Die-cast aluminium components play a central role in the production of lightweight engines and transmissions; and the fact that they are in high demand is good news for Heck & Becker — a specialist in the production of moulds for die casting since the 1990s.

Based in Dautphetal, Germany, the company is one of the most successful mould makers for the automotive sector; it is also involved in the development of emerging automotive technologies.

Established in 1936, Heck & Becker now uses the latest design and programming methods. Modern computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-
manufacturing (CAM) techniques were implemented by the company in the early 1990s, when it invested in Dassault Systèmes’ Catia CAD software.

The mould maker then added NC programming, installing the WorkNC CAM system from the software company Vero (www.verosoftware.com).

Heck & Becker has now been using WorkNC for over 20 years, and its reasons for selecting this software then remain valid today. Achim Klein, who manages the production control department, says: “WorkNC is the CAM system for mould and die making. It is easy to use and includes all the special milling strategies we need.”

Today, the mould maker employs five programmers, who use WorkNC V22 to drive a total of 16 machining centres and EDM machines. “The feature-recognition capability is invaluable, as are its tool management, collision detection and simulation functions, ”adds Mr Klein.