The company's history is a story with a future, characterized by innovations. In 1929, Emil Wohlhaupter founded the company as a small mechanical workshop, which initially started as a repair shop for cutting and stamping tools and devices. Today, Wohlhaupter is known all over the world as a manufacturer of modular tool systems for machining centers and millturns, facing and boring heads, grooving heads, clamping tools and customized solutions for boring operations.
Founded by Emil Wohlhaupter in 1929, Wohlhaupter has grown into a leading manufacturer of precision boring systems. The second generation of Wohlhaupter continued to expand their product line significantly from the 1960’s into the next century. For almost 20 years now, Frank-M. Wohlhaupter, a third generation Wohlhaupter family member, continues to lead the innovative manufacturer of precision tools. Initially the technical director of Wohlhaupter GmbH, Frank Wohlhaupter currently orchestrates operations as a managing partner. In 2016, Wohlhaupter expanded its product offering and expert boring application services even further when the majority shares were acquired by Allied Machine and Engineering. Wohlhaupter and Allied Machine have partnered to strengthen their position as the only manufacturers to focus solely on holemaking and hole finishing applications for the metal-cutting industry.
Our Milestones
1929
Founding year in Stuttgart-Feuerbach
On October 1, 1929, Emil Wohlhaupter founds a small mechanical workshop in Stuttgart-Feuerbach. In a rented room measuring 40 square meters, cutting and stamping tools and devices are reconditioned - purely by hand. Some years later, the company is subcontracted to carry out small-scale batch production. The clients are very satisfied with the work. The client base grows. The number of employees increases to fifteen. The current space is no longer sufficient, so in 1936 a small factory is rented in Stuttgart-Feuerbach.
1937
Introduction of the Universal Facing and Boring Head UPA
After months of strenuous activity, the first model is developed in 1936, and a year later embraced wholeheartedly by the world of industry at the Leipzig Trade Fair. Universal Facing and Boring Heads are used on universal milling and boring machines, boring mills, jig boring machines and milling machines of all kinds, for machining stationary workpieces in individual and batch production. Around the world, the UPA becomes synonymous with the company's name.
1944
Move from Feuerbach to Frickenhausen
In February 1944, the building and machines suffer considerable damage following an air raid. Through family ties, the company is able to move its headquarters to Frickenhausen.
1973
"MultiBore", the world's first Modular Tool System
With the versatile and extensive MultiBore tool range, complete tools can be put together quickly and precisely. The master shanks that connect the modular MultiBore components to the machine tool are supplied for all kinds of machine tool. The MultiBore boring tools fit directly in the master shanks, or can be made into workpiece-adapted complete tools with the aid of intermediate modules.
1987
Move to the new business premises in Frickenhausen
The move to new manufacturing and office premises provides space for more than 220 employees, space for modern production systems, space to satisfy customers' demanding requirements in the future, too.
1989
Automatic Facing and Boring Head APD for machining centers and special-purpose machines. One tool - numerous machining possibilities
The Wohlhaupter APD 120-36 Facing and Boring Head is developed for use on machining centers, and is designed for a self-contained work process
1992
Production launch of the Hollow Taper Shank HSK
Even prior to standardization in 1996, Wohlhaupter and its partners jointly develop the Hollow Taper Shank HSK, which excels through its very high radial rigidity, its torque transmission, its precise tool changing accuracy and its defined radial positioning.
1993
The first self-balancing Precision Boring Tool from the "Balance" series
Right on time for the EMO Trade Fair in Hanover, Wohlhaupter presents the world's first Balance Precision Boring Tool with auto-balance for finish machining. This is specially developed to minimize the residual imbalance produced by adjustments to the insert holder diameter.
1998
The First "Alu-Line" Aluminum Precision Boring Tools - Welcome to the 3rd Generation
Wohlhaupter sets standards in weight reduction with the launch of Alu-Line lightweight tools. Finally, large tools can be easily integrated into the production process - with simple handling and maximum precision. At the same time, the 3rd generation of the Wohlhaupter family takes charge of the company.
1999
Grooving Head EK - the trailblazing innovation for grooving operations in large-scale production
Pure innovation for internal and external grooving in batch production: the trailblazing grooving head from Wohlhaupter combines linear single-cutting feed with multi-cutting circular milling. Its most important features are: improved surface quality, machining times reduced by up to 80%, and process reliability thanks to electronic tool monitoring.
2001
"Combi-Line" - Rough and Finish Machining in a Single Operation
Combi-Line is synonymous with the combined rough and finish machining of bores in a single operation. The advantages of this series are shorter process times, simple handling and a compact design. Combi-Line is a tool for both small and large-scale production.
2002
Modular Insert Drills with four effective cutting edges
With this completely new and pioneering insert drill series, Wohlhaupter offers a state-of-the-art modular solution that can only achieve its best performance with the plane-parallel contact of the MVS connection. Insert drills are modular in design and therefore ideal for the internationally proven MultiBore range with its unmatched diversity.
2002
Foundation of the US subsidiary "Wohlhaupter Corp." in Dayton, Ohio
After careful consideration of how best to work the American market, in summer 2002 the foundations are laid for the establishment of our own sales subsidiary. Together with Karl Hochuli from Chillicothe, Ohio, the course towards future cooperation is set at an early stage. We quickly find a suitable partner in the shape of a regional dealer, the Mackintosh Tool Company, on whose premises the Wohlhaupter Corp. is to be situated. Now, since December 2002, the Wohlhaupter Corp., based in Centerville/Dayton, Ohio, has been operating in the U.S. and works the U.S. market from within the country. Karl Hochuli heads the sales subsidiary as president of the corporation. An ever growing network of dealers and sharply increasing numbers of customers from all industries endorse our decision, after 9/11, to take the helm in the U.S. ourselves. A group of our own experienced application engineers make up the team and look after customers within the country.
2003
"DigiBore", the Precision Boring Tool with integrated opto-electronic traverse measurement and digital display
Wohlhaupter continues its success story with the highly precise DigiBore Precision Boring Tool. This tool sets new standards for reliability and handling. For fast and reliable adjustment in batch and individual production, DigiBore is the right choice.
2004
Wohlhaupter Exhibits at the IMTS in Chicago, IL, USA
Like many other major trade fairs, the IMTS International Manufacturing Technology Show is held every other year. An impressive presentation increases awareness of the company on the huge American market as a manufacturer of precision tools and a partner for all manner of complex boring operations.
2004
Balance series is further developed
Back in 1993, Wohlhaupter launched the Balance series onto the market as the first tool for finish machining with auto-balance. The logical further development of these tools guarantees maximum bore quality at high cutting speeds with state-of-the-art technology, even from Ø 20 mm. The tools, with a boring diameter of 65 mm or more, feature a lightweight aluminum construction. Wohlhaupter is a pioneer in this technology as well, and helps to minimize customers' production costs.
2006
Wohlhaupter takes over combination-cut boring from the Koyemann company
Koyemann combination-cut boring is a double-edged cutting process for the rough and finish machining of bores in just a single operation. This year, Wohlhaupter purchases the rights to the Koyemann brand.
2008
Alu-Line is further developed from 500 mm to 3,255 mm in diameter
For 10 years now, Wohlhaupter has repeatedly introduced new features to its Alu-Line series for the internal machining of large bores. Using its huge store of product and system knowledge, Wohlhaupter redesigns the standard range to cover a range from Ø 500 - 3,255 mm, and integrates it seamlessly in the existing Alu-Line range from Ø 200 - 500 mm.
2008
New sintered Form 20 replaceable inserts for precision boring
The Wohlhaupter range of replaceable inserts: extensive and always up to date. Wohlhaupter is an independent supplier of cutting materials, and has in stock an extensive and technologically impressive range of replaceable inserts for its internationally renowned modular tool systems. This way, we can react swiftly to new machining trends and ensure our range is constantly up to date.
2009
Digital finish machining up to 3,255 mm
Wohlhaupter is the world's first and only manufacturer to offer finish machining tools with continuous digital traverse measurement from Ø 3 to 3,255 mm. Since 2003, our customers have appreciated the rapid, precise and convenient digital adjustment of our DigiBore precision boring tool. Now, the new precision boring tool from the 537 digital series also offers the advantages of µ-accurate digital tool adjustment from Ø 100 to 3,255 mm.
2010
New 564 Balance Digital Precision Boring Tool series
Wohlhaupter expands its range of precision boring tools by introducing the world's smallest self-balancing Balance digital precision boring tool. Starting with a machining Ø of 50 mm, the Balance digital series includes six sizes up to Ø 205 mm, in which opto-electronic traverse measurement and the LCD panel are integrated. µ-accurate dimensional corrections can therefore be carried out easily and reliably, and thanks to the digital display, the user gets straight to the precise boring diameter. Now offering an auto-balance facility and tools in lightweight Alu-Line design from Ø 65 mm, Wohlhaupter is consistently advancing digital precision adjustment in the Balance series.
2011
Universal High-speed Precision Tools with integrated digital display
Improved precision, quality and efficiency in the finish machining of the smallest bores from Ø 0.4 mm: The smallest precision boring tool with integrated digital display on the global market.
2011
High-performance solid carbide drills and universal HSS tap drills and forming taps
Wohlhaupter extends its field of expertise to include solid drilling and thread machining. This way, customers are provided with future-proof complete solutions from a single source - in first-class Wohlhaupter precision and with the latest geometries and coatings for maximum machining performance and tool life.
2011
Foundation of the Wohlhaupter India Pvt. Ltd. sales and service company in Delhi
The potential of the Indian market could be recognized early on by the strong growth of sales in 2006 and 2007. Since then, India can rightfully claim to be the number 1 export country for Wohlhaupter. This is reason enough to respond to customers' demands and increase the level of service. In September 2010, the decision was made to establish our own organization in India. Since May 2011, Wohlhaupter India Pvt. Ltd., based in New Delhi, has been actively working the Indian market with great success. Our own thoroughly trained employees look after constantly growing numbers of customers right there in the various regions of this immense country.
2014
Precision boring tool PrimeBore
PrimeBore is a cost-effective addition to the Wohlhaupter family of boring tools for the boring range Ø 6 – 128 mm.
2014
Tool configurator Tool-Architect
The Tool-Architect allows a virtual configuration of the MultiBore tools, as well as a representation of a 3D model.
2016
VarioBore: More Flexibility – More Precision
The systematic further development of our product ranges is aimed at optimum design of the tools to even more demanding applications and the extension of the modularity and thus flexibility.
The new precision boring tool VarioBore is the versatile all-rounder for the boring range 0,4 up to 152 mm.
2016
3ETech – the New Technology for Wohlhaupter Precision Boring Tools
External is new: 3ETech is a technology for the micron-accurate adjustment in connection with an external digital readout module for the easy correction of the diameter.
The 3ETech technology opens the possibility to equip all fine boring tools even with small diameters of the body or special tools.
2016
Allied Machine & Engineering Corp. aqcquires the majority of shares of Wohlhaupter GmbH
The US based Allied Machine & Engineering Corp. acquires the majority of the shares of Wohlhaupter GmbH, a manufacturer of precision boring tools located near Stuttgart in the South of Germany. At the same time Frank-M. Wohlhaupter increases his stocks, remains on board as a managing partner and will be leading the company into the future. The family owned business Allied is well-known for its high-tech "Holemaking Solutions" all over the world. Together they will merge to the global Holemaking Specialist the industry has been looking for.