Exemplary reliability: 35-year-old FANUC wire EDM still in daily use

As a contract service provider, machine reliability is paramount. No one knows what requests will come through the door tomorrow in terms of batch quantities or delivery deadlines. Fully operational machines offering high levels of uptime form the bedrock of all successful contract manufacturing businesses. 

Fortunately for Kress Funkenerosion, a specialist in the manufacture of tools and moulds using electro-discharge machining (EDM), the company opted for FANUC machines from the outset. 

“The first machine we ever bought was a FANUC Tape Cut W2 and we remain very satisfied with FANUC machines to this day,” reports Managing Director Michael Schander. “Over the years we’ve invested in 12 FANUC wire-cut EDMs, the latest being two ROBOCUT α-C400𝑖C models.” 

With advanced machines such as the FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400𝑖C wire EDM, Kress Funkenerosion says it can easily produce parts within tolerances of ±3 µm. Support comes from reliable automatic wire feeding that takes less than 10 seconds.  

“The performance is outstanding, but really what sets FANUC machines apart is the build quality,” says Schander. “The last call-out for assistance that I can recall was around six years ago. I doubt any other manufacturer can match that. The robust and stable build quality of FANUC machines is second-to-none.”   

In light of such reliability, all wire EDM machines on site today are FANUC models, and the company has no intention of going elsewhere.   

“The FANUC Tape Cut W2 that I bought in 1990 when I started the business is still in daily use and continues to meet requirements,” says company owner Gerhard Kress. “Following the experience I’ve gained with FANUC over the past 30+ years, I will stay loyal to the brand.”  

Schander echoes these sentiments, adding: “I’m certain there will be FANUC machines in our company for decades to come. We’re satisfied with FANUC and I expect that will remain the case. From service to sales and marketing, I must say our entire collaboration with FANUC is unique; incomparable.”   

As a business, Kress Funkenerosion continues to go from strength to strength. The company’s reputation has led to lasting business relationships with numerous high-profile customers. FANUC machines are proving the foundation of that success.