Apprentices are part of our DNA
With machine tools from DMG MORI, FILL guarantees a high technological standard even in the training of young talents.
FILL Gesellschaft m.b.H. from Gurten in Austria has its origins in a metalworking shop founded in 1966 with two employees. Today, the mechanical engineering company employs over 1,000 specialists who develop and produce automated production systems for customers in the automotive, aerospace, sports and wood & construction sectors. Sales and service locations in Mexico, the USA and China support these customers even after commissioning. In order to be able to reliably fulfill the demanding tasks, FILL places great value on competent specialists, which can be seen in particular in the great commitment to young talent - from proactive recruiting and a modern, well-equipped training workshop to early involvement in production. The most recent investment is a CTX 350, on which the trainees learn how to use the new SINUMERIK One from SIEMENS.
10 % Training quota
Production lines for ski manufacturing, special machines for the automotive industry or highly individual machining centers with up to four spindles - at FILL, the majority of orders are a new challenge from development to final acceptance. "As a result, we only produce individual parts. This makes our work as varied as it is demanding,” explains Florian Freilinger, Team Leader Machining at FILL. Added to this is a high quality standard. “The variety of tasks makes us an attractive employer for young apprentices,” adds Philipp Heißbauer, Team Leader Apprentice Training. "We see it as our responsibility to prepare the next generation for the high demands of production in the best possible way.” With a training quota of around ten percent, FILL is able to cover the majority of its personnel requirements itself. The company uses taster days in production and workshops in the FUTURE LAB, a modern knowledge and learning center for children, young people and adults, to generate interest in training opportunities. "The focus here is on digitization, research, innovation, science and technology. Topics that are also very important to us in our day-to-day work,” says Philipp Heißbauer
Over 20 years of experience with 5-axis technology from DMG MORI
FILL has been working with DMG MORI machine tools since 2003. “A DMU 200 P from 2006 is still in use,” says Florian Freilinger, giving an example of the longevity of the machines. The wide range of models is one reason for recurring investments in DMG MORI technology. "For example, we use four identical DMU 75 monoBLOCK machines in order to be able to process the different orders flexibly.” FILL has also found what it is looking for in the production of high-precision components at DMG MORI. Here, a DMU 270 µPrecision, formerly DIXI 270, guarantees accuracies in the µ range.
CTX 350 with SINUMERIK One: Innovative solution for training
FILL has been using DMG MORI machine tools in the training workshop since 2008. Today, there are three milling machines and two turning centers. For Philipp Heißbauer, this is optimal preparation: “Because from the second year of training, we also deploy 60 percent of the trainees in production, where they machine real components.” With its latest acquisition, a CTX 350 V4, FILL has taken a big step towards the future of production. With a footprint of 5.1 m², the very compact turning center has driven tools and a Y-axis "This enables our trainees to learn how to machine more complex geometries in a single clamping operation - on a machine that embodies the latest state of the art.”
ERGOline X with SINUMERIK One and CELOS: Perfect basis for digitalized processes
The modern equipment continues in the control area. Here, the turning center works with the new SINUMERIK One from SIEMENS. “This strongly influenced the decision to purchase the CTX 350, because we also equip our own developments with SIEMENS controls,” recalls Philipp Heißbauer about the purchase. In addition, the SINUMERIK One combined with the CELOS user interface and the 3D shop floor programming exclusively available from DMG MORI is easy to operate. The ERGOline X control panel makes a significant contribution to this. "A modern control system like this is the perfect basis for digitalized manufacturing processes.” DMG MORI technology cycles such as alternating speed and Y-axis parting off are also helpful additions to programming.
The strong focus on good training pays off both for the trainees and for FILL. Apprentices learn how to work with a wide variety of materials. They solve tasks through analytical thinking and creativity. Fair cooperation and flat hierarchies promote social intelligence. The rewards are final examinations with top marks. The company also offers additional programs. “In Austria, there is a model in which trainees can complete their A-levels alongside their apprenticeship.”
Everything from a single source
FILL relies on these qualifications in order to be able to offer sophisticated products from a single source. “We support our customers from the application-specific design and engineering through to the installation and servicing of the production systems throughout the entire project,” says Florian Freilinger, outlining FILL's holistic range of services. He sees this philosophy as a major commonality with DMG MORI. "We experience this when purchasing new machines as well as with service. The latter has become significantly faster and more transparent thanks to the my DMG MORI customer portal, for example.” Philipp Heißbauer is optimistic about the future: “Our successful training and the cooperation with DMG MORI create a good basis for being able to work competitively in the future too.”
FILL Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Fillstraße 1
4942 Gurten
Austria
Fill Machine Engineering