The solution not only enables CNC machine shops to calculate manufacturing costs and times for turning and milling parts faster and create quotes more efficiently. With the new version, Spanflug MAKE is evolving towards a 'Machining Intelligence' that also supports work preparation and manufacturing strategy optimisation.
Thanks to AI-powered algorithms for part analysis, a high level of automation, and the integration of tool and stock data, software users can generate cost-efficient machining strategies with just a few clicks. This is especially valuable for small quantities and enables companies to manufacture more economically, the company said.
Main challenge in small-batch machining
CNC contract manufacturers who produce small and medium quantities often have limited time to determine the most economical machining strategy and optimise process parameters, unlike in large-scale production. Parts outside their current specialisation typically pose significant challenges in quoting, work preparation, and manufacturing.
Particularly with unfamiliar parts, companies often lack the experience needed for truly accurate calculations. Those looking to tap into new customer segments under rising cost and competitive pressure, and who wish to respond to customers faster with accurate quotes and manufacture parts profitably can reduce economic risks and complexity through Spanflug's solution for intelligent machining strategies.
The AI-powered and data-driven path to optimal machining strategy
“This is exactly where our Machining Intelligence comes in,” explained Dr. Markus Westermeier, CEO at Spanflug. “We now support machine shops with more than quoting and work preparation – we help them become more efficient in actual manufacturing and find new, more economical ways to machine custom parts.”
The technical basis for this is the Spanflug algorithm, which is enhanced by artificial intelligence and trained on millions of parts. The software understands each part, analyses the optimal manufacturing process, and generates an operational plan with the required stock materials, machine tools, cutting tools, as well as times and costs.
Modeling the manufacturing sequence with digital tool data
Increasingly integrating real-world data from throughout the entire manufacturing process into Spanflug’s software is crucial to the quality of the operational plans generated and accuracy of the calculations, it said.
In addition to stock data from connected material partners, Spanflug MAKE now also utilises tool data. The strategic partnership with tool manufacturer CERATIZIT plays a key role here and now brings concrete benefits for users: “The integration of CERATIZIT cutting tool data enables the software to model the manufacturing process and generate the most profitable machining strategy,” Westermeier added.
The latest version of Spanflug MAKE thus delivers not just a calculation proposal, but an operational plan with a recommendation for the most efficient manufacturing approach. This includes stocks, machine tools, cutting tools, and operation sequence data.
Live demos at EMO
By using the browser-based software solution Spanflug MAKE, machine shops can reduce their effort for quoting and work preparation by up to 90 per cent, the company said, to ultimately make their manufacturing more efficient.
This allows customers to not only reduce costs and improve manufacturing sustainability but also to access new customer segments more easily and strengthen their competitive position. Spanflug thus combines all focus themes of this year's EMO motto, 'Innovate Manufacturing.'
Industry professionals and media representatives attending the world's leading trade fair for production technology are cordially invited to visit Spanflug at EMO (booth A47 in hall 6). From September 22-26, 2025, vistors can experience Spanflug MAKE live and discover the possibilities of AI, digitalisation, and automation for manufacturing. There will also be a Spanflug demo station at the CERATIZIT booth (B42 in hall 5) for further hands-on information.
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