Driving Innovation and Excellence with Mastercam
How Borbet achieves exceptional wheel designs through advanced high-gloss milling and turning.
In the world of automotive wheel manufacturing, where exceptional surface finishes and complex geometries define market leadership, Borbet has built a legacy of excellence spanning more than a century. At their Sauerland facility in Germany, tradition meets cutting-edge technology.
From intricate wheel designs requiring flawless high-gloss finishes to complex geometries that demand precision at every turn, Borbet consistently delivers what discerning OEM and aftermarket customers expect. The foundation of this capability? A powerful partnership with Mastercam, enabling Borbet to integrate advanced milling and turning processes on a single machine—transforming complex designs into world-class wheels.
Overview
Integrating high-gloss milling and turning processes on a single machine to handle complex wheel geometries while achieving exceptional surface finishes.
Mastercam’s advanced CAM capabilities for seamless integration of both high-gloss turning and high-gloss milling processes within a single machining center.
Exceptional surface finishes and intricate wheel designs delivered with reduced downtime and increased production efficiency.
Project Details
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1881 and rooted in the Sauerland region since 1962, Borbet has grown from a small family business into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light alloy wheels. The company’s journey began with sand and permanent mold casting, evolving over decades to embrace advanced technologies like low-pressure casting and high-gloss milling.
“As a little boy, I stood here in the company and deburred wheels, so I know the entire process more or less from A to Z,” reflects Peter Borbet, a member of the founding family. “But today, of course, we’ve all gotten a bit older. The technology has evolved.”
Borbet’s commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in its deep ties to the region and its people. Many employees are third- or fourth-generation team members, and the company’s culture is built on trust, long-term relationships, and a passion for excellence.
Mastering Complexity with Mastercam
When Borbet set out to implement high-gloss milling at their facility, finding the right technology partner was critical. “In order to implement high-gloss milling here at the site, we set out to find a new technology for our operations,” explains Alexander Ulrich, Production Manager. “We then found what we were looking for through the machine manufacturer, and afterwards we worked with the company Mastercam.”
The challenge was significant: achieving both high-gloss turning and high-gloss milling processes on a single machining machine. Project Manager Florian Dessel elaborates: “Due to the particularly complex and challenging machining geometries involved in high-gloss milling, we chose to work with Mastercam. Since we want to carry out both high-gloss turning and high-gloss milling processes on a single machining machine, we had to look for software that could represent both processes together.”
Mastercam’s advanced capabilities have enabled Borbet to push the boundaries of wheel design and manufacturing. The integration of both processes in a single machining center allows Borbet to deliver wheels with exceptional surface finishes and intricate geometries, meeting the demands of customers worldwide.
"Due to the particularly complex and challenging machining geometries involved in high-gloss milling, we chose to work with Mastercam.”
Partnership for Success
Supporting Borbet’s technical ambitions is a robust partnership with Mastercam and the CONNECT support program. Norbert Krach, Managing Director at robotized, highlights the importance of responsive support: “Having a good working relationship with our customers is especially important to us. That’s why it’s great that Mastercam has the CONNECT maintenance and support program, because it allows us to work together with our customers very, very quickly and directly.”
This direct line of communication ensures that Borbet’s production lines run smoothly. “If the customer ever needs support or assistance and we are able to help, there is a direct connection available, such as a hotline or an online link to our technical team,” Krach adds. “It’s extremely important that the machine doesn’t have long downtimes, but instead delivers output as consistently as possible.”
Shaping the Future of Mobility
Borbet’s partnership with Mastercam is a testament to the power of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology. Through continuous investment in innovation, a commitment to quality, and a culture of collaboration, Borbet continues to set new standards in the wheel industry—powered by Mastercam.
About Borbet
Borbet is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light alloy wheels, with a heritage dating back to 1881. The company specializes in advanced wheel manufacturing using low-pressure casting, high-gloss milling, and turning processes. Serving both OEM and aftermarket customers globally, Borbet combines generations of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional quality and design innovation.
Quick Facts
- Product Used: Mastercam Mill, Mastercam Lathe, Mastercam CONNECT Maintenance and Support Program
- Industry: Automotive, Wheel Manufacturing
- Location: Sauerland, Germany
- Channel Partner: Mastercam Deutschland
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