HORN: Technology Day 2025

Two open plants, Six Specialist Presentations and over 60 Exhibits:  HORN Technology Days 2025

From 14th to 16th May 2025, Paul Horn GmbH opened its doors for the ninth time to around 3,300 visitors from a total of 33 countries.

Mastering processes in theory and practice: Visitors were able to expand their knowledge during six specialist presentations combined with live machining. Topics included machining aluminium with PCD tools, machining small bores, grooving, parting off, form grooving and turn-milling as a solution for long-chipping materials. Those who wanted to delve even deeper were able to take part in moderated demonstrations in three live production areas. In addition, two presentations focused on Horn’s internal product configuration and the integration of AI. Visitors were able to see, test and experience these on-site.

From a pasta machine and a braking system for an intercity express train to the combustion chamber of an Ariane engine: throughout the production area, the tool manufacturer displayed over 60 impressive exhibits that had been machined using Horn tools. In all, 20 demo components were machined live on various machines. In addition to extensive freedom of movement around the open production facilities in the two plants at the Tübingen site, visitors were given an insight into the process from powder to the finished blank for an insert at a special exhibition organized by HORN Hartstoffe GmbH.

Two final presentations from the TransKI and MetaLearn projects funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) also took place as part of the Horn Technology Days. A total of 50 partner companies rounded off the event.

 

 

 

 

Markus Horn, Managing Director of Paul Horn GmbH, summarizes: “The Horn Technology Days 2025 were a complete success. The feedback from our guests not only confirmed this, but more than exceeded our expectations. We are already looking forward to 2027, when it will be time to welcome visitors again to the Horn Technology Days.”

Horn Technology Days is an Open House Event where customers from all over the world are invited to Tubingen to see for themselves what lies behind the scenes.  Please contact us if you would like to be a part of the next Technology Days. 

HORN: CBN Tooling for High Surface Quality

High Surface Quality at High Speed

Nickel-based alloys, titanium, cobalt-chrome: Reliable machining of these problematic materials requires a high level of expertise on the part of the user. If the workpieces also require high surface quality, the use of specialized tools is essential. HORN addresses this need with a CBN tool system that is unique on the market. Geometries specially developed for finishing ensure high surface quality, tight tolerances and high process reliability when machining the material groups P, K and S. Moreover, HORN is pushing the boundaries of machining speed with this system.

In operation, the tools achieve speeds of 350 m/min (1,148 ft/min) when cutting Inconel and 300 m/min (984 ft/min) when cutting titanium alloys, for example. The tools produce surfaces with an almost mirror-like finish. The combination of cutting material, quality of the tool edge grinding, coating and coolant supply enables the high performance. The reliable process is enhanced by the linear wear behavior of the CBN cutting material. Wear rate is therefore predictable. The finishing system is available as standard in numerous HORN tool systems. In addition to various ISO inserts, HORN offers CBN inserts for the Supermini, Mini, 229 and 315 systems, as well as for the DTS milling system.

Please contact us for more information on CBN Tool Systems from Horn!

HORN: New tools for Deep Axial Grooving

The new Mini 114 system from Horn enables a face grooving depth of up to 10 mm. The Tübingen-based tool manufacturer is thus further expanding the already wide variety of this product family. The insert is suitable for turning and copy turning of axial grooves. The user does not need a special tool holder, as the insert is compatible with the existing axial holder system. As standard, Horn offers the EG55 carbide grade grooving tools in three different types from stock with cutting widths of 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm. The minimum diameter for grooving is 14 mm, while the maximum is 34 mm to 36 mm, depending on the type.

The face-screwed inserts of the Mini system are one of Horn’s core products. The tool system is suitable for turning and milling applications. The precision tools have proven particularly effective for boring, internal grooving and face grooving. Paired with the low-vibration carbide tool holders, the inserts produce good surface finish even with long overhangs and ensure excellent process reliability. The Mini system’s broad portfolio offers inserts in various sizes for different internal diameters as well as different geometries and substrates and CBN or diamond tips.

Please contact us for more information for your requirements.

 

HORN: PTO Shaft Milling

Horn is expanding its tool portfolio for gear cutting to include types for milling PTO shafts. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the complete machining of drive shafts. Horn has standardised its own tool range for this purpose, which demonstrates high milling performance. The double-edged carbide insert S274 is used. The programme includes tools for PTO shaft sizes 1 3/8″ and 1 3/4″. The portfolio also includes special milling cutters for restricted shaft clearances. The M274 tool holders are equipped with an internal coolant supply for targeted cooling. The carriers have a diameter of 63 mm (2.48″) and 10 teeth.

 

Tractor attachments such as a mower or loader wagon do not have their own drive. To operate them, the mechanical drive energy of the tractor must be transferred to the attachment. This is done via the power take-off or PTO shaft. This drive, which can usually be switched on and off, is available at a secondary output of the tractor transmission. The energy can be utilised directly via a PTO shaft. A profiled shaft stub, which protrudes from the gearbox, is connected to the PTO shaft of the attachment by means of splined or involute gears. For operation, the user attaches the PTO shaft to the stub shaft in an axial direction. Rotationally symmetrical locks are used to secure the connection, which can be released easily and without tools.

HORN: High Performance in Stainless Steels

Horn has developed a new, solid carbide milling cutter range especially for machining stainless steels. The tools are for milling stainless materials in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries as well as the precision engineering and watchmaking industries. In addition, due to their geometry and good chip breaking, the milling tools are suitable for machining numerous other materials. Due to the precise combination of the substrate, the macro and micro geometry as well as the IG3 coating, the milling system exhibits high performance and long tool life. The coating in particular offers high temperature resistance for machining steels alloyed with chromium, nickel and molybdenum.

Horn offers the solid carbide milling tools from stock in two types. The DSHPR variant is suitable as both a finishing and a roughing tool. The geometry is also adapted for trochoidal machining and plunging. The DSR type, with its very sharp cutting edge geometry and short design, is suitable for very small parts and unstable clamping conditions, such as in the medical and watchmaking industries. In the DSHPR line, all tools are available with four teeth and in diameters from 2 mm (0.079″) to 20 mm (0.787″). Horn offers the DSR variant with three teeth in diameters from 1 mm (0.039″) to 10 mm (0.394″).