Sodick Europe supports automotive toolmaker with production of precision progression tools

In the picturesque landscape of Northern Italy, where the beauty of the Italian lakes meets industrial excellence, sits the Meclostampi Group – a company at the forefront of progression toolmaking since 1971. Founded by Cavaliere Antonio Canobbio and now led by his son Valter, the business has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to quality over cost. For this reason, Meclostampi Group has invested in EDM technology from Sodick since 1988.

“We’re toolmakers producing tools for many different fields, although our main market is automotive,” states Valter. “In my opinion, it’s stupid to buy the cheapest machine tool, because your parts will only be as good as the quality of the machine.”

This principle has guided Meclostampi’s investment strategy for over five decades, leading to a close partnership with RF Celada and its supply of Sodick EDM machines.

With more than 80 skilled professionals and a 7,000 sq m facility in Lomazzo, Lombardy, Meclostampi has established itself as one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-precision sheet metal press tools.

The relationship between Meclostampi and Celada is long-standing, while Celada’s partnership with Japanese manufacturers began in the early 1980s when it entered into agreements with brands like Sodick and Yasda.

Sergio Nava, EDM Support and Programming Technician at Celada, emphasises the collaborative nature of the relationship with Meclostampi: “Meclostampi manufactures high-quality products on their Sodick machine tools. Incorporating a high level of technology and performance that is blended with the expertise of the Meclostampi staff, the level of performance and the products which Meclostampi is producing is incredible. We’re going in the same direction, and the target is to keep a high level of Meclostampi product quality, but also Celada support.”

Solving the carbide challenge

One of the most significant advantages Sodick technology has brought to Meclostampi’s operations is its continuous technological evolution, which keeps the company ahead of its competitors.

“We work with carbide and, in the past, it was a problem,” explains Valter. “For Sodick, it was not a problem like it was with other machine tool brands. Previously, working with carbide resulted in surface issues. With Sodick, they solved this problem many years in advance of their rivals.”

Precision through linear motor technology

Meclostampi’s current Sodick machine fleet includes multiple ALC600G and SLC600G machines, as well as an AG60L. These models incorporate Sodick’s proprietary linear motor drives, which provide several critical advantages over conventional ball-screw systems.

The ALC600G  also combines Sodick’s most advanced generator technology and the i-Groove that improves surface finish, precision and reduces wire consumption. The machines feature rigid linear motor drives on X, Y, U, and V axes, coupled with absolute glass scales for precision positioning. This technology enables cutting accuracies of ±3 µm and surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.20 µm.

The SLC600G represents the evolution of Sodick’s Smart Linear, Smart Pulse technology. It features the company’s SPW (Smart Pulse Wire) generator, which provides improved cutting speeds and enhanced surface finish. The machine’s 19-inch touchscreen control and intelligent Q3vic programming software streamline operation and reduce set-up times, reports Sodick.

Both machine types benefit from Sodick’s exclusive 10-year positioning accuracy guarantee, reflecting the company’s confidence in its linear motor technology. The guarantee is particularly significant for toolmakers like Meclostampi, where positioning accuracy directly impacts the quality and life of the tools it produces.

Operational excellence

The influence of Sodick technology on Meclostampi’s operations goes beyond technical features to include operational reliability.

“In my mind, I don’t remember a stoppage of my Sodick machines for maintenance or service,” says Valter. “Only with the best machine on the market can we give the customer the best solution.”

This reliability is crucial for Meclostampi’s business model, which includes both toolmaking and stamping operations. The company operates a fleet of presses ranging from 250 to 6,000 KN, where it can test tools under real production conditions.

Explains Valter: “With our stamping department we can see the life and quality of our tools. If we make tools with the right accuracy, it means longer running time, and this is something we can test directly.”

The quality of the EDM-produced tooling impacts tool life and production efficiency. Precision-manufactured tools with superior surface finish experience less wear, require fewer adjustments and produce more consistent parts.

Meclostampi’s specialisation in automotive toolmaking demands the highest levels of precision and reliability. The company produces progressive dies, transfer tools and deep-drawing tools for major automotive manufacturers. Its mechanical threading units, designed and patented by Meclostampi, are exported to over 25 countries.

Sodick says its machines incorporate significant energy-saving technologies that reduce power consumption by up to 60% compared with conventional EDM machines. This efficiency gain is significant for high-volume toolmakers like Meclostampi, where machines operate continuously. The energy savings come from optimised pulse generators, efficient linear motor drives and intelligent power management systems. These technologies not only reduce operating costs but also align with modern manufacturing’s emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Looking towards the future, Valter expresses confidence in the continued partnership with Sodick and Celada: “Our policy is to follow the best technical solution. From what I have seen during the past few years with Sodick and their constant improvement, it would be nonsense to change our technical solution now, as the machines are always evolving. So, for us, Sodick are our partners for the future.”

Modern Sodick machines are designed with Industry 4.0 capabilities in mind. Features such as LAN connectivity, remote monitoring capabilities and advanced diagnostics enable toolmakers to integrate their EDM operations into broader digital manufacturing systems. This connectivity allows for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring and data collection that can optimise production processes.

For Meclostampi, these capabilities support its ability to maintain reliability. Predictive maintenance systems and remote monitoring allow for proactive support from Celada’s service team that identifies potential issues before they cause downtime.

The relationship between Meclostampi, Celada and Sodick illustrates the importance of strategic partnerships in modern manufacturing. By investing in premium technology and maintaining strong supplier relationships, Meclostampi positions itself as a leader in automotive toolmaking while maintaining the flexibility to serve diverse markets.