Machine Tools
The outstanding technical level of Czech machine tools, the traditionally high quality of workmanship and the reputation of the trademarks TOS, MAS, ZPS, SKODA and SMERAL open doors to all foreign investors and manufacturers interested in cooperation in the Czech Republic.
Currently, approximately 50 companies are engaged in the production of machine tools and forming machines and their components in the Czech Republic. Of these, 38 (representing 90% of the total production of machine tools and forming machines) are members of the Association of Engineering Technology
Roughly 90% of Czech machine-tool and forming-machine production consists of highly sophisticated cutting machines designed for the most discerning clients, mainly in the automotive and aerospace industries. The total annual value of machines produced is approximately CZK 10 billion. Roughly 80% of production is exported around the world, mostly to Germany and other European countries, as well as to the United States, Canada, China, Russia, India and South America. The Czech Republic ranks 14th among the world's largest tool manufacturers and 7th in Europe in terms of production and exports. Czech tool and machine producers' exports have grown by 12% annually since 1994.
The Czech machine-tool industry produces machines of almost every type and size, mainly in versions with numeric control. This primarily concerns milling machines, lathes and grinding machines in single- and multi-function versions (machining centres). Recently, this has especially involved machines with five-axis control, which are used by customers for production of precision moulds and for shaping very complicated parts from steel, light alloys and other materials that are more difficult to machine, e.g. titanium.
The second most prominent group of machine tools is comprised of metal-forming machines, representing a share of about 10-15% of total production. This product group is represented by mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic presses, a wide range of forging presses and machines for forming bar stock, sheet metal, etc.
R&D activities in the machine-tool industry
The RCMT (Research Centre for Manufacturing Technology) at the Mechanical Engineering faculty of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CVUT) educates young professionals specialised in the research and development of machine tools. The main objectives, implemented projects and organization of the RCMT are described in detail at www.rcmt.cvut.cz. The RCMT's seven main research groups are New Concepts, Measurement and Diagnostics of Machine Tools, Machine-Tool Development, Servo-Drives, Laser Cutting Technology and Machining, Automation of Machine Tools, and Programming of CNC Machine Tools.
Designers of Czech machine tools primarily concentrate on the development of new models. Mainly larger factories have sufficient human resources at their design offices, which follow global trends in their work. Among the new products that belong in this category we can mention Erwin Junker's new Evolution2 modular grinding machines, Kovosvit-MAS's five-axis vertical MCU machining centre, Tajmac-ZPS gantry-type multipurpose TURNMIL machining centre, TOS Varnsdorf's new TOSTec modular concept of horizontal boring and milling centres and TOSHULIN double-column vertical boring mill - POWERTURN Y machining centre. All of these models correspond to new trends in spindle and feed design, have increased accuracy and multi-task operation, and fulfil environmental requirements.
If you are interested to find out more about opportunities to invest in Hi-tech Engineering in the Czech Republic, do not hesitate to contact us at fdi@czechinvest.org. You can also contact CzechInvest's foreign offices.