For many years now, Fehlmann, established in 1930, has been known both in Switzerland and abroad for its high-precision machine tools. With its famous Picomax drilling machines with cross tables, the Aargau manufacturer has gained a reputation far beyond the national borders. The small family-owned enterprise based in Seon has constantly grown throughout the years and has progressively expanded its product range. Today, Fehlmann offers a comprehensive portfolio of machine tools ranging from the manual Picomax 20 to the 5-axis CNC machining centre VERSA 825.
The production facility of the manufacturer Trimos is located in the centre of the greater Lausanne area, next to the former editorial offices of the Swiss trade magazine, MSM, in Renens. Here, Trimos designs and manufactures its entire range of measuring instruments. Since its foundation in 1972, the company has been specialised in height gauges and horizontal measuring instruments and, via its partner company Sylvac, it has also offered hand measuring tools. The two companies were established together and have evolved simultaneously. While Sylvac began its business with electronic devices, Trimos laid its focus on mechanics. Today, both companies are always working in close collaboration and each Trimos product is equipped with electronic components and scales made by Sylvac. Thierry Keist, Trimos' Chief Marketing Officer declares: "Sylvac and Trimos complement each other. While Sylvac is specialized in small measuring instruments, we offer larger measuring instruments such as height gauges and horizontal measuring benches." 
Despite its relatively small size with about 50 employees, Trimos has established itself in the global market. In Switzerland, Trimos products are distributed through Brütsch-Rüegger,  while, on a global scale, the company is working with exclusive agents. The Renens-based company has a strong presence in the domestic market, with 5 to 10% of its sales volume in Switzerland. However, the majority of sales are in the international markets, with a focus on Asia, especially China and Taiwan.    

Ultra-precise measuring instruments – 100% Swiss workmanship
Trimos supplies all industries with tailor-made ultra-precise products that are used wherever dimensional measurement is needed for machining operations and especially in areas where measuring or monitoring instruments (ring gauges, gauges, etc.) must be calibrated. The range of the Swiss manufacturer comprises 3 large product families: height gauges, horizontal measuring benches and surface analysis instruments (for roughness measurement).

The height gauge range starts with the robust yet functional entry-level model TVM. It ranges from the V3 to V7 models with their typical grey cladding and to the V9 model, dressed in white. The latter is the top model of this range and represents the entire expertise of the Swiss manufacturer. It has been specifically designed for users who want to achieve a very high level of precision, both in workshops and laboratories. The V series has a base with an integrated air cushion for enhanced travel on the measuring plate and is suited for various dimensional measuring tasks e.g. for measuring heights, thicknesses and incremental dimensions as well as hole pitches and diameters. For these height gauges, plenty of accessories are available - including a vast range of measuring inserts.

The horizontal measuring benches have been designed for the inspection and pre-adjustment of ring gauges, other gauges and manual measuring tools. This product family comprises 5 models: TELS, Alesta, Horizon Granite, Horizon Premium and Twinner. It is complemented by a series of measuring and calibration benches specifically designed for the certification of measuring means. The ultra-precise horizontal measuring instruments of this series are offered in 3 versions: THV, Labconcept / Labconcept Premium and Labconcept Nano, which is setting the new standard in the field of dimensional measuring technology. The measuring range is very broad, with the Horizon Granite model being offered with lengths up to 12,000 mm!

In addition, Trimos offers a range of instruments for non-contact roughness measurement that is the result of 10 years of joint design efforts between Trimos and a start-up promoted by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausannne (EPFL). These products have been specifically conceived for roughness measurement applications in which measurement through physical contact is not possible, e.g. watchmaking, optics, medical engineering, etc.  The colour-coded graphical representation enables the measured deviations between "peaks and valleys" to be easily recognised at a glance. This product family consists of 3 models headed up by the flagship model TR Scan Premium, a high-performance system for 3D surface texture measurement with sub-nanometric resolution. The simpler instrument type TR Scan allows fast non-contact roughness measurement with measuring results fully comparable to those of classical systems. The TR Profile / TR Profile DH-8 models, however, are portable measuring instruments for classical roughness measurement using a diamond stylus tip.

Further smaller measuring instruments such as vernier callipers, outside and inside micrometers, dial gauges, digital scales or even measuring stands can be supplied by Sylvac.

All Trimos products are manufactured and assembled in Switzerland and are used in a large variety of industries. Thierry Keist comments: "Many of our customers are SMEs. They often possess only one or two machine tools and one Trimos measuring instrument. In case of instrument failure, they just panic! And as they cannot continue to work under such circumstances, they contact us and want us to provide them with a replacement instrument to bridge the time gap until their unit has been repaired. Our customers, however, also include some major clients such as Bobst, Trumpf, Rolex, Mikron, Sécheron or Sonceboz, to name but a few. We are active in diverse industries, for instance automotive, aircraft and railway industries, watchmaking, medical engineering or even optics. We have our heart set on raising our brand profile especially in the French-speaking part of the Swiss market. It never ceases to amaze me that companies which have been operating in the machining industry for many years have never or only scarcely heard of us. On the other hand, our established customers would not trade off their height gauge or horizontal measuring bench against a competitor's product for anything in the world. When being asked about what comes to their mind when hearing the name Trimos, all our customers say the same thing: Swiss precision and quality!"

Shared values establish the basis for a long-term partnership
It all began with a machining workshop organized by the Swiss association of mechanical and electrical engineering industries (Swissmem) – that’s where Fehlmann and Trimos first met. But even if Trimos became acquainted with the manufacturer from the Aargau, they didn't kept in touch. Several years later, Trimos decided to invest in new means of production in order to rejuvenate part of its machine park that was prone to failure. The goals were to thus increase productivity and insource a part of the production that previously had been outsourced. In search of the machine tool perfectly suited for its needs, the company, of course, contacted the market leaders and also visited the major trade fairs. Thierry Keist recalls the first, quite disappointing contacts: "Very often, we felt that the other companies looked down on us. The machine-tool manufacturers didn't know us and didn't seem to be interested in the collaboration with a small company like ours. In the course of our search, we experienced the same arrogant behaviour again and again." In this situation, the name Fehlmann returned to their minds and that changed everything, as Thierry Keist declares: "From the very beginning, the relationship between Fehlmann AG and our company has been cordial and between equals. We immediately felt esteem and appreciation. We realized very soon that our two companies share various similarities in terms of company philosophy; both companies are small enough to ensure a human touch and both of them manufacture high-end products that are completely made in Switzerland. Especially the latter aspect is emphasized by both of us. These shared values rather than the intrinsic performance characteristics of the machine brought us closer together, even if these characteristics alone make the Versa 825 a must-have!" Martial Marmy, sales engineer at Fehlmann, confirms this and adds: "For us, the customer relationship is essential. We often are not sufficiently recognized and valued in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and that's why we think it important to raise our reputation in Romandy. We have strong arguments to reach our goal and these arguments have also convinced Trimos to place their trust in us. We train personnel – both office-based staff and field staff – in the French language. There is no language barrier for us and we attach great importance to this fact. To support our customers based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, we always assign a contact person who is fluent in their native tongue."
Of course, a 5-axis machining centre equipped with an automated workpiece loading system cannot be sold solely due to a good human relationship. In fact, Trimos initially thought that Fehlmann products did not meet their demands. Nevertheless, Martial Marmy suggested that he visit Trimos for a day in order to present Fehlmann's entire machine range and scope of services. Trimos, for its part, reviewed its requirements and soon noticed that one Versa 825 machine could replace almost three old machine tools. What followed was the ordinary course of events - a series of machining tests with Trimos sample parts that were machined on a Versa 825 machine in the factory in Seon and a visit to customers that were already working with Versa machines. Martial Marmy explains: "We believe it is important for potential customers to get in touch with people familiar with our machines and to talk to them." With its Versa series and especially with the 825 and the brand new 645 Linear models, Fehlmann finally managed to establish itself. Here, the quality of its products and, even more importantly, its excellent service and its great responsiveness were the decisive factors. For Fehlmann, second-class customers do not exist. The company considers all customers to be equally important and makes a point of serving all of them with the same level of enthusiasm and commitment.

VERSA 825: Precision, productivity and versatility
VERSA 825 and its smaller sister, VERSA 645 linear, are Fehlmann's top-of-the-range machines. There are strong arguments for this 5-axis simultaneous machining centre. It is offered in various models, with or without a pallet loading system. True to its motto "everything from a single source", Fehlmann has been designing and manufacturing its own motor spindles since 1996. The VERSA 825 machine is offered in 4 different spindle configurations: with a HSK-A63 spindle taper and 14,000, 18,000 or 24,000 rpm or with a HSK-E50 spindle taper and 30,000 rpm. Trimos opted for a machine being equipped with a HSK-A63 taper spindle and with a tool changer with rack-type magazine for 186 tools and the Erowa Robot Multi – 40-pallet robot – as additional equipment. Furthermore, the machine is provided with a system for non-contact tool measurement and all peripherals required such as conveyors, high-pressure unit, etc. Fehlmann regards itself as a "one-stop shop" and, with this in mind, offers unique machine units as well as systems with a high degree of automation. Whichever solution is selected, the Fehlmann customer is always taken care of by the same contact person.
The machines of the VERSA series have a base made of grey cast iron that has been optimised using the finite-element method. This material was selected due to its specific advantages such as homogeneous thermal conductivity, optimum damping characteristics and excellent rigidity. The mounting surfaces of the generously dimensioned linear guideways are pre-scraped and consistent geometry is guaranteed without any need for electronic compensation. The excellent thermal stability of the machine ensures maximum repeatability and precision, factors that are essential for the manufacture of measuring instruments. Refinishing processes could be eliminated, which means the parts can be completely machined on the VERSA 825. This is due to the high quality of surface finish that can be achieved with the machine – another one of VERSA's great strengths.

The machine structure is based on a fixed-gantry and moving-table design which guarantees a higher rigidity than a travelling gantry. The original Fehlmann design comprises a swivel bridge used as support of the rotary table. Normally, the bridge is arranged in parallel to the gantry support. On the VERSA machines, however, it is installed in a perpendicular position. This kind of construction offers several advantages. For instance, the operator can always keep an eye on the workpiece while it is being machined and, both manually and automatically, the swivel bridge unit can be released in the loading position. The swivel bridge has a total swivel range of 230° or ±115° which is much more than the common ±90°. Thanks to this flexibility, any workpiece configuration can be realised with ease.

To guarantee a high level of precision, particular attention was paid to the maximum thermal stability of the machine bed. All elements that are prone to transferring heat to the machine structure are cooled and insulated. The drives have their own fluid cooling system and the entire machining area is heat insulated from the grey-cast iron bed by means of stainless-steel plates. In its standard configuration, the machine is equipped with temperature compensation functions and a spindle cooling system, while a function for the detection of thermal expansion of the spindle through direct measurement can be provided as an option. It goes without saying that VERSA 825 operates in a closed control loop and that it is, therefore, equipped with high-precision scales from Heidenhain, the manufacturer of the machine control unit. The operator can thus be certain that the optimum operating temperature is reached in no time and that constant 24-h precision and maximum geometric accuracy are guaranteed. Just like the swivel bridge, the rotary table, which has a diameter of 560 mm, is driven by a powerful and cooled torque motor that enables both dynamic 5-axis simultaneous machining and high-precision axis positioning. To be able to utilise the full machining capabilities, the machining area has been designed virtually without limits. Therefore, larger-than-normal workpieces can be machined as well, without the risk of collisions or overload of the rotary axes. This is due to the fact that the rotation and swivelling angles are restricted, depending on the workpiece size, while the feed rate is reduced based on workpiece weight. This cycle, the so-called Fehlmann ARO cycle (Automatic Rotary-Axis Optimisation), is a fully integral function of the Heidenhain control unit.  The Fehlmann portfolio also includes a pneumatically operated vertical tailstock for long workpieces and virtually all common chuck systems that can be installed instead of the universal rotary table. It is the customer’s choice whether to have the machine equipped with a Heidenhain iTNC 530 or iTNC 640 control unit with optimised dynamics for 5-axis machining operations and HSC tasks, an electronic handwheel and the Fehlmann cycle HSC Setup. These high-performance control units combined with the specific Fehlmann cycles turn the VERSA 825 into a most dynamic, user friendly, powerful and highly productive machine. It should be noted as well that the machine is very compact given its axis travels – 820 mm in X axis, 700 (1270) mm in Y axis and 450 mm in Z axis. The VERSA series provides the optimum working conditions for the operator, with its excellent ergonomic features and three convenient access points to the machining and loading areas.

High degree of automation for maximum productivity and flexibility
The VERSA 825 purchased by Trimos is equipped with various optional peripheral equipment. It has a glass-encased magazine rack tool changer with 186 tool positions, designed to guarantee a full and unobstructed view of the tools. The magazine is complemented by a twin-screw chip conveyor and a belt filter, a cutting fluid container with a capacity of 1050 litres, an 80-bar high-pressure unit, an oil mist filtration unit and, needless to say, the excellent Robot Multi system by Erowa for pallet loading and unloading. The capability of the loading robot to load pallets during the machining process was one of the decisive arguments in favour of Fehlmann.
The use of Robot Multi is considerably enhanced with the Fehlmann MCM (Milling Centre Manager) system and also with the pallet management file. Depending on the number of pallets and the variety of parts, the system can be controlled and monitored through a pallet file integrated in the NC unit or through the highly flexible MCM. Gérald Truan, precision engineer at Trimos, is one of the operators working with the VERSA 825 machine: "We are currently producing more than 30 different parts on this machine. We use the machine almost exclusively in combination with shrink-fit chucks and are very happy with this solution. We work in 2 shifts of 8 hours each and only on working days. The machine does not yet produce at full capacity, but we are gradually increasing its output. We are still going through a learning process, but we will soon be able to tap the full potential of our machining centre." The loading robot supplied with the VERSA machine is provided with 5 levels, a number which can be expanded or reduced depending on the size of the work pieces to be loaded and the number of pallets used. For all periphery-related issues, Fehlmann again is the sole contact partner. The pallets are supplied by Erowa and the vices by Triag. Thanks to Robot Multi's large access door, a most convenient access to the pallet mounting area is ensured.
The VERSA 825 is used to machine various workpiece types. While e.g. cast-iron parts are machined from the solid blank for the horizontal measuring benches, parts made of stainless steel, such as the measuring insert holder, are machined for the height gauges.

Human relationship as the decisive factor for new investments
We have introduced two companies that have never collaborated before, but are on their way to a long-term partnership. Nowadays, the quality and efficiency standards of the products manufactured in Europe are generally very high. Under these conditions, the efficiency and quality level of a machine tool and its peripherals is no longer the sole criterion for the purchase of a specific brand. In fact, from now on, aspects such as quality of customer care, responsiveness, after-sales service and also common values will make the difference. And these can only be guaranteed by a local partnership that is characterised by a common culture, as well as local proximity and the same language. In these times of unbridled globalisation, it's invaluable having a partner from one's own country who knows you well and appreciates you. There are some things you will never be able to buy for money: respect, consideration, attentiveness; in other words, all the qualities our manufacturers can offer their customers. And that's how it should always be.

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