Thanks to its uncompromising quality standards, toolcraft AG impresses as a so-called “hidden champion” in medical technology. “Our strategy is to be one of the few,” says Christoph Hauck, the company's Chief Technology and Sales Officer.
A “hidden champion” is a leader in its industry. It is characterized by exceptional innovative strength, the highest quality standards and specialized expertise. In the world of medical technology, there are various companies that quietly shine through their excellent work and prove themselves to be hidden champions.
Since its foundation in 1989, toolcraft has continuously developed and is now considered a true hidden champion in medical technology.
The company has mastered the challenging path to medical technology with flying colors by focusing on excellent quality and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes - from surgical instruments to housing parts for hearing aids. “Every one of us is grateful for medical care when we need it,” says Hauck.
Toolcraft's path into medical technology began with a clear decision and motivation: the realization that excellent quality and precise production are essential in this demanding field. With the strategy of “class instead of mass”, the company focused on high-quality and specialized products instead of mass production right from the start. This is reflected in the numerous important certifications and approvals that toolcraft AG has acquired, including DIN EN ISO 13485 and FDA. Approval in accordance with MDR is also currently being planned in order to meet the highest standards of medical technology.
However, entering the field of medical technology was challenging. The testing and documentation of medical products posed significantly higher requirements than in traditional mechanical engineering. In addition, all relevant information on the manufacture of medical devices had to be stored in a long-term and traceable manner. In order to meet these requirements, new documentation processes and technical system structures were introduced.
Support from specific projects and partnerships was important here. The company worked closely with its customers to establish a robust quality management system for medical technology. This close cooperation helped to fulfill the necessary requirements step by step and ensure that the products meet the high standards of medical technology.
Toolcraft has made a name for itself through the development and manufacture of its products in medical technology. One of the company's main products is a surgical instrument specially developed for implants to eliminate chronic pain. This instrument exemplifies toolcraft's ability to realize highly complex and precise solutions. The company also manufactures additively manufactured parts for a variety of medical devices using advanced materials.
Another important product segment is housing parts for hearing aids and hearing implants, such as those produced for the customer Sonova. These housing parts are the result of very precise production techniques that ensure that each component meets the highest quality standards. Manufacturing these parts requires not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the specific requirements of medical technology.
The special features and high degree of innovation of toolcraft's products lie in the modern manufacturing processes used. “Additive manufacturing techniques, combined with classic precision machining, enable the production of components that are optimized in terms of both function and form,” says Hauck. Other results from the field of robotics and engineering include the machining robot, which is used in rehabilitation centers, and the industrial robot with a pot magnet, which is even used in cancer therapy. These technologies demonstrate the versatility of the and their contribution to improved medical treatments.
7-axis robotic milling for the production of orthopaedic aids © toolcraft AG
The future of toolcraft AG in medical technology is characterized by the continuous development of new products and technologies. The company is committed to further expanding its innovative strength and working together with its customers to realize state-of-the-art solutions. “One strategically important step is the development of new markets, particularly in Indonesia. With our subsidiary PT. YPTI in Yogyakarta, we want to serve the Indonesian market with its 280 million inhabitants and thus strengthen our international presence,” explains Hauck.
Another focus is on expanding system expertise in order to develop from a pure component supplier into a comprehensive device supplier. This requires targeted investment in state-of-the-art production technologies and environments. Toolcraft is planning to expand the existing ISO7 environment for silicone injection molding and to set up a high-purity cleaning hall in ISO6 quality. These measures will ensure compliance with the highest purity standards and expand production capacities.
The company is also investing in an additive manufacturing facility for the material PEEK, which expands its production options to include high-strength and biocompatible materials. With the continuous increase in demand due to population growth and medical innovations, toolcraft is well positioned to play an even greater role in medical technology in the future and continue to shine as a hidden champion.
- Year founded: 1989
- Number of employees: 460 (including approx. 60 trainees)
- Locations: 2 in Germany, 1 in Indonesia (PT. YPTI in Yogyakarta)
- Head office: Georgensgmünd
- Turnover: € 67.875 million (2023)