Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG recently hosted its Open House at its Plüderhausen facility. Numerous customers and industry professionals seized the opportunity to gain a firsthand impression of the innovation, precision, and passion that have defined the company for decades.
Today, FRECH is a globally active family-owned business with a pioneering and comprehensive product portfolio. The company covers the entire spectrum of die casting technology – from machines to tooling systems to spray and die temperature control solutions. This offering is complemented by specialized training programs and a 24-hour service network, underscoring FRECH's commitment to the highest technological and quality standards. As a global leader in zinc, magnesium, and aluminum die casting, FRECH delivers customized solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the industry.
Guests enjoyed a varied program featuring high-level expert presentations, impressive live demonstrations of the latest technologies, and numerous opportunities for professional exchange.
A highlight of the day was the premiere of the new GDKnext, developed in close cooperation with the German Tier 1 supplier Handtmann. A particular milestone was the live announcement of the production release of another GDK4800next by Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG – a strong signal of innovation and successful partnership. Heiko Pfeiffer from Handtmann emphasized the intensive and effective collaboration between the development teams of both companies.
The GDK4800next at a Glance
A more detailed overview of the highlights and advantages of the GDK4800next will follow in a separate article. For now, here is a brief outline:
- Highly dynamic casting unit:
Extremely fast plunger acceleration of up to 650 m/s², pressure build-up times as low as 21 ms, high dynamic casting forces; universally adaptable for all component requirements.
- Reduced footprint:
Smaller installation area with large opening strokes and minimized opening/closing times.
- Energy efficiency:
Significantly lower energy consumption and connection power.
- Optimized opening force:
40% higher opening force over the entire stroke – ideal for three-plate die technology.
- Highest positioning accuracy:
Precise and flexible programming of opening and closing movements.
- Reduced cooling water consumption:
Up to 50% less water consumption thanks to innovative drive concepts.
- New hydraulic concept:
Tank volume reduced by approximately 40%.
CCO Dr.-Ing. Alexander F. Marks, together with his colleagues Jürgen Lamparter and Tobias Just, expressed great satisfaction with the success of the event. Especially in economically challenging times, the strong turnout was seen as a very positive sign.
The event focused on the entire die casting process chain. Presentations by:
- Roger Rapp (MELTEC Industrieofenbau GmbH), – Innovative furnace technology and vacuum dosing for large-scale casting.
- Norbert Obermair (ROBAMAT Automatisierungstechnik GmbH) – Innovative temperature management systems to cast large structural castings.
- Dirk Könsgen (Maschinenbau Böhmer GmbH), – Flexible spraying technology for large castings with the BÖHMER Megabox.
- Lisa Aulbach (Aulbach Automation GmbH) – Challenges and trends in the trimming process of large structural die castings parts.
- Norbert Feth (FRECH ZPF GmbH) – Innovative temperature management systems to cast large structural castings.
- Martin Afkam (VDS SA) – Efficient vacuum process for structure or big casting parts rounded out the program, offering valuable insights into all stages of production.
All in all, a highly successful event marked by excellent organization, valuable information, and an inspiring atmosphere – a strong signal for the future.
Glückauf!
