EMO 2025: SW launches Sfix system and BF 12-21D

Waldmössingen, July 2, 2025 – The right solution for every application, from small to large series production: At this year’s EMO in Hannover, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) is presenting two new products at its stand C05 in Hall 12. The innovative Sfix system (Smart Fixture) is capable of automatically assembling modular clamping fixtures for workpieces, enabling efficient and precise clamping even for small batch sizes. With the new BF 12-21D machine tool, SW is responding to the current trend in automotive engineering toward die-cast aluminum body parts.

In line with this year’s trade fair motto, “Innovate Manufacturing,” Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH is presenting its response to current trends and requirements in production technology at EMO. “Especially outside the automotive industry, we see great potential for optimization in medium- and small-series production, which requires greater flexibility and modularity from manufacturers,” says Michael Kreuzberger, Product Manager at SW. “To address this, our new Sfix system revolutionizes clamping technology: through automation, it enables higher productivity even in production lines with smaller batch sizes.”

Modular and automated clamping

The Sfix system offers a solution to one of the biggest time wasters in the clamping of small- to medium-sized product series: While companies with high production volumes typically use dedicated clamping fixtures for each product, this approach is not economically viable for small batch sizes. Storing multiple fixtures over the long-term is often impractical due to space limitations and escalating costs. As a result, many manufacturers are forced to manually create a new clamping fixture for each new product series. The Sfix system offers a flexible solution to this challenge: it automates the assembly of the appropriate clamping technology for each workpiece – and provides users with a virtually unlimited number of clamping fixture for a one-time investment. At the core of the system is SW’s patented Sfix plate, which features retractable pins that allow for flexible positioning of components. Various clamping modules can then be attached to these pins to build the individually required fixture.

The advantages of the Sfix system extend beyond its modular mechanical design: in the so-called S-cell, which SW is presenting at its EMO booth, the clamping fixture is assembled quickly and fully automatically. The cell is equipped with all necessary clamping components and workpiece carriers as well as a robot. Users only need to define the clamping points within the CAD model and configure the fixture setup.  The smart, AI-supported system then generates a bill of materials for the required elements and automatically programs the robot for assembly. “The Sfix system eliminates the time-consuming manual preparation of clamping fixtures entirely,” emphasizes Kreuzberger. “Processes that previously required several hours are now completed within minutes. In addition, the S-cell requires very little floor space, making the storage of existing large fixtures obsolete.” SW will demonstrate the system’s rapid fixture assembly in live presentations at EMO.

New machine for current trends

SW’s booth at the trade fair offers not only solutions for small batch sizes: with the BF 12-21D, the company is also presenting a new machine tool for high production volumes. As part of SW’s BF series, the system is specifically designed for the fast machining of frame and structural components. “In automotive engineering, we are seeing a clear trend toward the use of aluminum die-cast parts in vehicle body construction,” explains Kreuzberger. “These parts require less manufacturing precision than, for example, gearbox or stator housings. With the BF 12-21D, we offer an economical and dynamic machine concept for precisely these applications.”

The BF machine series differs from other SW machines in its structural design: to fit the specific market conditions, it features a hybrid axis configuration, utilizing a linear drive for the X-axis, i while the Y- and Z-axes are driven by ball screws. SW also relies on proven twin-spindle technology to easily meet high productivity requirements: with two three-axis units and one spindle per working area, the BF 12-21D can replace two conventional single-spindle machines – and achieve higher output with a smaller footprint. When components are changed in one working area, the second spindle in the other working area can be used to achieve even higher productivity.

Maximum output per footprint

For maximum productivity requirements, SW is also exhibiting a proven machining center at EMO: The BA 442 is one of SW’s fastest and most sustainable machines. With four spindles, it offers maximum effectiveness per space while also being energy-efficient. Compared to four single-spindle machines, users can save around half the energy required with the BA 442 and need significantly less floor space. SW’s patented monoblock design ensures high machine rigidity and correspondingly high accuracy. The tool magazine is one of the largest in the entire SW portfolio, with up to 232 tools.

At EMO, the BA 442 will demonstrate its capabilities through two distinct applications: while one side of the table will machine a hydraulic valve, the other side will showcase free-form surface milling using 5-axis simultaneous machining. “The BA 442 is suitable for all industries where maximum productivity meets high quality standards,” emphasizes Kreuzberger. “Our objective at EMO is to showcase solutions for every need. After all, as a system provider, we strive to achieve the best results for our customers in every application – or as we put it: best per part.”