Reliable tooling partnership supports efficient and responsible production

Metal cutting tool reconditioning is a key part of responsible and cost-effective machine shop production. Okun Hammaspyörä Oy operates across Europe as a manufacturer of timber elevators, pillars and steering racks. The company’s production relies on a versatile machine base and the ability to manufacture both single components and efficient series production. In this environment, the quality of tool reconditioning, tool performance and a well-managed lifecycle model have a direct impact on productivity, delivery reliability and total costs.

The collaboration between Okun Hammaspyörä and JR-Tools has continued for nearly 20 years. What began as the supply of individual tool solutions has developed into a long-term partnership supporting production efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Challenges with gear cutting tools initiated the collaboration

The cooperation began when Okun Hammaspyörä needed support with its gear cutting tools. The company was using hobs that were experiencing significant performance issues. The root causes were investigated together with JR-Tools. “The problems were analysed thoroughly, and it became clear that the tools were not suitable for the application and therefore did not perform correctly. We supplied new tools and at the same time began providing tool reconditioning,” says Veli-Matti Uusitalo, Sales Director at JR-Tools.

JR-Tools’ willingness to find solutions has continued to support everyday production. According to Production Manager Kimmo Ristola, a tool supplier is truly measured in challenging situations. “JR-Tools stands out by responding quickly and focusing on solving the issue. They have also supported us in investigating our own customer complaints. Their technical expertise has helped us rule out potential causes of product defects.”

High-quality tools and reliable reconditioning ensure production continuity

For Okun Hammaspyörä, quality is essential. A tool must perform in the application for which it is designed. Delivery reliability is equally important, as production must not stop due to tool shortages. JR-Tools’ operating model has proven effective in this respect. “We must be able to trust the quality of the tools. It is also important that JR-Tools keeps our customised products in stock, enabling short delivery times,” Ristola explains.

Storing customised tools at the supplier’s premises helps prevent unnecessary production interruptions. “We agree with the customer on stocking tailored products for a defined period. This naturally requires mutual trust,” says Pasi Rönn, CEO of JR-Tools.

A lifecycle model for metal cutting tools supports responsible and cost-efficient production

Okun Hammaspyörä utilises JR-Tools’ services throughout the entire lifecycle of a metal cutting tool, including new tools, tool reconditioning, PVD coating and tool recycling. Lifecycle thinking forms an important part of the company’s sustainability work, which is increasingly emphasised across the industry. “Our own customers place strong focus on sustainability, and ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications require systematic monitoring. Our tool supplier must also meet these standards,” Ristola notes.

Cost-efficiency and sustainability often go hand in hand. By maximising the use of each tool throughout its lifecycle, significant savings can be achieved. JR-Tools’ tool reconditioning and recycling services play a central role. “We have achieved considerable financial savings by recycling scrapped tools. In addition, having tools reconditioned domestically is a lower-emission option than sending them abroad by air. The turnaround time is also shorter, allowing us to maintain a smaller tool inventory and reduce costs,” Ristola says.

JR-Tools’ tool reconditioning service includes logistics. The company’s own service vehicle collects and returns tools free of charge. Customers are provided with dedicated tool reconditioning boxes, making packaging simple and eliminating the need for separate shipping documents. “The service vehicle is extremely important for us. Without it, sending tools for reconditioning would be complicated. It is convenient when the tools are collected and returned to an agreed location,” Ristola explains.

Partnership drives new solutions

Nearly two decades of collaboration have also generated innovation, particularly in the customised shank type module endmills developed for Okun Hammaspyörä. “JR-Tools’ design process takes into account feedback from our machinists. Through prototypes, we have identified new ways to improve productivity. We will continue this development as the role of module pins in our production increases,” Ristola says.

Product development cooperation is equally important for JR-Tools. “We hope to expand this type of collaboration, as a tool manufacturer’s ability to test products independently is limited. Effective development partnerships that benefit all parties are extremely important to us,” Rönn states.

A close partnership streamlines production and delivers savings

JR-Tools acts as a trusted tooling partner for Okun Hammaspyörä, providing quality and reliable support. “We can recommend JR-Tools to any machine shop involved in metal cutting. The range covers special metal cutting tools, gear cutting tools and standard tools. The tool reconditioning service simplifies daily operations, and recycling scrapped tools offers significant savings,” Ristola summarises.

JR-Tools’ lifecycle model is based on viewing each tool not as a single purchase, but as part of a broader process. Tool design, manufacturing, reconditioning, PVD coating and recycling form a continuous chain that supports smooth production, reduces environmental impact and improves cost-efficiency. In the case of Okun Hammaspyörä, this is reflected in long-term cooperation where challenges are solved together and development is driven by production needs.

How could tool reconditioning and a lifecycle model improve your machine shop’s production?

Do you recognise similar challenges or development opportunities in your own production? Contact JR-Tools and let us explore how the right tooling solutions can streamline your operations and reduce costs.