YG-1 relies on VOLLMER’s laser technology for PCD tools 2026-09-24

The YG-1 Technology Center develops bespoke tooling solutions 
The YG-1 Technology Center in Oberkochen, Germany, was established in January 2018 and acts as a centre of excellence within the international YG-1 Group for bespoke tooling solutions and complex project applications. With around 75 employees, the site develops innovative special tools, supports international customers and works closely with the Group’s global development and production sites.

With around 5,500 employees, 38 branches and a presence in more than 75 countries, the South Korean YG-1 Group is one of the largest manufacturers of precision tools. The product range includes PCD and solid carbide tools, ISO indexable insert tools and line boring bars for applications in the automotive industry, medical technology, aerospace and general mechanical engineering.

“By investing in the VLaser 370 laser machine from VOLLMER, we are underlining our strategy of prioritising quality, precision and long-term competitiveness, even in challenging times. Our focus is on the development of innovative special tools, process design and the provision of technical support to customers and other YG-1
sites worldwide,” says Jose Eduardo Guimaraes, CEO of YG-1 Technology Center GmbH.

Innovative manufacturing technologies as a competitive advantage 
As a full-service provider of everything from standard and special tools to turnkey projects, YG-1 aims to support customers worldwide with high-performance tooling solutions. At the same time, increasing demands for productivity, delivery reliability and sustainability are changing the expectations placed on modern tool manufacturers. Suppliers are increasingly seen as strategic partners who not only supply tools but also work with customers to develop optimal manufacturing processes.

“Innovative manufacturing technologies are a key competitive advantage for us. They enable higher quality, greater efficiency, shorter lead times and the development of high-performance tooling solutions. This enables us to respond flexibly to market demands and offer our customers genuine added value,” says Jose Eduardo Guimaraes.

The VLaser 370 enables the precise machining of complex PCD tools 
The decision to opt for the VLaser 370 from VOLLMER was driven in particular by the geometric requirements involved in machining complex tools, as well as the need for efficient process design. What particularly impressed YG-1 was the machine’s compact design and its laser concept.

“At present, PCD milling and reaming tools with optimised chip-breaking geometries are becoming increasingly important in aluminium machining. These bespoke solutions place high demands on the manufacturing process. The VLaser 370 helps us to manufacture these tools precisely and cost-effectively,” Jose Eduardo Guimaraes explains.

Equipped with sophisticated kinematics, robust extraction technology and internal compensation measurement, the VLaser 370 enables the precise and reliable machining of complex tool geometries. The machine really comes into its own when producing chip guide notches. These are incorporated directly along the cutting edges and ensure controlled chip formation during the subsequent machining process. This allows chips to be broken up in a controlled manner and prevents tangling – an important factor, particularly in automated manufacturing processes.

Initial experiences confirm the investment decision 
Since January 2026, YG-1 has been using the VLaser 370 in its day-to-day production environment. As well as its high precision, the company is particularly impressed by the machine’s ease of operation and its efficient machining of complex tool geometries.

“By using the VLaser 370, we have been able to halve the cycle time for several series production items whilst simultaneously improving the quality of our tools’ cutting edges,” says Benjamin Ravida (left), Production Manager at YG-1. “This not only reduces our TCO, but also enables us to offer PCD tools with a longer service life and improved precision.”

The VLaser 370, together with the appropriate automation solutions, can be used for machining tools made from ultra-hard cutting materials such as PCD, CVD diamond or PcBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride). The machine is ready for use without any warm-up time and enables efficient machining even with complex tool geometries.

As machining is carried out using the focal point at the centre of the C-axis, only minor compensatory movements are required. This contributes to a high degree of stability and precision during the machining process.

“YG-1 is a prime example of the demands that modern tool manufacturers place on the machining of complex PCD tools today. Our VLaser 370 offers the necessary precision and process reliability for this,” says Tobias Trautmann, CEO of the VOLLMER Group. “It is precisely through the interplay of technology, automation and an understanding of processes that we can support our customers in the sustainable development of their manufacturing processes.”