18.11.2024

Innovative Technologies for Hard-to-Machine Materials – The Innosuisse and ZIM Funding Project

Sustainable Solutions Through Precision and Quality

URMA AG and Schnyder SA, two Swiss family-owned companies in their third generation, share a long-standing tradition of excellence and a common vision for precision and quality in tooling technology. Both companies are committed to innovation and perfection, facing similar challenges in areas such as microgeometry design and coating optimization. These advancements aim to make their tools even more process-reliable, durable, sustainable, and suitable for machining new high-performance materials.

The goal of this project is to make joint progress in these fields and develop production technologies for hard-to-machine materials. This enables manufacturing companies to process challenging materials significantly faster and more cost-efficiently while advancing sustainability.

Project

During the two-year project phase, URMA and Schnyder collaborate internationally with another SME, Germany's K.-H. Müller Precision Tools GmbH. All participating companies specialize in complementary fields of high-end tooling. Innosuisse is financially supporting the project as part of IraSME (International Research Activities by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises). Additionally, the project receives funding from Germany’s ZIM program.

Precision machining and sustainable solutions by Schnyder SA and URMA AG.

Project partner

Innosuisse und ZIM Förderprogramm URMA

Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse

Innosuisse is the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion. It supports science-based innovations, contributing to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. The Federal Council determines Innosuisse’s priorities and objectives.

ZIM – Central Innovation Program for SMEs

ZIM is a nationwide, technology- and industry-neutral funding program in Germany that supports companies in realizing innovative research projects. The program strengthens the innovative capacity and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sustainably.

GFE – Society for Production Technology and Development Schmalkalden e.V.

GFE is an industry-oriented research organization providing R&D services for complete tooling solutions. Its focus lies on components and systems in manufacturing processes, particularly in machining and quality assurance projects, as well as the development of new PVD coating solutions.

Schnyder SA

Schnyder SA, a Swiss family-owned company based in Biel, has been specializing in the production of high-precision gear-cutting tools since 1944. The company combines leading technology for gear tools, gear machinery, and gear tool coatings.

K.-H. Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH

K.-H. Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH, founded in 1981 in Sein, specializes in the development, design, and production of high-performance tools. For over 35 years, the company has been an expert in regrinding drill and milling tools.