Werkzeugbau

Werkzeugbau, or toolmaking, is the design, production and maintenance of tools, dies, molds and fixtures used to shape materials in manufacturing. The field covers tooling for metal forming (stamping, drawing, bending, forging), plastics and rubber molding (injection, compression, blow molding), as well as gauging and assembly devices that ensure process accuracy.

Typical workflow includes concept and feasibility, detailed design with CAD/CAM, selection of materials and coatings, fabrication of components by milling, turning, grinding and EDM, heat treatment and surface finishing, followed by assembly, try-out and integration into production lines. Ongoing maintenance, sharpening, refurbishing and spare parts management are essential to tool longevity.

Common tool types include injection molding dies (single or multi-cavity, hot runner systems), stamping and progressive dies, transfer dies, die casting molds, and specialized fixtures, jigs and gauging equipment. The Werkzeugbau unit often collaborates closely with product engineering, production and quality assurance.

Materials and coatings used in toolmaking comprise tool steels (for example H13, D2), high-speed steels and carbide, as well as coatings such as TiN, TiAlN or CrN to extend life. Surface treatments (nitrocarburizing, nitriding) and precision grinding are standard to achieve tight tolerances and surface finish.

The Werkzeugbau sector is a core part of the mechanical engineering and manufacturing industries. It employs skilled toolmakers and engineers, with many countries offering dual-education apprenticeships or engineering programs. Digitalization—CAD/CAM, simulation of mold filling, CNC machining, EDM and measurement software—has increased efficiency and accuracy but also raised requirements for process control and quality management.