Sodick EDM Powers Automotive Excellence

In the picturesque landscape of Northern Italy, where the beauty of the Italian lakes meets industrial excellence, sits the Meclostampi Group—a company that has been at the forefront of progression toolmaking since 1971. Founded by Cavaliere Antonio Canobbio and now led by his son Valter Canobbio, this business has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to quality over cost – and that is why the company has repeatedly invested in EDM technology from Sodick since 1988.

"We are toolmakers, and we produce tools for many different fields. Our main market is automotive," explains Valter Canobbio. The company's philosophy is refreshingly direct: "In my opinion, it is a stupid thing when you buy the cheapest machine tool solution, because when you buy something like this, your parts on the table are only as good as the quality of the machine. This is also true for the service."

This principle has guided Meclostampi's investment strategy for over five decades, leading to a close partnership with R.F. Celada SpA and their supply of cutting-edge Sodick EDM machines. With more than 80 skilled professionals and a 7,000sq/m facility in Lomazzo, Lombardy, Meclostampi has established itself as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of high-precision sheet metal press tools.

The relationship between Meclostampi and Celada is longstanding and Celada’s partnership with Japanese manufacturers began in the early 1980s when it entered into agreements with brands like Sodick and Yasda. Sergio Nava from Celada emphasises the collaborative nature of their relationship with Meclostampi: "Meclostampi manufactures high-quality products on their Sodick machine tools. Incorporating a high level of technology and performance that is blended with the expertise of the Meclostampi staff, the level of performance and the products which Meclostampi is producing is incredible. We are going in the same direction, and the target is to keep a high level of Meclostampi product quality, but also Celada support."

Solving the Carbide Challenge

One of the most significant advantages Sodick technology has brought to Meclostampi's operations is its continuous technological evolution, which keeps Meclostampi ahead of its competitors. As Valter Canobbio recalls, effectively machining carbide on Sodick machines: "We work with carbide, and in the past, it was a problem. For Sodick, it was not a problem like it was with the other machine tool brands. In the past, working with carbide resulted in surface issues. With Sodick, they solved this problem many years in advance of their rivals."

This technological advancement has enabled Meclostampi to offer superior customer solutions. As Valter explains: "The possibility to offer advanced solutions and be the best supplier with our technology means we may not always be the cheapest."

Precision Through Linear Motor Technology

Meclostampi's current Sodick machine fleet includes multiple ALC 600G and SLC 600G machines as well as an AG60L, representing some of the most advanced wire EDM technology available. These machines incorporate Sodick's proprietary rigid linear motor drives, which provide several critical advantages over conventional ball-screw systems.

The ALC600G combines Sodick's most advanced generator technology and the i-Groove that improves surface finishes, precision and reduces wire consumption. The machines feature rigid linear motor drives on X, Y, U, and V axes, coupled with absolute glass scales for precision positioning. This technology enables cutting accuracies of ±3µm and surface finishes as fine as Ra0.20µm.

The SLC600G represents the evolution of Sodick's Smart Linear, Smart Pulse technology. It features the company's advanced SPW (Smart Pulse Wire) generator, which provides improved cutting speeds and enhanced surface finishes. The machine's 19-inch touch screen control and intelligent Q3vic programming software streamline operation and reduce setup times.

Both machine types benefit from Sodick's exclusive 10-Year Positioning Accuracy Guarantee, reflecting the company's confidence in its linear motor technology. This guarantee is particularly significant for toolmakers like Meclostampi, where positioning accuracy directly impacts the quality and life of the tools they produce.

Operational Excellence

The influence of Sodick technology on Meclostampi's operations goes beyond technical features to include operational reliability. Valter Canobbio proudly states: "In my mind, I don't remember a stoppage of my Sodick machines for maintenance or service. Only with the best machine on the market, can we give the customer the best solution."

This reliability is crucial for Meclostampi's business model, which includes both toolmaking and stamping operations. The company operates a fleet of presses ranging from 250KN to 6,000KN, where they can test their tools under real production conditions. As Valter explains: "With our stamping department, we can see the life and quality of our tools. If we make tools with the right accuracy, it means longer running time, and this is something we can test directly in our department."

The quality of the EDM-produced tooling directly impacts tool life and production efficiency. Precision-manufactured tools with superior surface finishes experience less wear, require fewer adjustments, and produce more consistent parts throughout.

Meclostampi's specialisation in automotive toolmaking demands the highest levels of precision and reliability. The company produces progressive dies, transfer tools, and deep drawing tools for major automotive manufacturers. Their mechanical threading units, designed and patented by Meclostampi, are exported to over 25 countries.

Modern Sodick machines incorporate significant energy-saving technologies that reduce power consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional EDM machines. This efficiency gain is significant for high-volume toolmakers like Meclostampi, where machines operate continuously. The energy savings come from several technological advances, including optimised pulse generators, efficient linear motor drives, and intelligent power management systems. These features not only reduce operating costs but also align with modern manufacturing's emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Looking towards the future, Valter Canobbio expresses confidence in the continued partnership with Sodick and Celada: "Our policy is to follow the best technical solution. From what I have seen during the last few years with Sodick and their constant improvement, it would be nonsense to change our technical solution now, as the machines are always evolving. So, for us, Sodick are our partners for the future."

Modern Sodick machines are designed with Industry 4.0 capabilities in mind. Features such as LAN connectivity, remote monitoring capabilities, and advanced diagnostics enable toolmakers to integrate their EDM operations into broader digital manufacturing systems. This connectivity allows for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and data collection that can optimise production processes.

For Meclostampi, these capabilities support their ability to maintain the exceptional reliability that Valter Canobbio describes. Predictive maintenance systems and remote monitoring allows for proactive support from Celada's service team that identifies potential issues before they can cause downtime.

The relationship between Meclostampi, Celada, and Sodick illustrates the importance of strategic partnerships in modern manufacturing. By investing in premium technology and maintaining strong supplier relationships, Meclostampi has positioned itself as a leader in automotive toolmaking while maintaining the flexibility to serve diverse markets.

Valter Canobbio's assertion that "speed, accuracy, reliability and flexibility are essential when creating quality press tools, so making the right investment in equipment is key"