over a century of expertise TOS VARNSDORF

over a century oF expertise

TOS VARNSDORF, based in the northern part of the Czech Republic at the German border, is the world’s leading manufacturer of machine tools, specialising in the production of medium class horizontal milling and boring machines and machining centres.

TOS VARNSDORF was founded in 1903, and its products, operating in all industrialised countries of the world, reflect the knowhow and experience of generations of technicians and skilled workers. The company specialises in the machining of components for the transport, mining, construction and energy industries, as well as for general mechanical engineering in all developed markets including Europe, Russia and China.

“The product portfolio has not changed in the last few years: our core business still consists of the horizontal milling and boring machines, floor type horizontal boring mills, machining centres and special tools,” says sales director Milos Holakovský. “We also continue to offer a wide range of accessories such as milling heads, milling attachments, facing heads, add-on tables and clamping equipment. What has changed, however, is the innovative shift toward more productive, multi-functional and sophisticated machine tools with a wide range of add-ons.”

In 2016 the company achieved slightly lower sales than in 2015 – the result of several factors, such as a delay in drawing the EU funds and the decline of the Russian market due to continuing sanctions. “However, since early 2017 we have been experiencing a significant market revival and an increased volume of orders. We can thus expect better financial results than in the last two years. We are doing really well in most of the 40 territories where we supply our products,” says Mr Holakovský. unparalleled parameters

In early 2017 the company increased its production capacity by purchasing a new Japanese Yasda machining centre, used for the production of precise components for milling heads. The total investment was worth CZK 35 million.

In March, TOS VARNSDORF introduced its new WHT 110 C multifunctional machining centre. This is a horizontal machining device suitable for the most demanding operations that require accurate drilling, thread cutting, boring and turning or milling. The machines in the WHT line can be designed as machining centres with a wide range of additional devices, such as the automatic exchange of technological pallets, tools, special accessories, additional boring and turning machines and several other accessories that will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding applications in areas such as the aerospace industry, power industry, mining industry, oil and gas industry and engineering industry. These ‘multi-tasking’ machines are suitable for single-part as well as series production.

“A parameter that is unparalleled in the world is the achievement of 6000 rpm with a 112mm diameter of travelling spindle. The machine frame is equipped with temperature sensors to monitor the machine’s behaviour during operation and to compensate for potential effects of temperature deformations,” explains Mr Holakovský. “A complete novelty is the TOS CONTROL machine management system that reflects the current industry trends and the Industry 4.0 requirements.

TOS CONTROL includes not only a machine control system, but also allows for the viewing of machine documentation, machined part drawings as well as machine diagnostics. Furthermore, it serves as a monitor for cameras located both on the inside and the outside of the machine.” He reveals that the company is now working on a new line of WHT machines with a 130mm traveling spindle to be introduced at the beginning of 2018.

Re-established territory

The sales director explains that today’s markets require bespoke solutions, i.e. deliveries of machines, technologies, clamping devices, tools and programs. “This development is the result of lack of engineering expertise in many companies. In this context, our valued long-term business partner has been WALTER CZ – its engineers and technical experts are able to support our sales worldwide. One of our largest joint projects of recent years has been the delivery of our largest machine, WRD 180 H, to the Indian state-owned company COFMOW for the machining of engines for diesel locomotives,” he reflects.

TOS VARNSDORF exports its products to more than 40 countries. “It is very difficult to find new territories; the list of the countries which buy our products remains almost unchanged,” Mr Holakovský points out. “Still, there is one country where we were very successful in the past, and where trade stopped completely as a result of an imposed embargo: I am talking about Iran, a country with more than 80 million inhabitants, to which our company used to sell dozens of machines in the past. Since last year, we have been stepping up our efforts to re-open this market.”

In line with Industry 4.0

He confirms that the main issue currently driving the market is the new industry revolution, Industry 4.0. “The need for comprehensive solutions evokes new changes, and the main themes of today are automation, robotisation and digitisation. Industry 4.0 can be described as a never-ending series of innovations,” he says.

TOS VARNSDORF duly applies these innovations in its product range. The company has already introduced its TOS CONTROL machine management system when it launched the new WHT 110 C. “A significantly higher added value for the customer will be achieved by the In-Process Measurement. We are talking about measurement that is immune to machine inaccuracies. Together with WHT 110 C, the In-Process Measurement will be introduced at the EMO Hannover Exhibition in September 2017,” explains Mr Holakovský.

With its strong position in global markets, new innovations and a solid network of sales and service subsidiaries in key markets, the sales director is confident that TOS VARNSDORF will continue its 115-year engineering tradition for years to come. n

mr Holakovský, commercial director