Studer: Success from Barcelona

The Spanish TEMSA Metallurgical Group is a global leader in manufacturing precision tools for cold forming. For many years, the company has relied on STUDER cylindrical grinding machines in its production. A visit to the TEMSA facility near Barcelona.

In a white work shirt, Alfonso Vivar moves through a large hall that, despite the numerous machines, monitor-equipped workstations, and focused professionals, exudes a sense of order. Everything has its place, every step is meticulously planned, and in the center, a yellow robotic arm methodically performs its tasks. We are in a high-tech plant spanning 8,000 square meters, located west of Barcelona. Production Manager Vivar knows every corner of this facility. The bright red logo of his employer, the Spanish TEMSA Metallurgical Group, stands out on his shirt. TEMSA is a global leader in producing highly precise tools for cold forming, as well as an expert in powder metallurgy, sintering, and fine cutting.

Cold forming involves shaping metal below its recrystallization temperature using significant pressure and tension, resulting in shorter processing times per part compared to traditional metal cutting, which reduces costs in mass production. Cold forming also provides high strength, complex geometries, and excellent surface quality, producing components for high-tech industries such as aerospace and automotive. This is only possible with the right specialized tools and skills, and TEMSA excels in this area.

“Our team can produce specialized tools with micrometer-level tolerances,” Vivar proudly states. Around one hundred employees work at TEMSA’s Barcelona site, catering to demanding clients worldwide. “Thanks to our expertise, we can also ensure short delivery times, but this is only possible because we use the best machines,” he adds.

Trust in Technology

“This is our new STUDER S100, which we received this year along with a favoritCNC,” Vivar points out, highlighting the CNC universal internal cylindrical grinding machine in white with blue accents. The typical color scheme of STUDER cylindrical grinders is frequently seen in the plant, as TEMSA has relied on models from the Swiss manufacturer for years. Several STUDER machines handle grinding tasks here, including the latest-generation S131 CNC universal internal cylindrical grinder. “We trust the technology and value our excellent collaboration with the manufacturer,” Vivar explains the investment decision. The precision, reliability, and ease of use of STUDER machines ensure efficient production.

The S100, for instance, is a versatile machine with high accuracy for internal, flat, and external grinding applications, capable of handling workpieces up to 550 mm long. The favoritCNC is designed for both single-piece and series production of medium-sized workpieces up to 680 mm in length. Both machines offer excellent value for money while providing premium features like a solid Granitan® mineral cast machine bed and seamless hardware-software integration for easy operation. The S131, with its patented StuderGuide® system, grinding spindle turret with up to four spindles, and an additional C-axis, is ideal for the high-precision production of flange parts and smaller components.

Customer service with direct communication

For Vivar, another crucial factor in choosing STUDER is the customer service. “The service is excellent, and we have several Spanish-speaking contacts,” he says, noting the ease of communication. The “preventive maintenance” offered by STUDER is also important to him. This includes regular, routine checks by STUDER’s technical experts to minimize production downtime and extend machine lifespan.

Riccardo Delai, STUDER’s Sales Manager for Latin Europe, frequently visits the Barcelona plant and often speaks with TEMSA staff. “Personal contact is very important, as it helps me understand what works well and where more is needed,” he explains. Recently, STUDER has also employed a local service technician in Spain for quicker response to customer inquiries. Spain is a key future market for Delai, bolstered by local and EU support for high-tech investments. “We are thrilled by TEMSA’s international success as a 100% Spanish company, demonstrating what our machines can achieve,” Delai emphasizes.

Investment in the future ensures success

TEMSA’s success story began over 30 years ago as a small manufacturer of precision carbide and steel tools. Through consistent investment in employees, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment, the Spanish company quickly earned an excellent global reputation. Today, TEMSA is a world leader in specialized tools for cold forming processes. “I am very proud of our team; we are a big family. Many have worked here for a second generation, and we always have a Christmas dinner with the first generation,” Vivar shares, having worked at TEMSA for 25 years.

This appreciation for tradition is matched by a forward-looking approach. TEMSA embraced automation early on to enhance production efficiency. For example, the yellow robotic arm in the plant automatically organizes and supplies machine tools based on need and processing cycle. “We aim to advance automation to an even higher level, which is a challenging task,” Vivar explains. STUDER is a strong partner in this, with extensive experience in both custom and standardized automation solutions. The S100, for instance, can be equipped with a loader interface and automatic sliding door for integration into an automated production setup. The S131 also features a standardized interface for loaders and peripheral devices.

As Alfonso Vivar and Riccardo Delai continue their tour of the TEMSA plant, passing the robotic arm, machines, and focused employees, Delai says, “I’m very pleased that TEMSA is satisfied with their latest two STUDER machines,” shaking Vivar’s hand in farewell. “I am too,” laughs Vivar, adding, “Until next time.”

For more information, please visit: http://www.studer.com