As a leading manufacturer of high-performance digital cameras, Leica Camera AG was looking for a supplier for several housing and internal parts of a limited special edition of its successful Leica M9 model. In a newly interpreted look by Walter de'Silva, head designer of Volkswagen Group. And in high-precision components made of titanium, realised by toolcraft within a very tight time frame.
customer:
Leica
www.leica-camera.com
the starting point:
Absolute Prestige Product
The special edition was limited to 500 cameras. The five-digit selling price did not tolerate any compromises in quality, function and on-schedule order fulfilment, whatsoever – from prototyping to series production. A typical job for the turning and milling specialists at toolcraft.
the challenge:
Timing and Material
In addition to the customer's specified timing, the precious metal cannot be processed like steel. Moreover, some of the titanium parts – base plate, side handle piece, upper housing and various interior components – also feature a very demanding geometry. In several cases involving miniature threads with very tight tolerances that were hard to machine.
the approach:
Smooth Project Management
- Building of a qualified project team
- Project planning for smooth order fulfilment, including determination of the machining centres required for the various parts
- Prototyping and approvals within shortest time
- Manufacture and delivery of all 500 units (plus 50 spare parts each) precisely on schedule
the results:
Proven Partnership
Once more toolcraft had been able to demonstrate its competence and experience. In spite of the time pressure, the material and the complexity of the parts, the delivery date was not at risk at any time. In the meantime, we are in discussions about a follow-up project for a new camera system of the customer.
