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Cover photo by courtesy of TOS VARNSDORF, a.s.

Traditional Branchof Industry IsShowing MarkedRecovery

Ladislav Ondřej, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Industry and Trade,

e-mail: ondrej@mpo.cz, www.mpo.cz

The manufacturing industry has a long tradition in theCzech Republic. One of its main supporting pillars is themanufacture and repair of machinery and equipment,class 29 according to the NACE branch classification ofeconomic activities. This branch covers a very wide rangeof manufacture and servicing of equipment, indispensablefor any investment in production technology. It is dividedinto seven sectors, from the construction of turbines tomachine tools and arms production and the manufactureof household appliances.

Development of Czech EngineeringIn 2005, revenue from the sale of own products andservices in comparable prices in this branch rose by 14.1 % on a year-on-year basis. Efforts to save wagecosts and investment in more advanced technologies onthe one hand and the implementation of measuresensuing from the National Action Programme ofEmployment on the other hand led to the stabilisation ofthe number of workers in the branch. Employing some12.8 % of the country’s entire workforce, the averagenumber of workers employed in general engineering in2005 has given this sector an important position withinthe Czech Republic’s manufacturing industry as a whole.Average monthly wages rose by 5.5 % and productivityof labour increased by 13.4 %.

In recent years, exports in this branch have continuedto grow considerably. From the foreign trade point ofview the export recovery of the branch began in 2003.In 2005, the branch’s balance of trade showed a highsurplus amounting to approx. EUR 1.7 billion, up 245 %against 2004. In 2005, the most favourable balance wasdisplayed by products in NACE category 29.12 – Pumpsand compressors, parts, wiring – amounting to approx.EUR 7.7 million, and NACE 29.23 – Cooling, ventilating,air-conditioning equipment – EUR 5.4 million. The mostmarked change from trade deficit in 2004 to a surplus in2005 occurred in NACE 29.4 – Machine tools, pressesetc.

The trends displayed by the individual sectors of thisbranch reveal the growing competitive strength ofCzech general engineering.

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CZECH MACHINE TOOLS AND FORMING MACHINES Supplement of:Czech Business and Trade 07-08/2006

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MK ČR E 6379This bi-monthly magazine is published by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CzechRepublic in cooperation with the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic sixtimes a year in English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, as a supplement to theeconomic bi-monthly issued in English (Czech Business and Trade), German (Wirtschaftund Handel in der Tschechischen Republik), French (Industrie et commerce tchèques),Spanish (Empresas y negocios en la República Checa), and Russian (óe¯cÍafl Úop„o‚ÎflË Ôe‰ÔËÌËÏaÚeθcÚ‚o).Managing Editor: Jana VápeníkováEditor: Naďa VávrováGraphic Design: Helena Dvořáková, Miloslav BucvanAddress: PP Agency, s.r.o., Myslíkova 25110 00 Praha 1, Czech RepublicPhone: +420 221 406 623, 221 406 626Fax: +420 224 934 383E-mail: journal@ppagency.czwww.ppagency.czwww.mpo.cz/cbtDeadline: 31/05/2006Attitudes expressed by the authors of articles in this magazine are not necessarilyconsistent with the viewpoint of the Publisher.

PP Agency Company with the ISO 9001 certified quality management system for publishing services

CONTENTS:INTRODUCTION

3 Traditional Branch of Industry Is Showing Marked Recovery

ANALYSIS4 Machine Tools and Forming Machines – the Foundation of Czech Industry6 Gauge and Tool-making Sector Benefits from CR’s Membership of EU6 Czech Woodworking Machines Score Success in Russia 8 State Programmes for Support of Small and Medium-sized Businesses

WE ARE INTRODUCING10 JUNKER – Synonym for Grinding Machines

CZECH TOP12 TAJMAC-ZPS, a.s. – European Machine Tool Builder14 New Equipment for Conventional Technologies16 TOSHULIN Machining Centres Are Heading for Industrially Advanced Markets18 High Technical Standard of ŠKODA Machine Tools20 TOS VARNSDORF – Traditional Czech Manufacturer of Machine Tools21 System of Educating Specialists in the Area of Machine Tools and Forming Machines

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT22 Support to Manufacturing Machine Development from EU Research and Development

Support Programmes23 Research into Machine Tools in the CR Continues Successfully

EXPORTS24 Success of Czech Forming Machines Worldwide

SURVEY26 Poll of Successful Firms Operating in the Area of Machine Tools and Forming Machines

INFORMATION30 Exhibitions and Trade Fairs in the Area of Machine Tools and Forming Machines in the

Czech Republic (2nd half of 2006)30 Important Contacts

PRESENTATION OF COMPANIES:2 PRODECO, a.s.9 TRATEC – CS s.r.o.

17 TOSHULIN, a.s.19 MODIKOV, s.r.o.25 ALTA, a.s.31 MORAVIA STEEL a.s.32 TOS VARNSDORF, a.s.

BMD, a.s., HESTEGO s.r.o., HOMMEL – CS s.r.o., Intos spol. s r.o., KOVOSVIT MAS, a.s., LIEBEZEITHYDRAULIK, s.r.o., MESING, spol. s r.o., MGM, s.r.o., PSP Pohony a.s., TAJMAC-ZPS, a.s., ŽĎAS, a.s.

Machine Tools and Forming Machines – the Foundation of Czech Industry

Jiří Kapounek, Economist, Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Engineering Techniques, e-mail: kapounek@sst.cz, www.sst.cz

Engineering is without doubt one of themost important fields of human activity. Itsdevelopment influences the developmentof all other branches of any giveneconomy. The machine tool and formingmachine sector is part of a large industrialwhole and a sub-sector of the productionof machines and equipment in themanufacturing industry. Although thissector is not so large in terms of value, itis the foundation of the entire Czechindustry, its products influencing otherareas within the framework of thenational economy. It is the driving forcebehind growing labour productivity anda source of added value. Although theannual volume of the world productionand consumption in this sector worthapproximately EUR 40 billion accounts forless than 1 % of world engineeringproduction, it nevertheless plays a decisiverole in the development of technologies inall areas of human activity.

Classification of the manufactureof machinery and equipmentunder NACE 2929.1. Machines for the production and

use of mechanical energy29.2 General purpose machines29.3. Agricultural and forestry machines29.4. Machine tools and forming

machines29.5. Special purpose machines29.6. Arms and ammunition29.7. Household appliancesThe production of machine tools andforming machines in the Czech Republicforms a substantial part of thecountry’s production of machinery andequipment.

Production of Machine Tools andForming Machines in the CR in 2005In 2005, the volume of produced machinetools and forming machines amounted toEUR 739.410 million. Besides metalcutting and metal forming machines, thisvolume also includes other machines insub-class 29.4, such as woodworking and

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Table 1 – Production and exportsEUR millions

Produc- Produc- Ratio Exports Exports Ratio tion tion 05/04 05/042005 2004 % 2005 2004 %

8456 Physical-chemical machines 0 0 0 2.696 4.526 59.68457 Machining centres 84.539 59.761 141.5 47.871 44.653 107,28458 Lathes 49.611 46.330 107.1 58.535 59.754 98.08459 Thread drilling, boring, milling

and tread cutting machines 54.277 43.001 126.2 91.982 64.309 143.08460 Grinding, sharpening, honing

and lapping machines 75.722 41.239 183.6 66.025 67.261 98.28461 Planing, shaving, broaching

and gearing machines, and saws 17.929 15.581 115.1 21.616 17.615 122.7Machine tools Metal Cutting, Total 282.078 205.912 137.0 288.725 258.118 111.9

8462 Forming machines, including presses 31.460 21.232 148.2 29.546 26.016 113.6

8463 Other forming machines 0.635 1.627 39.0 3.663 2.758 132.8Metal Forming machines, total 32.095 22.859 140.4 33.209 28.774 115.4Machine tools and forming machines, total 314.173 228.771 137.3 321.934 286.892 112.2

welding machines, stone-workingmachines, spare parts, repair andmaintenance of machine tools, manualmechanised tools and instruments,assembly and installation. In 2005, thevolume of production in themetalworking sector amounted to EUR314.172 million, up 37.3 % year-on-year,with a 12.2 % increase in exports and

a 14.8 % drop in imports. Theexport/import balance was negative,amounting to EUR 12.3 million. Theoutput of businesses that are members ofthe Association was worth EUR 272.2million, accounting for 86.7 % of thetotal output in the machine tool andforming machine sector in the CzechRepublic.

Graph 1 – Production of machine tools and forming machines in the CR in 2001-2005

Metal forming production Metal cutting production Total production in the CR

Production of machine tools and forming machines in the CR (without spare parts, accessories, overhauls)

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The year-on-year growth ofoutput is apparent especially inthe following groups of machinetools and forming machines:Group 8457 – machining centres, up by41.5 %. Total machining centreproduction amounted to EUR 84.539million. The largest volumes in this groupwere accounted for by numericallycontrolled vertical machining centres,amounting to EUR 43.718 million.

Group 8459 – thread drilling, boring,milling and cutting machines, increase of26.2 %. Total production of thesemachines reached the value of EUR54.277 million. The largest volumes inthis group were accounted for bynumerically controlled combined boringand milling machines, amounting to EUR36.009 million.

Group 8460 – grinding, sharpening,honing and lapping machines, witha year-on-year growth of 83.6 %. Totalproduct ion of gr inding machinesamounted to EUR 75.722 million. Thelargest volume of production in thisgroup was accounted for by numericallycontrolled roll face grinding machinestotalling EUR 37.268 million.

Group 8461 – planing, shaving,broaching, and gearing machines andsaws, growth by 15.1 %. Totalproduction in this group was worth EUR17.929 million. The largest volumeswere accounted for by metal cuttingpower saws, worth EUR 17.049 million.

Group 8462 – the production offorming machines grew year-on-year by48.2 %, amounting to EUR 31.460mil l ion. The largest volume ofproduction was accounted for by otherpresses – rivet, nut, and bolt presses (notnumerically controlled) - worth EUR12.369 million.

Czech Exports of Machine Toolsand Forming Machines in 2005In 2005, Czech exports of machine toolsand forming machines amounted to EUR321.935 million, of which EUR 237.332million were accounted for by the exportof machine tools and forming machinesmanufactured by members of theAssociation, representing 73.7 % oftotal Czech exports. Growth wasdisplayed by group 8459 – threaddrilling, boring, milling, and cuttingmachines, up 43.0 % year-on-year.Exports of this group reached a value ofEUR 91.982 million. The largest volumeof exports in this group wasaccomplished by numerically controlled

Table 2 – Imports and consumptionEUR million

Imports Imports Ratio Consump- Consump- Ratio 05/04 tion tion 05/04

2005 2004 % 2005 2004 %8456 Physical-chemical machines 38.769 32.469 119.4 36.073 27.943 129.18457 Machining centres 50.393 44.167 114.1 87.060 59.275 146.98458 Lathes 57.413 46.765 122.8 48.489 33.341 145.48459 Thread drilling, boring, milling,

and thread cutting machines 29.899 31.147 96.0 -7.806 9.839 -79.38460 Grinding, sharpening, honing,

and lapping machines 29.452 28.326 104.0 39.149 2.304 1699.38461 Planing, shaving, broaching,

and gearing machines and saws 14.773 8.312 177.7 11.087 6.278 176.6Machine tools, total 220.699 191.186 115.4 214.051 138.979 154.0

8462 Forming machines, including presses 100.843 186.920 53.9 102.757 182.137 56.4

8463 Other forming machines 12.728 14.102 90.3 9.700 12.970 74.8Metal forming machines, total 113.571 201.022 56.5 112.457 195.107 57.6Machine tools and forming machines, total 334.270 392.208 85.2 326.508 334.087 97.7

combined boring and milling machines,worth EUR 60.367 million, followed byplanning, shaving, broaching andgearing machines, and saws in group8461. In 2005, the total exports of thesemachines reached a value of EUR 21.616million. The largest export items in thisgroup were other (not circular) saws,totalling EUR 18.949 million.

As regards the territorial structure ofexports, in comparison with 2004, the2005 volume of machine tool andforming machine exports to Russia roseby EUR 8.088 million, while the export ofthese machines to Germany and Slovakiadecreased (by EUR 2.827 million andEUR 2.588 million, respectively). Chinahas become the Czech Republic’s fourthlargest export destination, with exportsworth EUR 24.993 million. A slightincrease in comparison with 2004 wasdisplayed by the USA, where the volumeof exports increased by EUR 1.487million.

Czech Imports of Machine Toolsand Forming Machines in 2005Czech imports of machine tools andforming machines in 2005 amounted toEUR 334.270 million, which is 14.8 %less than in the previous year. The largestgrowth of machine tool and formingmachine imports was recorded in group8461 – planing, shaving, broaching, andgear ing machines and saws (up 77.7 %), followed by group 8458 – lathes (up 22.8 %), group 8456

– physical-chemical machines (up 19.4 %), and group 8457 – machiningcentres (up 14.1 %). All other groupsrecorded a fall in the imports of machinetools and forming machines against2004, when total imports displayeda relatively high value of EUR 392.207million. In 2005, Germany was onceagain the CR’s leading importer for thiscategory of machines. A significant dropin imports was recorded in trade withJapan and Italy, whilst Spain and Taiwandisplayed moderate growth.

The manufacture of machine tools andforming machines reached its maximumboth worldwide and in the CzechRepublic in 2000 and 2001. In 2004,after a period of stagnation, and inresponse to worldwide recession, thissector gradually began to recover, bothin the world and in the Czech Republic,especially after the CR’s accession to theEU. In general, the world economy findsitself in a phase of recovery. This isdirectly affecting the global productionof machine tools and forming machines,which surpassed the 2001 level in 2005with an output worth EUR 41.7 million,thus reaching the world maximum. Theyear 2006 and the coming years lookpromising for the machine tool andforming machine sector, which isexpected to follow an upward trend,with year-on-year growth of bothproduction and exports.

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Gauge and Tool-making Sector Benefits from CR’s Membership of EU

Petr Borovan, Secretary General of the Gauge and Toolmakers’ Association, e-mail: svnmtools@narexpha.cz, www.svnm.cz

Czech Woodworking Machines Score Success in Russia

Karel Svoboda, Director, Czech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association, e-mail: svoboda@tos.cz, www.svdsz.cz

The Gauge and Tool-makingSector in the Czech Republic isa Consolidated Branch.This is largely due to the favourablesituation in Czech and Europeanengineering and the Czech Republic’smembership of the European Union. Theindustry’s ownership structure has beenconsolidated and both export contacts andforeign ties of co-operation have beenestablished and stabilised. In 2005, exportsaccounted for 35 % of the turnover, theaverage annual per capita turnover in thebranch amounting to EUR 45 300.

The best indicators of productivity,efficiency and year-on-year growth aredisplayed by those firms that have a solidand financially strong foreign partnerenabling them to profit from thepartner’s international trading network andfrom the availability of large sums for

investment in engineering equipment. Bothpartners benefit from sharing know-howand from the mutually advantageousdivision of labour between the foreignparent firm and the Czech company. Ingeneral it can be said that the developmentof these businesses is showing signs ofdetermined implementation of long-termbusiness visions. Another important groupincludes enterprises privatised by their ownmanagement, in the absence of a foreignpartner, and consequently with limitedinvestment possibilities, managed,however, by people who consider thefirm’s development to be their mission inlife and who are prepared to fight for newideas and risk to realise them.

Importance of SupportProgrammesFor the tool-making sector, too, the

programme of grants financed from EUfunds comprises important elements ofstimulation. The Innovation programmesand programmes based on cross-borderco-operation are considered a considerablehelp, the use of which will enable the tool-making sector, a sector where high value isadded to input material, to maintain itsposition within the European economy.

The Woodworking MachineryManufacturers’ Association (SVDSZ)associates Czech manufacturing firms,currently numbering 14, as well as theFaculty of Forestry of the MendelUniversity of Agriculture and Forestry inBrno. The Association’s chief activitiesinclude the holding of exhibitions andtrade fairs at home and abroad, mediationof foreign ties of co-operation, andrunning an information service in the areaof production programmes andmarketing.

Czech Products Presented in RussiaIn spring 2006, with the assistance of the

Czech Trade Promotion Agency/CzechTrade, Czech companies presentedtheir products at the Wood andWoodworking Exhibition in Arkhangelsk.The event was attended by 43representatives of woodworking plantsfrom the Arkhangelsk area. Thepresentation scored success withrepresentatives of regional and local firms.News of a possible financing of completetechnologies by ALTA of Brno(www.alta.cz) was very favourablyreceived. Currently, work is in progress onseveral technological projects in the areaof timber waste processing, the delivery ofcomplete technologies for sawmills andfor the production of construction balk.

SVDSZ is preparing the participation ofCzech firms in the LESDREVMASH 2006Moscow exhibition of woodworkingmachines, Russia’s most importantexhibition in this area, which will be heldin September 2006. The exhibition issupported under the framework of thepro-export policy of the Ministry ofIndustry and Trade. Another event is thepresentation of Czech companies inEkaterinburg and Sankt Petersburg at theTEHNODREV exhibition at the end of2006, which is being prepared by theAssociation in cooperation withCzechTrade.

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Examples of successful gauge andtool-making companies:NAREX Česká Lípa, a.s. www.narex.czPRAMET TOOLS, s.r.o. www.pramet.czYORK s.r.o. www.york.czNAREX BYSTŘICE, s.r.o. www.narexby.czSTROJÍRNY POLDI, s.r.o. www.strojpoldi.czZPS-FN, a.s. www.zps-fn.cz

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State Programmes for Support of Small and Medium-sized Businesses

In 2003, the Government of the CzechRepublic approved programmes of theMinistry of Industry and Trade in supportof research and development financedfrom the state budget. These includeIMPULS and TANDEM, programmeslaunched once again in 2006 as inprevious years. Both programmes inviteresearch workers and institutions tosubmit projects, which are to belaunched in 2007.

IMPULS ProgrammeIMPULS focuses on the support ofresearch and development of newmater ia ls , industr ia l products ,production technologies, informationand control products, and technologies.It will be open to projects for theresearch and development ofmanufacturing machines to be built byCzech manufacturers and groupsformed for this purpose. Support willalso go to projects the completion ofwhich is expected within three years ofthe granting of funds from the statebudget. Their return on investmentmust not exceed five years followingcompletion. The level of state aidgranted to the project can amount to25-100% of recognized costs of theproject. In recent years, the IMPULSprogramme assessment commissionsrecommended severa l interest ingprojects in the area of machine toolsand forming machines for financing. Forexample, the machine-tool categoryincluded a project entitled "Series of SP430 machining centres" by KOVOSVITMAS, which was granted a subsidyamounting to EUR 346 000. The project"Development of an FVC 160 CNCportal-type machining centre with a toolmagazine" by STROJÍRNA TYC wasawarded a subsidy of approximately EUR80 000 and a project by TOS KUŘIM –OS for the development of a portal-typemachining centre with adjustable crossra i l was granted a subs idy ofapproximately EUR 148 000.

TANDEM ProgrammeTANDEM is intended to provide supportto projects for industrial research anddevelopment, the results of which willbe used in new products, technologies,and services following further follow-upindustrial research and development.Projects under this programme must beimplemented by spec ia l -purposegroups, i.e. project teams, consisting ofgroups of workers from industrialorganisations and researchers who workin academic, university, public research,and other institutions. All organisationsinvolved in the project must have theirpermanent seat registered in the CzechRepublic. Every project included in theTANDEM programme must ensure thetransfer of its results from the level ofbasic research to the level of industrialresearch and development. State aid forthe implementation of a project canamount to 25-100%, as in the case ofthe IMPULS programme, and projectsmust be completed by 2010.

Also in the TANDEM programme, theassessment commissions recommendedthat support is granted to projects in thearea of manufacturing technologies.Examples of successful projects include"Research and development ofmechatronic elements and systems forspinning machines" submitted by RieterCZ, which was awarded a subsidy ofapproximately EUR 417 000, and"Research and development ofmachines for volume and surfaceforming", which was submitted byŽĎAS and received a subs idy ofapproximately EUR 124 000.

EU Structural FundsWith the accession of the CzechRepublic to the European Union,

opportunities have opened up for Czechorganisations and institutions to gainsubsidies for projects in the area ofresearch and development not only fromthe state budget of the Czech Republic,but also from programmes co-financedfrom EU Structural Funds. For the new2007-2013 programming period, theMinistry of Education, Youth, and Sportsis preparing the Operational ProgrammeResearch and Development forInnovation, which sets itself threepriorities. The aim of the first priority –Enhancing research and developmentcapacities – is to ensure the continuousand last ing generat ion of newknowledge in research and developmentin regions, which is to be used for thesusta inable deve lopment of theeconomy and a rapid and efficientspreading of knowledge at all levels.The second priority – Development ofco-operation between the public andprivate sector – sets itself the aim tosupport last ing and eff ic ient co-operation between public researchorganisations, universities, and otherinstitutions and enterprises, and indoing to ensure that knowledge ist ransferred f rom research anddevelopment to the practical users. Thelast pr ior i ty of the Operat ionalProgramme is Raising the capacity ofuniversities for tertiary education, withthe clear aim of increasing the offer andraising the education level of regions bybroadening the capacity of universitiesfor tertiary education. The Ministry ofEducation has already published the firstdraft of the Operational Programme;a call to submit projects is expected in2007.

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Luděk Hanáček, Manager of EU Projects and Grants Division, Deloitte BPO G&I a.s., e-mail: ludek.hanacek@elbona.cz,www.deloitte.cz

more at: www.deloitte.cz

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JUNKER – Synonym for Grinding Machines

JUNKER Maschinen was founded by ErwinJunker in Nordrach, Germany, in 1962.From the very beginning, the firm has beendeveloping machines intended for theprecision tool industry. Today, it providescomplete deliveries of systems forpractically all sectors that employ grindingand straightening equipment. Thanks tothe development of new designs ofmachines for the complete machining ofdemanding parts, such as camshafts andcrankshafts that employ moderntechnologies, the firm found its way intothe automotive industry in the early 1990s.

The technological lead and advanceddesign of Junker grinding machines arebased on almost a hundred patents. Themost important of them is the introductionof the QUICKPOINT technology, high-speed grinding with CBN and diamondcharged grinding wheel, the three-pointclamping system as well as themachine’s safety system. Many of thefirm’s original technical designs haveinfluenced the development of grindingtechnology as a whole.

The Company’s Current ActivitiesThe firm’s current strategy focuses on threegrinding technologies named according totheir target use: AUTOMOTIVE, TOOLTEC,and METALWORKING. The company’s coreactivity is its AUTOMOTIVE programme,which is subjected to the strict standardsand conditions that govern the automobileindustry.

Company clientele include a largenumber of world firms, among others carmanufacturers and contractors for theautomobile industry, such as Audi, Bosch,Daimler-Chrysler, General Motors, INA,LUK, Scania, Volkswagen Group, andVolvo. Customers also include toolmanufactures and engineering companiesthat employ JUNKER products in all typesof engineering production from singlepiece to mass production.

In terms of territorial structure, most ofJUNKER’s customers are located in Europe,although the company is currentlyexpanding its business activities to Asiaand South America. An important projectwas recently implemented in China.

The current holding arrangement ofJUNKER is represented by organisationalunits in Germany, the Czech Republic, theUSA, and China.

Erwin Junker Grinding Technologyin the CRThe company came to the Czech Republicin 1992, when it privatised three formerunits of the TOS Hostivař concern. Later, in1999, another Czech company becamepart of the JUNKER Group.

Following privatisation, all manufacturingunits located in the Czech Republic,a country with a long tradition in grindingmachine production, were radicallymodernised. Today, thanks to their hightechnical standard, their output is largelyresponsible for the dynamic turnover ofthe entire Junker Holding.

The works in Mělník is now the principalmanufacturing works of JUNKER Group. InČtyřkoly, high-precision spindles aremanufactured for Junker grinders inaddition to filtering and exhaustionsystems bearing the LTA label. In the BSHworks in Holice, a new assembly hall hasjust been opened, a part of which is theTechnological Centre for the innovation ofmachines and grinding technology, fromboth the theoretical and practical aspect.

The finalisation of machines is alsocarried out in other units outside the CR,

depending on the specialisation. Products from the CR mainly include

CNC plain grinding machines for externaland internal grinding. Another group areCNC centreless grinders and CNC surfacedouble-wheel grinders. Examples ofadvanced technologies include the Saturnmachine project, a machine based on CBNgrinding and the Jumat 3000/50 machine,which employs CBN technology and whichwon a prize at the 2005 InternationalEngineering Fair in Brno.

The company’s long-term strategy is tobuild an innovative firm, which isexpressed, among other things, by a newconcept entitled Evolution2. A new seriesof products designed on a modular basiswill secure a number of importantadvantages and higher profitability. Theassets of this solution are: a greatercertainty in the planning of the grindingprocess, higher output, a reduction in theoperating costs of training and servicingand a broadening of the prospects offurther use of the equipment. In general,the new generation machine concept notonly brings good prospects for Junker, butfirst and foremost, it guarantees theeconomic future of customers.

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Jiří Čeněk, Administration Manager, Erwin Junker Grinding Technology Mělník Ltd., e-mail: jiri.cenek@junker.cz, www.junker-group.cz

JUNKER assembly hall in Mělník

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TAJMAC-ZPS, a.s. – European Machine ToolBuilder

TAJMAC-ZPS, a joint stock companybased in Zlín, has a tradition of morethan a hundred years in engineeringproduction. Machine tools were firstmade under the MAS trademark, in thelatter half of the 20th century theywere manufactured under the name ofZPS, and today they are produced asTAJMAC-ZPS machines. Due to theirconsistently high quality, they are ingreat demand on the most significantengineering goods markets (Europe,America, Asia). The company is a partof the TAJMAC GROUP, whichassoc iates fo l lowing companies :TAJMAC-MTM, TAJMAC-MSW, ZPSSlévárna (Foundry), ZPS Generálníopravy (Overhauls ) , TECNIMETAL,Wickman, MONEO, and MANURHINK’MX.

Modern ProductionTechnologiesThe company’s focus is at present onthe development, production, and saleof machine tools, whilst employing themost sophis t icated technologies .TAJMAC-ZPS has design departments atits disposal with over 70 qualifieddesigners, a specialised foundry withcapability to produce complex castingsof grey and ductile iron (one of themost modern foundries in Europe), vastand wel l equ ipped machin ingworkshops, a great pattern castingcapac i ty, h igh-qua l i ty assemblyworkshops, including workshops forthe precision assembly of high-speedspindles, complete electro-assembly ofmachine tools and their components,and a prototype development andtesting centre. It also offers theadjustment of machines to fit thecustomer’s workpiece.

The production of containers andequipment for export packaging,including the company’s own terminalfor railway transport, is a matter ofcourse. This potential makes it possiblefor TAJMAC-ZPS to be self-reliant in the

manufacture of various components.The company employs 1 100 peoplewho ensure the entire productionprocess.

Current Production Programme The company’s present core programmeis the production of multi-spindleautomatic lathes, sliding headstockmachines, vertical machining centres,hor izonta l machin ing centres ,multipurpose machining centres, andCNC lathes.

The product ion programme ofTAJMAC-ZPS is influenced by theprogramme of the Italian companyTAJMAC-MTM, which acquired ZPS inJune 2000, as an experienced firm onthe specialised multi-spindle automaticlathe market. By combining originalMORI-SAY, Wickman, and TAJMACmodels made in Zlín, TAJMAC-ZPS hascreated the best possible foundation forthe production of high-quality multi-spindle automatic lathes and othermulti-spindle application technologies.In the area of multi-spindle automaticlathes the company now ranks amongthe wor ld ’s top manufacturers ,measuring up to companies such asShutte and Gildemeister.

Another TAJMAC-ZPS product rangeare the three- and five-axis verticalmachining centres designed for heavyloads at a high quality. The table sizesrange from 1200 mm x 510 mm to2200 mm x 800 mm, and the machinesare very suitable for machining heavymoulds. Optionally, the machines canbe equipped with an automatic palletchanger for two pallets. Another groupcomprises high-quality three- and five-axis horizontal machining centres.There is a model with two 400 mmx 400 mm pallets and highly efficientmodels with 630 mm x 800 mm pallets.The company’s bas ic product ionprogramme also includes CNC lathesand machining centres with a maximum80 mm diameter of bar stock and shaft

Hana Modlitbová, Advertising, TAJMAC-ZPS, a.s., e-mail: hmodlitbova@tajmac-zps.cz, www.tajmac-zps.cz

length of up to 2500 mm. TheMANURHIN K’MX sliding headstockmachines are for the time being themost recent acquisition of TAJMAC-ZPS.

In 2005, TAJMAC-MTM became themajority owner of the MANURHINK’MX trademark, and in 2006 theproduct ion of s l id ing headstockmachines was launched by TAJMAC-ZPSin Zlín.

TAJMAC-ZPS has the use of advancedknow-how and employs the CAD/CAMPro/ENGINEER sys tem and thePro/MECHANIKA f in i te e lementsmethod.

In i t s product ion base, whichcomprises a modern grey and ductileiron foundry, the firm uses top-standardequipment and technologies of leadingworld manufacturers. The workmanshipof production and assembly workers istraditionally high, making it possible forthe f i rm to offer i t s customerscomprehens ive so lut ions for thetechnological and production cycle.

Awards for TAJMAC-ZPSThe success of machines built byTAJMAC-ZPS and the sk i l l andworkmanship of the company’s workershas been attested, among other things,by the awards the company has won atspecialised competitions, specifically theaward of a Gold Medal for its MCV1210 vertical machining centre at theInternational Engineering Fair in Brno in2005 and the prestigious award ina competition held by AV ENGINEERING,a.s., where the company’s designerswon the main prize – the AV AWARDS2005 for the best project "MCV 1210vertical machining centre", and theworkers of the application centre wonan award in the NC manufacturecategory for the project "Raising theutility value of the H 40 machine basedon the productive blade machiningtechnology".

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New Equipment for Conventional Technologies

In mid-2006, the ŽĎAS joint stockcompany will celebrate 55 years sinceproduction was launched within itsmetallurgical and engineering complexbased in Žďár nad Sázavou. From the verybeginning, the company’s programme hasbeen divided into two lines of production:the metallurgical part, where it specialisesin the manufacture of castings andforgings, and the engineering part, whereit focuses on rolling mill equipment,forming machines, and tools.

An important step five years ago was theentry of a strategic partner into the firmand the incorporation of ŽĎAS into theŽeleziarne Podbrezová Group. ŽeleziarnePodbrezová steelworks is one of the mostimportant tube manufacturers in Europe.In addition to ŽĎAS, it has acquired othersignificant companies, such as ŠKODA TSPlzeň and PRAKO Prakovce.

Top Products Manufactured byŽĎAS, a.s.In the area of open die forging, a numberof unique machines and equipment havebeen manufactured by ŽĎAS, at theworld’s top standards. Integrated forgingsets have been supplied for instance toNakamura Iron Works in Japan, BGHEdelstahl Lippendorf in Germany, andWyman and Gordon in Great Britain. Inco-operation with ŠKODA TS Plzeň, thecompany has also exported a largeproduction plant to Iran. It has alsoexported, for instance, its CDT 1000

straightening press and its LKJP crankpress to Germany.

At present the company is modernisingthe equipment of its hydraulic formingpresses and forging sets. In this area,ŽĎAS has gained a dominant position onimportant markets, such as those ofJapan, Germany, India, and Egypt.

ŽĎAS manufactures a variety of lines forthe longitudinal and transversal division ofmaterials for firms processing materials for

the manufacture of carbodies. It has acquiredexcellent references forits deliveries to US SteelKošice of Slovakia.Important deliveries ofrolling mill equipmentinclude the delivery ofthe coasting section for the Starý Oskolrolling mill in Russia andan XRK9-100 straight-ening machine toShanghai.

High ExportDynamics The high productivity of

the company’s engineering segments isfurther augmented by the export of morethan 50% of its output. Its metallurgicalsegment is doing even better withdeliveries for power plants, as well asequipment for manufacturers ofcomponents for large transport aircraft. Itspartners and customers include importantfirms, such as VAGL Linz, Energomash,SMS Demag, ŠKODA Power, and Wymanand Gordon.

These references indicate the distributionof the company’s exports to differentterritories. Nearly 30 % of its total exportsgo to the German market. Another 30 %is divided between Slovakia and theUnited Kingdom, and other interestingmarkets include Russia, Spain, Austria,and Italy.

It goes without saying that deliveries ofentire plants, quite often the case indeliveries made by ŽĎAS, take severalyears to finalise commercially andtechnically and very often significantlyinfluence the structure of actual exports atthe time of their execution.

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Viktor Horanský, Head of Marketing Department, ŽĎAS, a.s., e-mail: viktor.horansky@zdas.cz, www.zdas.cz

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Assembly lines for the production of valves for combustion engines have been supplied to Chinaand Iran, for instance

Assembly lines for the mass production of automobile wheel disks

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TOSHULIN Machining Centres Are Heading for Industrially Advanced Markets

Engineering production is a branch witha long tradition in the Czech Republic andit is one of the main pillars of industrialproduction. TOSHULIN, a.s. is a leadingworld manufacturer of vertical lathes andvertical machining centres with a longtradition. The history of the companydates back to 1949, when the firstfoundation stone was laid for the newengineering works.

Development Is a Prerequisite ofSuccess on Advanced MarketsThanks to the work of its developmentlaboratories in Hulín and Brno, the use ofmodern manufacturing and assemblytechnologies and distribution through theglobal trading network, TOSHULIN wasable to focus on industrially advancedmarkets after 1989. Machines made byTOSHULIN, a.s. sell with success ondemanding markets, such as that of theUSA, the United Kingdom, Germany, andFrance.

The company supplies its machines tothe energy, aircraft, space, and transportindustry markets, as well as to smallmanufacturers and contractors of largefirms. During its existence, the firm hasdelivered more than 13 500 machinetools to 60 countries worldwide. Its aim isto maintain and promote co-operationwith Czech and foreign customers alike.The most important include, for example,companies such as Rolls-Royce, SNECMA,GE Aircraft Engines, as well as manyothers.

TOSHULIN ProductsThe company’s core programme is themanufacture of REV, SKL, SKA,POWERTURN, POWERTURN Y, SKG, SKAT,and SKIQ vertical lathes and verticalmachining centres.

The different series of machinesproduced by TOSHULIN vary in their toolexchange systems, the cross section ofthe slide ram, and the general design ofthe machines.

The lathes come in types with tablediameters ranging from 800 mm to 7000

mm and they are fitted with top-standard electronic elements, which,together with the traditionally high-precision mechanical parts, area guarantee of high output,rel iabi l i ty, and precis ion ofmachining. All these types ofmachines are intended for work indemanding and complicatedindustrial applications and areadjusted to the individualrequirements of customers.

The machines are supplementedwith a wide range of accessories forworkpiece manipulation, thechecking of the tool and theworkpiece, ecological guards, andother facilities.

Comprehensive ServiceCustomers increasingly demandinvestment intensive technologicalunits with a large number ofadjustments to meet their specificneeds. TOSHULIN a.s. focuses oncustom deliveries and provides itscustomers with comprehensive services,including the offer of machines bestsuited to their purposes, the requiredtechnology, its production and assembly,delivery, installation, and the supply ofafter-sale services. The good functioningof this system relies on systematicresearch and the introduction intodevelopment of the latest technologicaland construction know-how.

Other important activities of the firm, inaddition to the manufacture of newmachines, include the modernisation andoverhaul of machine tools. The highlycompetent execution of the overhaulsand modernisation is based ona combination of the high quality ofmechanical machine parts and the mostadvanced electronic elements.

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Pavlína Křepelková, Sales Manager, TOSHULIN, a.s., e-mail: sales@toshulin.cz, www.toshulin.cz

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History of TOSHULIN

• Building the factory 1949• Construction of the first vertical lathe 1952• Construction of a new SKQ vertical lathe with patented exchange device 1974• First machine with palletisation and C-axis 1986• Privatisation of the company 1996• New POWERTURN vertical lathe generation 1999• New generation of SKL machines 2000• New generation of heavy duty SKG and POWERTURN machines 2002• First machine with chuck plate slide along theY-axis 2004• New generation of REV machines 2005

POWERTURN 3000 turning machining centre

The history of the manufacture of machinetools bearing the ŠKODA trademark datesback to 1911. As its production and exportswere growing, the company becamea symbol of high technical standard,reliability, and perfect workmanship. Thesequalities rank ŠKODA among theworld’s leading manufacturers of machinetools. In 1993, the European organisationEMRC awarded ŠKODA MACHINE TOOLthe Euromarket Award 1993 inappreciation of the outstanding technicalstandard of its products. ŠKODA MACHINETOOL boasts several other important prizesthe company has gained at internationalexhibitions and trade fairs.

Research and Development – Keyto Position of Global LeaderThe company has a strong research,development, and construction-designpotential based on the skills of its creativeworkers, which enables it to maintain itslead in the technical standard of itsproducts. A number of its original solutionshave been patented. For example, thecompany was a pioneer in fitting its heavy-duty machine tools with numericallycontrolled systems. The first machinesusing these systems of control arousedwell-deserved interest on the part ofspecialists from all over the world.

ŠKODA MACHINE TOOL s.r.o. is currentlynumber one on the heavy-duty horizontalboring and milling machine market. It alsoholds a leading position in the area ofheavy-duty lathes and special-purposemachines. To maintain and strengthen itsshare of the market, it regularly broadensits product range by adding new items to it.

New Items in the ŠKODAMACHINE TOOL ProductionProgrammeIn recent years, ŠKODA MACHINE TOOLhas carried out a complete innovation of itskey products. The ŠKODA boring machinesare represented by a new series of heavy-duty HCW tailstock horizontal boring andmilling machines with a spindle 150-300mm in diameter, the company’s corebusiness. All ŠKODA HCW machines havehydrostatic guideways. Besides the heavy-duty range of horizontal boring and milling

machines, there isa lighter series ofFCW horizontalmilling machineswith spindles 145and 150 mm indiameter. The FCWŠKODA machineshave linearg u i d e w a y s .Horizontal machineworkplaces can befitted with TDV rotarytables with bearingcapacity rangingfrom 25 to 250tonnes and withvarious milling andboring heads andother accessories.

A new series ofunit-built ŠKODAheavy-duty lathesbearing thetraditional ŠKODA SRlabel has been placedon the market. It isused for machining workpieces withdiameters of 1 000 mm to 5 200 mm andweighing between 16 and 250 tonnes.

All these are modular unit-built machinesthat make it possible to react promptly tocustomers’ needs and allow theconstruction of special workplaces, forexample for working rotors for turbo-generators, steam turbines, heavy-dutycrankshafts and other kinds of heavyworkpieces of demanding shape.

ŠKODA machines are used in workshopsthat employ highly efficient top-standardtechnology. New orders placed withŠKODA in recent years are worth morethan EUR 50 million a year. For their wideworking range, high installed output, andprecision the machines are used forefficient and accurate machining of heavyand large-size workpieces by means ofmilling, boring, drilling, and turning.

New Owner Helps towards theDevelopment of the CompanyThe company’s further development isguaranteed, among other things, by thenew majority owner, TELONIA TRADING

LIMITED. With the arrival of the newstrategic partner, ŠKODA MACHINE TOOLhas gained access to Russian markets, asTELONIA TRADING LIMITED is backed byRussian capital, specifically theStankolmpex Group.

The strong capital background (after itsarrival, the new owner raised thefirm’s registered capital to EUR 15 million)and the broad production base allowa substantial increase of production and co-operation, which consequently leads toa shortening of delivery terms and thereduction of production costs.

ŠKODA Products for ExportMore than 90 % of the company’s outputis exported. The most important outlets areChina, Germany, South Korea, Russia, theUkraine, India, Japan, the Netherlands,Finland, and Sweden.

The company’s customers includecompanies such as Siemens, Sandvik,Alstom, Wärtsilä, Doosan, Hyundai,Daewoo, Mitsubishi Heavy, and Japan SteelWorks.

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High Technical Standard of ŠKODA Machine Tools

Jindřich Švehla, Marketing, ŠKODA MACHINE TOOL s.r.o., e-mail: jindrich.svehla@cz-smt.cz, www.cz-smt.cz

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Fly milling device of the ŠKODA SR lathe

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TOS VARNSDORF – Traditional CzechManufacturer of Machine Tools

TOS Varnsdorf was founded in 1903, andfrom the very beginning its coreprogramme has been the manufacture ofmachine tools. During the entire time ofits existence, it has never interrupted itsproduction and, on the contrary, it hasgradually enlarged not only its productrange and volume of production, but alsothe volume and size of its exports. Itproduced its first horizontal boring andmilling machine in 1915, and in the1930s this type of machine began todominate its production programme. Inthe late 1940s, the company settled intothe specialisation in horizontal boring andmill ing machines. From the verybeginning, the company has beena private manufacturer and exporter ofproducts not only to Europe, but also tothe American continent and to Asia. After1945, the company exported the majorpart of its output to the former SovietUnion. With time, however, it beganincreasingly to export its machines to WestEuropean countries, later members of the

European Union. With the emergence ofnumerically controlled machines, whichthe company was one of the first in theformer Czechoslovakia to build, its exportsto the European Union graduallypredominated, Germany becoming itslargest customer for decades to come. Atthat time, TOS Varnsdorf was alreadyconsidered a synonym of high-quality andadvanced products that work reliably farbeyond the customary service life ofcomparable machines. The company wasprivatised in 1995, and in 1996 it becamea joint stock company.

Foreign TradeDuring the entire time of its existence, thecompany has always been one of threelargest machine tool makers in the CzechRepublic. In its line of business it ranksamong leading European manufacturersand exports its products to manycountries. Its main customers arebusinesses in the EU states, with sales toRussia, China and India growing. It has

regained its position in Canada and theUSA, and it also exports to Central andEastern Europe, not to mention French-and English-speaking Arab states.

Technologically AdvancedMachinesThe company has always placed specialemphasis on development and the use ofthe most advanced technologies, and itcontinues and will continue to do so in thefuture. Its production programme includeshorizontal milling and boring machinesand machining centres, from the simplesthorizontal boring and milling machines forsimple operations to efficient machiningcentres, machines for working large andheavy-duty workpieces, machines forcutting different shapes, and five-axismachining and high-speed cuttingmachines. All machines are provided witha wide range of optional equipment. Thecompany presents its products each yearat the most important engineering fairsand exhibitions, and it is a regular GoldMedal winner at the Brno InternationalEngineering Fair, always in appreciation ofits technologically inspiring and advancedmachines (in recent years the companywas awarded for its TOStec PRIMA andTOStec OPTIMA machining centres.)

The current range of machine tools,together with the development of newgenerations of machining centres, whichwill appear in the near future, createa favourable foundation for thedevelopment of customer-orientedproduction that employs the very latesttechnology to satisfy demands for a fullrange of operations, from basicmetalworking to the most demandingoperations in terms of space, weight,material, and shape. Such production willensure a flexible offer of machines andaccessories, as well as a wide range ofservices. At present, TOS VARNSDORF a.s.is investing in the further development ofits own production base and its humanpotential.

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Ladislav Plaňanský, Publicity Dept., TOS VARNSDORF a.s., e-mail: lplan@tosvarnsdorf.cz, www.tosvarnsdorf.cz

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System of Educating Specialists in the Area of Machine Tools and Forming Machines

The Department of Production Machinesand Mechanisms at the Faculty ofMechanical Engineering of the CzechTechnical University in Prague trains youngspecialists in the area of machine toolsand forming machines, offering structuredstudies in courses for Bachelor’s,Master’s and Doctor’s degrees.

Bachelor Study ProgrammeGraduates – Bachelors (Bc.) – are able towork as designers and testing engineers inindustrial laboratories or in the technologyinvestment departments of industrialenterprises. They can also find workintroducing comprehensive productionautomation in non-mechanicalengineering enterprises.

Master Study ProgrammeThe Master Study Programme in"Production Machines and Equipment"focuses on the preparation of mechanicalengineers for the construction andoperation of production machines,equipment, and systems. Areas coveredmainly include machine tools and formingmachines, woodworking machines, and

machines for the manufacture of plastics,die casting machines and automationdevices, such as industrial manipulatorsand robots. Machine design – in the formof term projects – is based on the use ofcomputers and much attention is paid tothe practical aspects of programmingdigital ly control led machines.Experimental exercises take place inmodern laboratories on bothconventional and numerically controlledmachines. Studies are supplemented withvis its to companies – importantmanufacturers of machine tools andforming machines. We also organise oneor two-term stays at universities abroad(some of our students have been toEngland, France, Germany, Austria,Sweden, the USA, and Australia). Furtherinto their studies, students contributetowards finding solutions to grantprojects. The final project and the thesisare based on assignments from industry,or alternatively, students may be asked tofind a solution to a certain aspect of thefaculty’s research programme. Graduates,who have been awarded the title ofEngineer (Ing.), can work as project

planners, designers, in the field ofdevelopment, as operation engineers andlaboratory test engineers. They are alsovery well qualified for work in tradecompanies, as businessmen.

Doctoral Study ProgrammeDoctoral studies are the third level ofstructured studies. Young graduates –engineers – are given the opportunity tocarry out scientific work, to improve theirtheoretical and technical knowledge andtheir knowledge of foreign languages. Allthis is organised on the basis of anindividual study plan, prepared by thestudent and his/her mentor at thebeginning of studies. At this stage, too,the student very often takes advantage ofstays at universities abroad or internshipswith significant firms both at home andabroad. Doctoral studies are completed bythe doctoral state examination and thesisdefence. Following a successful thesisdefence, the graduate is awarded the PhDtitle. Most often, graduates find work inthe research and development ofproduction machines and equipment.

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Stanislav Maňas, Head of the Department of Production Machines and Mechanisms, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, e-mail: Stanislav.Manas@fs.cvut.cz, www.fs.cvut.cz

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Support to Manufacturing MachineDevelopment from EU Research andDevelopment Support Programmes

The two principal aims pursued by theSixth EU Framework Programme forResearch, Technological Development,and Demonstration for 2002-2006 are the strengthening of the scientificand technological base of industry and ra i s ing the in te rnat iona lcompetit iveness of the EuropeanUnion. The programme is one of themain inst ruments promot ing thecreation of a European Research Area.Similarly to the previous programme,the following Seventh FrameworkProgramme for 2007-2013, now underpreparation, contains a list of thematicpriorities with calls for the submissionof projects. Individual calls specify thefocus of projects, which correspond tothe different priorities. This means thatonly projects corresponding precisely tothe announced areas may be givensupport. The first calls under theSeventh Framework Programme areexpected at the end of 2006 withsubmission of projects in the course of2007.

Support to the Development ofManufacturing MachinesAlthough the suppor t of thedeve lopment of manufactur ingmachines is not a specific subject of thecalls, such projects can be included inthematic priority 4 – Nanosciences,nanotechnologies, materials and newproduction technologies, which will bea part of one of the four programmesunder the Seventh F rameworkProgramme, spec i f i ca l l y the Co-operation programme. Projects are tobe submitted directly to the EuropeanCommission, always by a consortium ofseveral research entit ies from EUmember states. Projects approved bythe appraisal committees wil l beselected for co-financing from thebudget of the Framework Programme.

Three Projects in the CzechRepublicIn the Czech Republic, applicants forsupport under the Sixth FrameworkProgramme include entities concernedwith the development of new machinetoo l s . The i r p ro jec t s have beensubmit ted under pr io r i t y 4 –Nanosc iences , nanotechno log ies ,mater ia l s and new product iontechnologies, a priority that will bemainta ined under the fo l lowingSeventh Priority Programme. One suchproject is that of the Research Centreof Manufacturing Technology of theCzech Technical University in Prague.The Research Centre, together withother European research teams,submitted two projects, which theEuropean Commiss ion chose tofinance. The first project, entitledECOF IT, se t s i t se l f the a im ofdeveloping, over the next three years,new control systems for lightweight,highly dynamic machine tools. Theproject, co-ordinated by the FATRONIKof Spain, brings together researchinstitutions in the area of machinetools, in this case the Research Centreof Manufacturing Technology and theUniversity of Stuttgart, as well asmach ine too l manufacturers ,specifically KOVOSVIT and N.CORREA,who will fit the machines with the newsys tems. The other compan iesparticipating in the project are MIROW,AIDO, SEQUOIA, D-ELEKTRON, andISG, concerned with development inareas such as optics, mechatronics, andsensing devices. The costs of theproject amount to EUR 3.14 million, towhich the European Commiss ioncontributes EUR 1.8 million.

The second project in the area ofmanufacturing machines involvingCzech ins t i tu t ions i s theHARDPRECISION project. The purpose

of the two-year pro jec t i s theintegration of a coordinate measuringmachine into a five-axis machine toolwith the aim of reducing investmentand operat ing costs in f i ve-ax i sprec i s ion mach in ing and ra i s ingmanufacturing productivity. The projectis co-ordinated by HEMTECH, a Dutchfirm that has invited eleven teams toco-operate, two of which are researchinstitutions – the Research Centre ofManufacturing Technology and theFraunhofer Institute. The total costs ofthe project amount to EUR 1.79mi l l ion , to which the EuropeanCommission contributes EUR 0.98million.

The last project in the area ofmanufacturing machines is entitledNEXT with KOVOSVIT as the Czechparticipant. It is a large integratedpro jec t b r ing ing together 24organisat ions from the EuropeanUnion, which specialise in five mainareas. The first area is the manufactureof "green" machines based on respectfor environmental principles, such asthe use of recycled materials in theconstruction of machines and lowerenergy consumption in machining. Thesecond area focuses on autonomousmach ines and the th i rd i s thedevelopment of high-performancemanufacturing machines that enablegreater precision of machine-toolproduction. The last two areas focus oninnovat ion in bus iness processescombined wi th educat ion andd i s seminat ion in the a rea ofmanufacturing technology. The budgetof this extensive project spreading overfour years is EUR 21.75 million, witha EUR 14 million contribution from theEuropean Commission.

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Luděk Hanáček, Manager of EU Projects and Grants Division, Deloitte BPO G&I a.s., e-mail: ludek.hanacek@elbona.cz, www.deloitte.cz

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Research into Machine Tools in the CRContinues Successfully

The Research Centre of ManufacturingTechnology (RCMT) was founded at theFaculty of Mechanical Engineering, CzechTechnical University in 2000, when itobtained state aid from the Ministry ofEducation, Youth, and Sports for theestablishment of a new research base forthe manufacturing technology industry inthe CR.

Towards the end of 2004, the projectwas successfully completed, comprisingtwo detached workplaces, one at theBrno University of Technology(www.vutbr.cz) and the other at theTechnical University of Liberec(www.vslib.cz). In addition, an accreditedtesting laboratory was set up andprovided with the latest measuringequipment for measuring the precision ofmachine tools, the temperature andthermal fields of machines, static andthermal deformations, the workingprecision of the spindles of millingmachines and lathes, and machinevibrations and noise levels. Anexperimental machine, the LM-2, wasbuilt for testing and checking the sub-assemblies of highly dynamic machines.A new way of arranging the control axisof NC machines, using the so-calledfloating principle, has been theoreticallydevised and tested experimentally. Severalother theoretical and experimentalprojects have also been carried out in thearea of drives. In co-operation withindustry, two machines, the MCVL 1000Laser machining centre and the FNG 50CNC Laser tool-making milling machine,have been constructed with built-inlasers. Furthermore, an automatedproduction system has been introduced atthe RCMT workplace at the University ofTechnology in Brno. Another projectinvolved the manufacture of paddlewheels of different shapes by means offive-axis machining.

A Project for the Research ofProduction Techniques andTechnology In 2004, the Research Centre obtained

state aid for anotherfive years,specif ical ly fora project entitled"Research ofProduction Tech-niques and Technol-ogy". The contentand focus of theproject is based onnew world trendsand on co-operationwith the Czechmanufacturing tech-nology industry. Theproject comprisesa total of 27research sub-projects in threedifferent areas of interest: firstly, theresearch of highly efficient, high-precision, reliable, and environmentallyfriendly machines and their components,secondly, the research, measuring,monitoring, and evaluation of theproperties of machine tools, and finallythe research of advanced, efficient, andenvironmentally friendly productionmachines (especially machine tools). TheCentre has invited the University of WestBohemia in Plzeň to co-operate on thisproject.

Current Projects and Co-operation with BusinessesToday the Centre is able to offer the newresults of its research activities, useful forapplication in engineering production. Itsfloating principle, for instance, has beenapplied on the H 50 – FLOAT machineproduced by Tajmac–ZPS (www.tajmac-zps.cz) and for covering the X and Y axesof the LM-2 experimental machine inconnection with the innovation of theproduction programme of Hestego.Furthermore, the Centre has providedseveral machine tool manufacturers withnew solutions in the area of drives andfive-axis machining.

The Centre’s great achievement in 2005was the launching of two European

projects under the 6th FrameworkProgramme, namely Ecofit andHardPrecision. Here, the Centre co-operates for example with the TechnicalUniversity in Stuttgart, with IPT ofAachen, with Hemtech of theNetherlands, with Fatronik – a Spanishresearch institute, and other partners. Co-operation is underway with UWE Bristolon a project involving Airbus UK asa significant partner. We also haveworking contacts with Optodyne of theUSA under the framework of a thesis.

The Centre provides well for the furthereducation of its workers. For this purpose,the Centre obtained a substantial grantfrom the Labour Office of the Capital Cityof Prague this year (www.portal.mpsv.cz)under the JPD 3 programme for theeducation of the Centre’s employees,entitled Raising the Adaptability of RCMTWorkers to Changes in TechnologicalConditions. The project, which spans over two years, will provide funds for al l manner of education. Theimplementation of this project, whichbegan on 1 May 2006, will helpsignificantly to raise the competitivenessof the Centre.

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Jaromír Houša, Head of the Research Centre of Manufacturing Technology, e-mail: j.housa@rcmt.cvut.cz, www.rcmt.cvut.cz

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Experimental LM-2 machine with highly dynamic parameters of movable axes

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Success of Czech Forming Machines Worldwide

Petr Křižanovský, General Manager, Strojimport, www.strojimport.com, e-mail: marketing@strojimport.cz

Strojimport a.s. Praha is a commercialcompany which, for 53 years now, hassuccessfully represented on foreignmarkets both Czech and Slovakmanufacturers of machine tools andforming machines with renownedbrands such as TOS, MAS, ŠKODA, ZPS,ŽĎAS, ŠMERAL, as well as many others.Supplies for companies such as FORDMOTOR Co., KRUPP, ABB, VOESTALPINE, PRATT & WHITNEY are amongits most important references.

The company’s export programmeencompasses lathes (a l l types ofuniversal centre lathes, heavy dutylathes, automatic lathes and CNCnumerical ly control led turningmachines), drilling and boring machines(both CNC and conventional), geargenerating machines – gear hobbingand gear shaping machines, millingmachines (both CNC and conventional),machining centres (both vertical andhorizontal), grinding machines (bothCNC and conventional), metal andprofile forming machines, presses andforging machines, metal cutting saws, aswel l as woodworking and woodprocessing machines.

Return to Remote Markets Although a dominant part of exportscontinues to go to West Europeancountries, in recent years, Strojimporta.s. has begun to increasingly penetratethe markets of more remote countries,which are commerc ia l ly moredemanding to cater for. These includeabove all China, India, Algeria, Brazil,Venezuela, as well as the countries ofthe former Eastern bloc, particularlyPoland, Hungary, and Russ ia .A necessary prerequisite of businesssuccess is the establishment of a largeworldwide network of representations,which Strojimport a.s. has systematicallyworked to put into place during theentire course of its existence. Thegreatest intensity of cooperation is withbusinesses operating in Europe as wellas Central America, where Strojimporta.s. has an ownership interest. In Asia,the most important business partners

espec ia l ly inc lude state-ownedcompanies in China and India.Strojimport’s representative offices havebeen operating in both of thesecountries for a number of years now,providing quick and high qual itycommercial services.

Accomplishments of StrojimportThe greatest recent commercia laccomplishments of Strojimport a.s.include above all:

– The reconstruction and modernisationof forging sets for smith forging,supplied to Indian state organisationsapproximately 25 years ago. The valueof these contracts ranges between EUR5–10 million. The manufacturer andsupplier is ŽĎAS.

– Suppl ies of vert ica l lathesmanufactured by ČKD Blansko andTOSHULIN.

– Contracts with Russian manufacturersof aircraft engines for general repairand for the modernisation of variousmachine tools and forming machines.

– The processing of the market in Polandis continuing intensively. Strojimport

a.s. has also located one of itsrepresentative offices here. Greatsuccess has been recorded in particularin supplies of horizontal boringmachines manufactured by TOSVarnsdorf and in the supply of theFUEQ 150 reference machinemanufactured by TOS Kuřim.

– A stable and long-time partner ofStrojimport a.s. is, among others,Algeria, where thousands of machineshave been supplied to in the past,especially lathes manufactured by TOSTrenčín. The TOS trademark remainsa symbol of quality and reliability here.At present, there is great interestabove a l l in our woodworkingmachines for small and medium-sizedjoineries, manufactured by ROJEK andHOUFEK. Each year, Strojimport a.s.takes part in the FIA internationaltrade fair in Algeria.

A strong advantage of Strojimport a.s.,the ownership of which is incorporatedwithin the structures of the Ministry ofFinance of the Czech Republic, is itsability to finance fully both the supply ofgoods as well as its manufacture.

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Representative offices of Strojimport a.s worldwide

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Poll of Successful Firms Operating in the Areaof Machine Tools and Forming Machines

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PRAMET TOOLS, s.r.o.

Uničovská 2, 787 53 Šumperk, phone: +420 583 381 111, fax: +420 583 215, e-mail: pramet.info.cz@pramet.com,www.pramet.com

Turnover (for 2005): CZK 984 million – EUR 32.3 millionNumber of employees: 488Contact person: Mr Pavel Večerka, e-mail: pavel.vecerka@pramet.comExport: 50 % to more than 300 countries on all the continents.Our largest export territories are those countries where we havelocated our branches: Slovakia (10 %), Germany (10.4 %), Poland(8 %), Italy (4.5 %), followed by Russia, Spain, the USA, Taiwan,Belarus, and Romania.

The company is engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale ofcutting and forming tools made of cemented carbide. The tools areintended for industrial use.

Its core programme features machining tools – exchangeablecutting inserts, VBD cutting tools, VBD turning tools, VBD drills,clamps and metal forming tools and construction elements, such assealing rings and bushings for pump technology, drawing mill tools,semi-finished tools for drawing and other uses, hot and cold metalforming tools, pressing tools for powder metallurgy, and special-purpose tools.

You export products via your foreign branches. Whereare they located?The company has subsidiaries in Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany,and a regional manager has been appointed to cover the RussianFederation.

You place emphasis on your own research anddevelopment. What does this mean for the companyin practice?We operate our own development department and each year weput on sale approximately 300 new cutting tools. In the case ofcertain projects we co-operate with Czech universities. We also placeemphasis on further education, and in 2006 we opened a trainingand testing centre on the company’s grounds, where we present ournew products and organise training for employees to instruct themon the correct use of the products, on raising productivity, and so on.

KOVOSVIT MAS, a.s.

Náměstí Tomáše Bati 419, 39 102 Sezimovo Ústí, phone: +420 381 631 111, fax: +420 381 276 372, e-mail: mas@kovosvit.cz,www.kovosvit.cz

Turnover (for 2005): approx. CZK 1.2 billion – approx. EUR 40 millionNumber of employees: 1 000Contact person: Mr Miloslav Kafka, e-mail: kafka@kovosvit.czExport: 52 %, e.g. to Germany, Italy, Russia, the Ukraine,Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Belgium

KOVOSVIT MAS, a.s. Sezimovo Ústí joint stock company hasa tradition of more than sixty years in the development,manufacture, and sale of high-precision and high-quality MASmachine tools. The company is an important exporter within theCzech engineering industry. At present, it supplies customersboth in the CR and abroad with a very broad range of machinetools and customer services encompassing a full range ofmachining, milling, drilling and boring technologies.

At the 2005 Brno International Engineering Fairyou were awarded a Gold Medal. For whichproject?It was the MCU 630V – 5X five-axis vertical machining centre.

Which new products do you have in store for 2006?In 2006, we want to launch a new series of MCV 754 and 1016

QUICK vertical machining centres and an innovation of theMASTURN 54 CNC universal lathe with CNC control.

MCU 630V – 5X – five-axis vertical machining centre

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INTOS s.r.o.

Tovární 220, 267 53 Žebrák, phone: +420 311 535 111, fax: +420 311 533 236, e-mail: intos@intos.cz, www.intos.cz

Turnover (for 2005): CZK 270 million – approx. EUR 9 millionNumber of employees: 240Contact person: Mr Václav Zavadil, e-mail: zavadil@intos.czExport: 85 %, e.g. to Austria, Germany, Hungary, Russia

INTOS, spol. s r.o., a limited liability company, is a Czech machinetool manufacturer with a tradition dating back more than 130years. Its current product range can be divided into conventionalmilling machines represented by the well-known models FN 20,FNGJ 30, FNGJ 40, and FNGJ 50. Another important groupcomprises numerically controlled milling machines, models FNGP40 and FNGP 50, with rectangular control, models FNG 30 CNCE, FNG 40 CNC E, fitted with the Heidenhain control system.Another item in this group is the numerically controlled INTURN320 lathe with the Heidenhain TNC 4110 Manual Plus controlsystem. Another addition to the production range are the MCX750 and MCX 1200 vertical machining centres. INTOS is makinga far-reaching innovation to its range of conventional lathes toinclude in its production programme the INTURN 280, INTURN340, and INTURN 400 modern lathes, available in both the Basicand Digital versions.

In 2004, EMCO, the Austrian supranational concern,became the 100 % owner of Intos. What has this re-organisation brought to the company?Immediately after the acquisition of INTOS, spol. s r.o., by EMCO,an Austrian supranational concern, INTOS experienced a dynamicdevelopment. Almost directly after the change of ownership, theAustrian side launched an extensive re-organisation of the Czechcompany to incorporate it in its supranational structure. Our

company has access to the latest technologies and can offer itscustomers equally advanced machines as those that have beenknown on all developed markets for many years. The traditionalusers and potential buyers of machines bearing the INTOStrademark can look forward to far-reaching innovations and newmachines every year.

Which of your foreign customers are the mostimportant?First of all, I must mention EMCO Maier of Austria, Mexpol WM,EDE, Maxima, Tos Neva, Protostim of Hungary, and, last but notleast, Strojimport of Poland.

TOS KUŘIM-OS, a.s.

Blanenská 257, 664 34 Kuřim, phone: +420 541 101 111, fax: +420 541 103 266, e-mail: marketing@tos-kurim.cz, www.tos-kurim.cz

Number of employees: 700Contact person: Mr Lukáš Řepa, e-mail: lukas.repa@tos-kurim.czExport: to Austria, Germany, Italy, Finland, Sweden, theNetherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania,Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Canada,Turkey, India

TOS KUŘIM–OS, a.s. is one of the oldest manufacturers of millingmachines, single-purpose machines, and automatic machininglines in the Czech Republic. The factory was founded in 1942 asan affiliation of Zbrojovka Brno. During the 60 years of machinetool production, the company’s employees have acquiredexperience in research, development, construction, manufacture,and operation of more than 83 000 machine tools, 60 automaticmachining lines, and 3 500 single-purpose machines. In 2005,ALTA, a.s., of Brno, became the majority owner of TOSKUŘIM–OS. Machine tools are among ALTA’s chief tradingcommodities.

Which important companies are yoursubcontractors?We have relatively many subcontractors, including companiessuch as Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc and Bosch-Rexroth, Festo.

Can you mention some of your most importantforeign customers?Our most important foreign customers include the Volvo Group,TRW Group, Siemens, Velan, Paflinger and Belaz, whom wesupply with machine tools, complete with technologies.

Floor type milling machine with movable FU(Q) 125/150 column

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S U R V E Y

TRIMILL, a.s.

Louky 304, 764 32 Zlín, phone: +420 577 112 111, fax: +420 577 112, e-mail: info@trimill.cz, www.trimill.cz

Turnover: approx. CZK 280 000 – approx. EUR 9 400 Number of employees: 70Contact person: Ms Veronika Julinová, e-mail: vjulinova@trimill.czExport: 80 %, mainly to Germany, followed by Slovenia, Finland,the United Kingdom, Italy, and France

TRIMILL, a.s. was founded in the first half of 2000. Its coreprogramme is the development, construction, assembly, sale, andservicing of machining centres. The company specialises inparticular in the construction and supply of high-speed machiningcentres for the manufacture of press tools, moulds, fixtures,and dies for the automobile, aircraft, and plasticsindustries.

What does your company specialise in?Since its founding right up to the present day, TRIMILL,a.s. has focused on the development, construction,assembly, sale, and servicing of machining centres.During the time of its operation on the market, thecompany has developed and constructed a standardisedproduct range comprising seven basic types ofmachining centres, such as the vertical and horizontalmachines. We specialise in particular in the constructionand supply of high-speed machining centres for themanufacture of press tools, moulds, fixtures and dies forthe automobile, aircraft, and plastics industries.

Which foreign markets andwhich products have broughtyou the greatest success?The markets, which the companyTRIMILL, a.s. has addressed and where ithas succeeded primarily include the EUstates, in particular Germany, Portugal,the United Kingdom, Finland andBelgium. Eastern markets (Poland,Slovakia, Russia, etc.) are among thecompany’s potential outlets for a possible

further expansion of business activities. In an effort to optimiseproduction costs, supranational corporations are building newproduction facilities in East European countries, giving rise to theestablishment of new markets, which our company is trying toaddress.

STROJÍRNA TYC, s.r.o.

Dlouhá 17, 338 05 Mýto, phone: +420 371 750 591, fax: +420 371 750 129, e-mail: prodej@tyc.cz, www.strojirna-tyc.cz

Number of employees: 40Contact person: Mr Jaroslav Tyc, e-mail: jaroslav@tyc.czExport: to Poland, Germany

STROJÍRNA TYC manufactures portal machining centres of theFVC, FVP and FP range, FPPC gantry type machining centres andBPP portal horizontal surface grinding machines. In 2005, weworked to develop our FVC portal machining centre. We havemade five machines since the development was completed. Wehave also launched the production of portal milling machinesfor a German customer.

Are you planning to attend the 2006 InternationalEngineering Fair to defend the title that you wereawarded in 2004?We are preparing primarily to present another new machiningcentre, which we want to introduce at the InternationalEngineering Fair in Brno in 2007.

Which new items are you preparing for 2006?Our largest FVC portal machining centre (FVC 160 CNC / 4000).

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MSV 200648th International Engineering Fair18–22 September 2006, Brno Exhibition CentreVýstaviště Brno, a.s., e-mail: msv@bvv.cz, www.bvv.cz

IMT 20065th International Fair of Machine Tools and Forming Machines18–22 September 2006, Brno Exhibition CentreVýstaviště Brno, a.s., e-mail: imt@bvv.cz, www.bvv.cz

Official Participation of the Czech Republic in InternationalFairs and Exhibitions Abroad

MOSCOW – LESDREVMASH11–15 September 2006, MoscowInternational Fair of Woodworking MachinesINCHEBA Praha, s.r.o., e-mail: info@incheba.cz, www.incheba.cz

TORONTO – CMW26–28 September 2006, TorontoInternational Engineering FairTERIS, a.s., e-mail: teris@teris.cz, www.teris.cz

SHANGHAI – METALWORKING10–13 October 2006, ShanghaiInternational Machine Tool FairEXPOSTYLE, e-mail: expostyle@expostyle.cz, www.expostyle.cz

Machining and Forming in Brno in September

The 48th International Engineering Fair (MSV) and the 5thInternational Machine Tools Exhibition (IMT) will take placesimultaneously in Brno from 18 to 22 September 2006.

IMT on a Record-Size AreaToday, already, the area reserved by exhibitors for the IMT 2006exhibition is 500 sq. m larger than at the previous IMT. Since 1998,when this biennial exhibition was held for the first time together withthe MSV, its size has been growing, and 2006 will be no exception.Fifty new firms have registered for the IMT 2006, most of themforeign companies. All the important Czech manufacturers ofmachine tools and forming machines will be present, and thenumber of exhibitors from Slovakia, and especially from Spain, is alsogrowing. For the very first time, participators will include companiesfrom Denmark and India. The last IMT exhibition in 2004 wasattended by 489 exhibitors from 25 countries, and the share offoreign exhibitors rose to a record 46.2 %.

Gold Medals 2005Machine tools and forming machines were also well represented atthe MSV 2005, four of them winning the prestigious Gold Medal.The main criteria under scrutiny for assessing products competing forGold Medals at the MSV are their novelty, originality of concept anddesign with proven benefit, the technical and technologicalstandard, degree of innovation, workmanship of the whole as wellas attention to detail, design, user comfort, commercial and technicalparameters, readiness of the product for launch on the market,ecological aspects, and the general level of its presentation.

Further information is available at: www.bvv.cz/imtPrepared by Jiří Erlebach

Exhibitions and Trade Fairs in the Area of Machine Tools and Forming Machines in the Czech Republic (2nd half of 2006)

Important Contacts MINISTRIES

Ministry of Industry and Trade of the CR www.mpo.cz mpo@mpo.czASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS

Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Engineering Technique www.sst.cz svaz@sst.czCzech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association www.svdsz.cz svdsz@tos.czThe Gauge and Toolmakers’ Association www.svnm.cz info@svnm.czMachine Tool Society www.fs.cvut.cz j.housa@rcmt.cvut.cz

UNIVERSITIESCzech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering www2.fs.cvut.cz Jiri.Zapotocky@fs.cvut.czBrno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering www.fme.vutbr.cz dumek@fme.vutbr.cz Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Machining and Assembly www.kom.vslib.cz hana.jenikova@vslib.czTechnical University Ostrava, Department of Mechanical Engineering www.fs.vsb.cz dekanat.fs@vsb.cz University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering www.fst.zcu.cz hosnedl@kks.zcu.cz

RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTESResearch Centre of Manufacturing Technology, Czech Technical University, Prague www.rcmt.cvut.cz Info@rcmt.cvut.czInstitute of Engineering Technology, Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering www.vutbr.cz kocman@ust.fme.vutbr.czInstitute of Production Machines, Systems, and Robotics, Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering www.uvssr.fme.vutbr.cz kolibal@uvssr.fme.vutbr.cz