Macrocast, a company of the binder Group, is one of the market leaders in the small parts segment and is known internally and externally for quality and performance. 25 years have passed since the foundation and this little journey through time shows the development of this success story.
by Jürg Müller
1995: Macrocast was founded as a traditional die-casting foundry in Adliswil/Zurich, Switzerland. The company’s core competence at the time was in complex, geometrically sophisticated small parts.
At the same time, the company also supplied the automotive industry until 1999.
2005: Series 713 threading rings were manufactured for binder for the first time – heralding the start of a new era.
From 2 to 22
The company employed two members of staff back when it was first founded – today, that number is 22. The machine parks in production and finishing were constantly expanded and adapted to customers’ requirements. These expansions also meant more and more staff had to be brought on board. The premises in Adliswil were no longer. The new and modern buildings in Samstagern were acquired in October 2000 and they still serve as the company’s head office today.
Macrocast in the binder Group
The company stands for expertise in zinc die-casting and has established itself as the specialist for geometrically complex and small components. Macrocast currently manufactures the majority (65 percent) of all zinc die-casting series in the binder Group.
Cutting-edge die-casting machines with real-time controls are used for the manufacturing process. The finishing process mainly employs CNC-controlled systems. Everything is manufactured in-house except for galvanic surface finishing.
Group synergies
For two years now, Macrocast has work together with the binder Group to manufacture every new die-casting tool, replacement parts and new products for existing components for the Group itself and for external customers. Macrocast passes on its concepts, drafts and experience to the colleagues. The construction is realised in Neckarsulm. binder Austria builds the respective shapes based on the CAD/CAM data.
Prototypes of the finished tools are made out of plastic. “That may seem strange but it’s very effective for testing the tool’s functional capability,” explains Jens Paul, Technical Manager at Macrocast. “The components are then optimised during the die-casting process. The benefit lies in both the synergy of the united experts and the fact the costs remain within the Group. This allows us to both strengthen project business and involve the binder Group efficiently.”