Gewo Feinmechanik Relies on the "Forte 85 Single 1620" from Hedelius "The Machine Can Really Do Everything"

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SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

This is how machine operator Lukas Dömötör describes the "Forte 85 Single 1620" from Hedelius. Since August 2024, the family-owned Gewo Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KG has been using the powerful 3-axis machining center for high-precision components under cleanroom conditions.

The family-run Gewo Feinmechanik GmbH & Co. KG, located in Wörth-Hörlkofen near Munich (Germany), specializes in the development, design, and production of highly complex precision components—even under strict cleanroom conditions. The company supplies various global players in the semiconductor industry, aerospace, automotive industry, as well as in medicine and research, combining high manufacturing depth with a clear focus on precision and purity down to the molecular level.

With more than 40 years of experience, "High Purity Cleaning," as well as cleaning and assembly processes in ISO class 5/6/7, Gewo possesses extensive expertise in components where every micrometer matters. Since August 2024, the "Forte 85 Single 1620," a powerful 3-axis machining center (BAZ) from Hedelius, has also been in use.

Wanted: Compact All-Rounder with a Large Y-Axis Travel

"We were looking for a large machine in the 3-axis range at the time," recalls Andreas Empl, Head of Milling at Gewo. What initially sounds trivial was subject to a key requirement: "The Y-axis travel needed to be at least 800 mm (approx. 31.5 inches), while the machine still had to remain as compact as possible. This significantly limited the selection on the market."

In addition to the technical requirements, the decision-makers also valued a solid partnership: "That’s why we specifically looked at the German market, to have a reliable partner by our side even beyond the purchase of the machine," emphasizes Harald Reiser, Head of Milling and "High Purity Cleaning."

One of the few manufacturers able to meet this requirement profile was Hedelius. The decisive suggestion came from a then-employee at Gewo. "We then took a closer look at the portfolio and came across the 'Forte 85 Single 1620'," says Andreas Empl. The machine left a strong impression on him and his colleagues.

A Fortunate Coincidence that Saves Travel Stress

To get a "hands-on" impression of the "Forte 85," the Gewo delegation would normally have had to undertake a considerable travel effort. After all, it's a hefty 750 kilometers (approx. 466-mile) from Wörth-Hörlkofen to the Hedelius demonstration center in Meppen. However, the fact that the visit ultimately turned into a "home game" was thanks to a lucky coincidence: "After the initial contact with Hedelius, it turned out that a machining company in our neighborhood also uses this exact machine. So we were able to see the 'Forte 85' in action there without having to travel all the way to Meppen."

Ideal for Demanding Tasks

The "Forte 85" is a powerful 3-axis machining center for the precise and economical production of single parts and small series. With travel ranges of 1620 x 850 x 700 mm (approx. 63.8 x 33.5 x 27.6 inches), a generous clamping area of 1800 x 900 mm (approx. 70.9 x 35.4 inches), and a high-load fixed table, it offers excellent conditions for demanding machining tasks.

The "Forte 85" comes standard with direct measuring systems and an 80-slot tool magazine; optionally, the tool capacity can be modularly expanded to up to 344 slots.

"All-Around Successful Machine Concept"

Given the strict requirements for precision and cleanliness, the "Forte 85 Single 1620" is exactly the missing puzzle piece in Gewo's production. The high machine rigidity, in particular, opens up new possibilities, Harald Reiser is convinced: "There aren't many models on the market that are so compact and stable in this length-to-width ratio. The machine concept is truly well designed all around."

In daily use, the "Forte 85" impresses with its practical, operator-friendly design: the stationary machine table with an integrated "ZeroClamp" zero-point clamping system, the large machine window, and the ergonomic working height make it easier for the operator to access the workpiece directly. A big advantage, as Andreas Empl points out: "You are close to the machine table and don’t have to strain your back to reach the center of the table."

Less Rework—More Efficiency

In everyday production, the 3-axis machining center is typically used to process workpieces made of stainless steel and aluminum, as well as difficult-to-machine materials. After the day shift, the machine often continues running to produce series parts.

The proven traveling column design of the "Forte 85" ensures consistently high dimensional stability. "We can run the machine at a lower hourly rate. Since the trip to the measuring table and rework are eliminated, we still achieve a high machining volume and, in the end, a more cost-effective production," explains Reiser.

Separation of Machining and Precision Technology

A key advantage of the Hedelius design lies in the clear separation between the workspace and the precision mechanics. Essentially, the workspace contains only what is necessary for machining: the workpiece, tool, clamping devices, chips, and coolant. Guides, ball screws, and direct measurement systems are structurally protected. This ensures that these components are not exposed to coolant and chips, and the introduction of oils into the coolant is prevented. This improves the cleanliness of the workspace, supports stable machining conditions, and makes maintaining the coolant system easier.

15-20 Percent More Productivity in Heavy-Duty Machining

Machine operator Lukas Dömötör works day after day on the "Forte 85"—and with clear enthusiasm: "The machine can really do everything," he confirms. "It meets the most precise tolerances and still works very quickly."

Of course, a machining center must also deliver reliably under challenging conditions – such as when working with hard-to-machine alloys, as Dömötör emphasizes. For such machining tasks, Gewo additionally acquired a heavy-duty spindle. With this, he sees the "Forte 85" equipped for any situation, even if not all of his colleagues share the enthusiasm unreservedly: "Once, we really pushed the machine to its limits. The machining result was as flawless as usual—but afterwards, there were complaints from colleagues working on the floor below about the noise," he recalls with a smile.

But the occasional noise pays off, as Andreas Empl reports: "Across the range of difficult-to-machine materials, we were able to achieve productivity increases of 15 to 20 percent."

"Symbiosis of Two Family-Run Companies"

At Gewo, there's consensus: the "Forte 85" delivers on its promises. For Harald Reiser, the high level of satisfaction is more than just the result of technical craftsmanship: "At Hedelius, they truly think in terms of partnership. We weren't simply sold an off-the-shelf machine, but we collaboratively made it into what it is," he explains, referring to individual equipment requests that were pragmatically implemented. "Elsewhere, something like that would have been added with great fanfare as a special equipment package," he is convinced. For him, the collaboration with Hedelius represents an "excellent symbiosis of two family-run companies."

Andreas Empl also praises the generous features, which are standard at Hedelius: "80 tool slots and two years of warranty as standard—not everyone offers that," he emphasizes. "Even without additional configuration, you could start working with any Hedelius machine right away." However, he certainly wouldn't want to do without the custom-tailored equipment of "his" "Forte 85" anymore.

Bright Prospects for Gewo

That Gewo is looking toward the future with full optimism comes as no surprise: artificial intelligence is booming, and the demand for microchips remains unbroken. A reflection of this forward-looking spirit is the expansion of the site, completed in 2025, which now covers a total of 30,000 square meters (approx. 320,000 sq ft). Part of this expansion included the production hall that the "Forte 85" now calls home—and there is still space there. While there are currently no concrete plans to acquire another Hedelius machine, Harald Reiser and Andreas Empl are certain: "If a second one should ever come, it would be exactly the same one again."