24.10.2025
Highly efficient PCD process solutions for individual customer requirements
Introducing: The MAPAL PCD Competence Center Pforzheim
From process design to reconditioning across the entire tool life cycle: With the world's largest competence center for PCD tools, MAPAL sets standards in customer service, technology, efficiency, and sustainability. A look behind the scenes at an exceptional location.
The MAPAL site in Pforzheim is a crucial hub for the development and production of PCD tools (PCD = polycrystalline diamond). Founded in 1980 by Werner Stief, the company combines innovation, process expertise, customer focus, high-precision manufacturing and a sustainable approach to doing business.
In Pforzheim, MAPAL develops and produces ultra-precise PCD tools for demanding applications, whether as an individual tool or tool set for an overall. Over 400 employees work to ensure that clients worldwide benefit from technical excellence, premium quality, short response times and sustainable solutions with a high level of tool reconditioning potential.
Employees at the site develop ultra-efficient PCD process solutions for individual client requirements. The PCD tools are designed, manufactured and reconditioned for almost all machining processes. These include drilling, reaming, countersinking/boring, milling and combination tools, as well as complex hybrid tools with 3D-printed components. A wide spectrum of diameters (from 1 to 500 mm) and tool lengths (up to 500 mm) are covered.
The PCD tools are used worldwide in the automotive and supply industries, aviation, engineering and medical technology. “Customers benefit from comprehensive technical advice, carefully thought out process designs, premium quality, high delivery reliability and a wide service offering”, says Christian Molch, Managing Director of MAPAL in Pforzheim.
Pforzheim also acts as a pacesetter for global manufacturing processes with corresponding policy expertise in the production of PCD tools within MAPAL Group: From here, PCD production processes and standards are defined, processes are developed and rolled out internationally through trainings. The associated knowledge transfer strengthens the twelve additional PCD production facilities worldwide – from France, Italy and Czechia to China, Brazil and the United States.
In Pforzheim in recent years, production has been consistently developed to the state of the art. New group standards have been set for technology and production logistics. Recently optimised production planning and order management have reduced lead times by 35% and increased delivery reliability almost to an optimum. At the same time, high levels of investment in production technology, lean management, digitisation and modern environmental technology have strengthened the site’s sustainability and future competitiveness. The Pforzheim site is working on becoming carbon neutral in future: through the use of green energy, a newly installed photovoltaic system, heat exchanger and energy-efficiency climate technology.
Pforzheim also sets standards in terms of technology: Accordingly, the red-anodised PCD face milling head systems act as a benchmark in aluminium machining. New machining processes developed internally and optimised in the areas of laser, EDM (spark erosion) or high-precision grinding ensure the consistent high quality and reproducibility of products – in all markets worldwide.
A digitally consistent configuration process for PCD tools is currently taking shape with an eye on the future – another step towards digitisation and boosting efficiency in collaboration with customers worldwide.
MAPAL Centre of Competence PCD tools
Pforzheim, Baden-Württemberg
Founded: 1980
Employees: 400
Contact
Mathias Ostertag Public Relations mathias.ostertag@mapal.com Phone: +49 7361 585 3566
