel Contour to measure all the external dimensions of the parts and other three 3D machines for the internal one. At the end of the production process, we check the parts, if requested, with the two 100% sorting machines DIMAC MCV5. This control is particularly requested in the Automotive sector where the aim is to reach the “zero defect”.

The quality of our products and production processes is certified and granted by our Quality Control System, in compliance with the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 standard, and notably for the automotive sector, by the IATF 16949:2016 standard (both available on our website).
We are currently working on 6000 sq.m facility of which 600 sq.m used as stock for the ready products at disposal of the customers.

Thanks to our two modern solar power systems, we produce clean and renewable energy.

​ ​ www.tormatic.it

For more information:

sales@laserpoint.it
www.laserpoint.eu

Established in 1959, NORTHON Trasmissioni srl, also known as TRANSMOTO srl, is a leading Italian company in the transmission industry. The company operates both nationally and internationally, offering a wide range of products, including ATEX-certified couplings, under the NORTHON trademark. These include elastic couplings, gear couplings, disc couplings, and gear spindles. In addition to standard versions, custom-made solutions are available to meet specific customer requirements. The torque range covered by NORTHON couplings extends from 10 Nm to 15,700,000 Nm.

Industries served
NORTHON couplings are utilized in almost all industrial sectors, including iron and steel, energy, environmental, mining, packaging, food, offshore, petrochemical, aviation, air compressors, rubber manufacturing, and general industrial systems. The company has a long history of collaborations with world leaders in steel rolling, aluminum extrusion, rubber processing, and gearbox manufacturing. All components are designed and produced in-house, ensuring strict quality control and continuous innovation.

Quality and manufacturing standards

The entire production process adheres to the ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring the highest standards of quality. Only certified raw materials are used in manufacturing. NORTHON’s production facilities, located in Villa Carcina, near Brescia, house a modern fleet of CNC machinery, allowing for precise and efficient manufacturing. The company continually invests in advanced technology to guarantee high precision, reliability, and longevity of its products.

Product range
NORTHON offers a comprehensive selection of high-performance couplings, designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications. Whether ensuring precision in high-speed machinery or absorbing misalignments in heavyduty systems, our couplings guarantee efficiency, durability, and reliability. The Quality Control Department ensures rigorous inspection at every stage, from raw material selection to final product verification. Upon request, certifications for materials, heat treatments, and dimensional accuracy are provided.

Gear Couplings – Series Z
Built to withstand high torque and extreme working conditions, these couplings effectively compensate for angular and parallel misalignments, ensuring smooth and secure power transmission. Thanks to their forged and heat-treated alloy steel construction, they deliver exceptional performance even in the most demanding environments. Their crowned tooth design allows greater flexibility, while integrated grease fittings facilitate easy maintenance.

Elastic Couplings – Series PN & PNHP
Designed to absorb torsional shocks and vibrations, these couplings provide excellent misalignment compensation while preserving the integrity of connected machinery. The PN series, crafted from C40 UNI 7845 steel and anti-oil synthetic rubber elements, is ideal for general industrial applications.
For higher torque demands, the PNHP version features reinforced alloy steel components and high-resistance elastomers, ensuring enhanced durability and performance.

Elastic Star Couplings – Series PSA
Compact yet powerful, the PSA series is the optimal choice when space constraints are a concern. With its polyurethane star element, available in different hardness levels, it maintains high torque transmission capacity while offering excellent resistance to temperature variations. This makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring precision and efficiency in limited spaces.

Elastic Pin Couplings – Series Revolution
For applications requiring lightweight yet high-torque solutions, the Revolution series provides superior alignment flexibility and easy maintenance. Constructed from aluminum alloy, these couplings offer resistance to corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for demanding industrial environments.
Additionally, the design allows for quick replacement of elastic elements without dismantling connected machinery, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts.

Flexible Disc Couplings – Series FLX
When torsional rigidity and zero backlash are essential, NORTHON’s FLX series offers an advanced solution. These couplings are self-lubricating and maintenance-free, with stainless steel lamella packs that provide superior durability. Designed to perform in extreme temperature conditions (-30°C to +240°C), they are ideal for applications with frequent start-stop cycles, high-speed rotations, and precise motion control requirements.

Technical Support & Service
Our Technical Office, equipped with cuttingedge design and calculation tools, assists customers in selecting the most suitable coupling for their application. NORTHON is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance transmission solutions backed by comprehensive technical support and service.

www.northon-trasmissioni.it

Established in 1959, NORTHON Trasmissioni srl, also known as TRANSMOTO srl, is a leading Italian company in the transmission industry. The company operates both nationally and internationally, offering a wide range of products, including ATEX-certified couplings, under the NORTHON trademark. These include elastic couplings, gear couplings, disc couplings, and gear spindles. In addition to standard versions, custom-made solutions are available to meet specific customer requirements. The torque range covered by NORTHON couplings extends from 10 Nm to 15,700,000 Nm.

Industries served
NORTHON couplings are utilized in almost all industrial sectors, including iron and steel, energy, environmental, mining, packaging, food, offshore, petrochemical, aviation, air compressors, rubber manufacturing, and general industrial systems. The company has a long history of collaborations with world leaders in steel rolling, aluminum extrusion, rubber processing, and gearbox manufacturing. All components are designed and produced in-house, ensuring strict quality control and continuous innovation.

Quality and manufacturing standards

The entire production process adheres to the ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring the highest standards of quality. Only certified raw materials are used in manufacturing. NORTHON’s production facilities, located in Villa Carcina, near Brescia, house a modern fleet of CNC machinery, allowing for precise and efficient manufacturing. The company continually invests in advanced technology to guarantee high precision, reliability, and longevity of its products.

Product range
NORTHON offers a comprehensive selection of high-performance couplings, designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications. Whether ensuring precision in high-speed machinery or absorbing misalignments in heavyduty systems, our couplings guarantee efficiency, durability, and reliability. The Quality Control Department ensures rigorous inspection at every stage, from raw material selection to final product verification. Upon request, certifications for materials, heat treatments, and dimensional accuracy are provided.

Gear Couplings – Series Z
Built to withstand high torque and extreme working conditions, these couplings effectively compensate for angular and parallel misalignments, ensuring smooth and secure power transmission. Thanks to their forged and heat-treated alloy steel construction, they deliver exceptional performance even in the most demanding environments. Their crowned tooth design allows greater flexibility, while integrated grease fittings facilitate easy maintenance.

Elastic Couplings – Series PN & PNHP
Designed to absorb torsional shocks and vibrations, these couplings provide excellent misalignment compensation while preserving the integrity of connected machinery. The PN series, crafted from C40 UNI 7845 steel and anti-oil synthetic rubber elements, is ideal for general industrial applications.
For higher torque demands, the PNHP version features reinforced alloy steel components and high-resistance elastomers, ensuring enhanced durability and performance.

Elastic Star Couplings – Series PSA
Compact yet powerful, the PSA series is the optimal choice when space constraints are a concern. With its polyurethane star element, available in different hardness levels, it maintains high torque transmission capacity while offering excellent resistance to temperature variations. This makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring precision and efficiency in limited spaces.

Elastic Pin Couplings – Series Revolution
For applications requiring lightweight yet high-torque solutions, the Revolution series provides superior alignment flexibility and easy maintenance. Constructed from aluminum alloy, these couplings offer resistance to corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for demanding industrial environments.
Additionally, the design allows for quick replacement of elastic elements without dismantling connected machinery, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts.

Flexible Disc Couplings – Series FLX
When torsional rigidity and zero backlash are essential, NORTHON’s FLX series offers an advanced solution. These couplings are self-lubricating and maintenance-free, with stainless steel lamella packs that provide superior durability. Designed to perform in extreme temperature conditions (-30°C to +240°C), they are ideal for applications with frequent start-stop cycles, high-speed rotations, and precise motion control requirements.

Technical Support & Service
Our Technical Office, equipped with cuttingedge design and calculation tools, assists customers in selecting the most suitable coupling for their application. NORTHON is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance transmission solutions backed by comprehensive technical support and service.

www.northon-trasmissioni.it

Founded in 1995 as a private industrial company, TWINS specializes in automation, producing machines aimed at different market sections such as automotive, HVAC, medical, food & beverage.

TWINS gained experience in assembly and testing of several components such as ball valves, gate valves, safety valves, couplings, manifolds, burners, solenoid valves, automotive parts etc. TWINS machines are performant and quality products which can perform simple or complex assembly operations (screw installation, bonding, riveting, glueing, pinning etc.) and different tests (leak test, flow test, vision inspections with cameras, thread check etc.).

TWINS produces internally all the drawings of each component of the machines and the dedicated software: the production process is strictly checked to ensure a reliable and quality product to the final customer.

Our international customers (we provide machines worldwide) appreciate our TB1 machine for its flexibility and dimensions. With a bulk of only 1×1 meter the machine can test several components in its test area of 200×200 mm, performing different tests according to the machine equipment. TB1 model can have up to 6 leak test channels (interchangeable with flow test channels) and an easy software where program the test sequence. On the same machine is possible to test a gate valve or an automotive component with a quick 5 minutes changeover of the fixtures: flexibility is the key point of this machine.

Our new entry is the laser marking machine, a small and performant machine that full fill the laser market needs. It can mark different materials such as brass, aluminum, polymer; with a fiber laser from 30 to 60 watt can laser QRcode, Datamatrix and Logos performing different quality setting the marking times and parameters.

As option you can add a camera to check the marking quality of the QRcode according to normative ISO/IEC TR 29158. Both the TB1 and laser marking machine can work stand alone or in a working island. Our built-up experience allows us to offer and suggest the customer with the right solution, providing well- known products for quality automation performances in the long time.

Our key points are:
•Built-up experience
•Standard products customized on your specific needs
•Quality
•Fast delivery time
•Customer care from the project start until your production site
•Remote service to check the machine on distance
•Spare parts worldwide availability

Our headquarter is based in Italy and you can contact us through our website www.twinsnet.it or directly by e-mail at    sales@twinsnet.com.

The activity started with Fluoropolymers has been gradually expanded with the processing of technical parts in Techno-polymers, closely developed with the customer. Fluorten S.r.l. corporate “philosophy” to work with each customer to solve project design, and production problems to obtain competitive products has continuously driven the Company to invest in people and technologies.

Currently the Fluorten S.r.l. production is composed by very modern project designing tools, extrusion and moulding process, and mechanical machining able to supply semi-finished or finished products in PTFE and injection moulded Techno-polymers with the highest Quality level. The Fluorten S.r.l. technicians guarantee an internal process with monitoring and reliability stand¬ards, that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Our goal is to improve existing engines with higher qualified parts. All of our manufacturers are European with a long dedicated specialism of over 50 years. This dedication means that these manufacturers have the true knowledge in-house and they are the ones who have been investing in innovation which has been followed and copied by the others.

By buying parts from Thb Verhoef bv, you will receive a well-balanced package of quality spares with full technical support, factory marking, certificates, large stock, 24/7 services and problem solving, backed up with a Lloyds’ ISO9001 registration.

But the workflow inside a pipe-shop needs to be carefully planned and controlled, because it is vulnerable to a lot of factors that can affect output and productivity. Some of these factors, such as supply-chain management are external to actual fabrication, others, such as bottlenecks caused by badly planned logistics inside the shop are not.

Different shops have different requirements, so it is important to know the type of spools to be fabricated, as well as the materials and dimensions. That is why simply looking at each machine or process as a closed system can lead to significant problems, as transport ways may be too long, or capacities may not match. Non-standard fabrication requirements cannot be met with a standardized solution.

The company 3R solutions from Germany is an expert in the field of pipe-shop automation and optimization. With more than 40 years of experience in planning and implementing pipeshop projects all over the world, they have the expertise to help customers from diverse fields to identify the best way to build and operate their specific shop.

One of the keys to 3R’s philosophy is a streamlined and optimized flow of material. Instead of using overhead cranes and manual transport, 3R’s pipe shops include automated transport systems, using roller and plate-belt conveyors as well as buffer tables. This way costly idle times and doublehandling are avoided, and all machines and operators can work continuously, without having to wait for material to be delivered to their stations. On the machine side 3R solutions work with many renowned machine manufacturers, and are therefore able to select the best possible machines for each task. These machines are integrated into the transport system and highly automated, so the operator generally only has to supervise the processes, interacting only if necessary and in minor ways.

Another key component of 3R’s process is the internally developed software suite, which can organie and control the entire process flow. In addition it is used to involve warehousing and engineering departments, instead of only looking at the fabrication process itself. Thus it is possible to streamline the preparation of drawings and data, the transfer of information to the machines, and the real-time tracking of fabrication processes. Ideally a supervisor or production engineer will at all times be able to access up-to-date status information for any spool currently in his workshop.

It is by combining this use of software with smart and streamlined workflow processes, that customers of 3R solutions have managed to achieve significant savings and favorable returns on investment over the past years.

BUTTING is one of the leading processors of stainless steels. Its products include:
•Corrosion resistant pipes
•Clad pipes
•Special pipes and components ready for installation
•Spools and welded components
•Vessels, tanks and columns
•Assemblies

BUTTING’s core competences are in forming and welding techniques and in materials engineering. BUTTING products meet the highest quality standards. Customers all over the world are using the products of this family-owned company. The variety of services can be seen in the structure pipes for the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa / Dubai, or the fuel lines for the Ariane launch vehicle as well as over 1 900 km of clad pipes for various offshore projects.

The BUTTING Group achieved an annual turnover of EUR 450 million in 2016. Its headquarters is located in Germany, with further sites in Brazil, China and Canada. More than 1 700 people are employed worldwide. They process 80 000 t of stainless steel and clad materials each year.