Walter Tools’ AI-Driven Edge in Metalworking

What does “intelligent manufacturing” mean to you, and how is your organization contributing to this transformation?

At Walter our production units continue to develop new solutions in surface finishing plants, high levels of automation and intelligent systems, such as driverless transport across different facilities. Also, cobots are used in relevant distribution centres to assist with logistics tasks, improving efficiency and safety for employees.

Can you share a recent breakthrough or initiative that helped empower your customers or channel partners in a significant way?

Every six months we launch a series of new products into the market. Each tool is designed to bring new innovations and advance the metalworking industry. We focus on the application at hand and what our customers want to achieve – productivity and efficiency.

The new Walter Drion·tec® D-Spade D5142 is the world’s first indexable drill with a double-sided exchangeable tip. This means it has two usable cutting edges. The drill is unique in the market! Not only does it double tool life, but it also completely redefines the relationship between price and tool life, simply because the exchangeable tip can be turned over. It means the customer can save 45% of their cutting tool costs per year!  

How is your company embracing sustainability in machining – from materials to energy and lifecycle design?

The Walter indexable inserts are made of around 60 percent recycled material. This means that the CO₂ emissions from the production of the tools are 36 percent lower than those of indexable inserts made from virgin materials.

In this way, Walter plays an important part in reducing its CO₂ emissions and of its customers. The inserts are 58 percent tungsten carbide, which is recovered from recyclable materials. When in use, there is no difference between Walter indexable inserts containing recycled materials and inserts made from virgin materials. By setting up our own secondary raw materials cycle for critical materials like tungsten carbide, Walter is also safeguarding its supply chains.

Walter has been assessed by the sustainability experts at EcoVadis every year since 2020. In 2024, we received the Gold ranking for the third time in a row.

How do you see digital technologies (like AI, IoT, or digital twins) redefining machine tool applications in the next 3–5 years?

Walter headquarters is in Tubingen, Germany and the company recently announced a partnership with Cyber Valley, Europe’s leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics based in Stuttgart and Tübingen.

Digital and AI-based solutions already form a strategically important element of the Walter portfolio. We use our own AI-based applications for development and business processes. The collaboration with Cyber Valley aims to further advance the development and application of AI technologies in the field of metalworking. We are confident that the partnership will help us to develop innovative solutions for our customers and strengthen our commitment to the digital transformation.

Talent is a core driver of future-ready manufacturing. How are you re-skilling or upskilling your workforce for the new era?

At Walter we run a variety of initiatives to support our employees in their personal growth and development. This includes online and in-person training, related to various topics, such as the latest products, services and industries. But also, additional topics, such as leadership, diversity and inclusion, and digital security, all of which will be crucial skills in the future.

Also, we have mentoring programs, allowing employees to be both a mentor or mentee, providing the opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world. Talent and succession planning, along with our recognition awards – highlighting employees and teams who achieve success – all form part of our internal activities.

What values or leadership principles guide your decision-making in balancing innovation, business growth, and social impact?

At Walter Tools, decision-making is guided by the company’s brand promise “Engineering Kompetenz” which help us deliver on our purpose – advancing the world through engineering. This is reflected in product advancements like the Drivox·tec DD170 Supreme solid carbide drill, which combines high performance with sustainability through extended tool life and regrinding capabilities.

Similarly, the TS thread turning system with Tiger·tec® Gold inserts enhances process efficiency while reducing machining time and material waste supporting more sustainable manufacturing. These latest innovations are a testament to Walter’s engineering strength and excellence thus offering its proactive approach in addressing the evolving challenges of the machining world.

Walter’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaborative innovation, integrity, and long-term impact to drive business growth which is aligned with environmental responsibility. As mentioned above this commitment has earned Walter the EcoVadis Gold Medal for three consecutive years. This accolade is a reflection of the values that shape our strategy and operations.

By embedding sustainability into every aspect of our work, we not only drive business growth but also create lasting value for our customers, communities, and the planet.

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