As gear manufacturing moves toward finer tolerances, faster delivery cycles, and stronger emphasis on energy efficiency, Burri Werkzeugmaschinen continues to differentiate itself with a clearly defined engineering mindset and a long-term commitment to precision. From introducing hydraulic-free gear grinding to creating compact, automation-ready machine platforms, the German company has consistently ensured that innovation is closely tied to real-world shopfloor demands.
In this interview, Dieter Burri, Director, Burri Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG, offers insights into the company’s evolution from a strong retrofit foundation to a new-generation machine architecture. He explains the technical rationale behind key platforms such as the BZ 70 H, BZ 130, and BZ 300, and outlines why dialogue-based operation, integrated loading systems, and advanced grinding wheel dressing remain at the core of Burri’s design philosophy. The discussion also touches on the rising importance of micro gears, increasing automation-led requirements, and the shift of energy efficiency from a differentiator to a fundamental design criterion.
Conducted by Sushmita Das, Editor, Gear Technology India, this conversation highlights how Burri is engineering longevity through precision, digital innovation, and a focused global vision for advanced gear grinding.
We can incorporate our creative and innovative ideas much better in new machines, which is why we decided to do so.
2. How does Burri’s new generation platform differ technically from conventional gear grinding machine concepts in the market?
Unique Features:
BZ70H world’s first hydraulic-free gear grinding machine.
BZ130 patented double-spindle concept with short chip-to-chip time.
BZ300 flexible gear grinding centre with gear profile and worm grinding.
3. Machines such as the BZ 130 and BZ 300 emphasise compact design and automation. How do these features translate into real gains on the shopfloor?
Easy operation of the machine and automation via the machine’s touch panel. The automation does not require a separate control system or a larger footprint; only a Conveyor belt is required.
Integration of profile and worm grinding – more flexibility- no separate machines needed for profile or worm grinding – gives flexibility and makes sure machine capacity can be increased (especially job shoppers).
Based on customer requirements and production volume, we can decide on machine configuration by manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic loading systems without modifications to the main machine construction.
4. The BZ 70 H addresses very small modules and energy-efficient grinding. How do you see demand evolving in this segment?
Automation and robot applications will continue to increase in the coming years, so we anticipate growing demand. Especially for upcoming markets, micro gears will more and more be a topic (smaller module gears ).
5. How important is a dialogue-based operating concept in reducing dependency on highly skilled CNC operators?
This is very important to us and has always been our approach. If an operator is familiar with one Burri machine type, they can operate all the others without extensive training.
6. Integrated loading and parallel operations are key highlights of Burri machines. How do these influence cycle time and overall equipment effectiveness?
Integrated loading systems offer significant added value in terms of cost efficiency and productivity because they can communicate more easily with the machine.
7. Grinding wheel dressing remains a core competence at Burri. How does tight integration between grinding and profiling improve accuracy and consistency?
The high-precision pre-profiling on our PM machines can save a lot of setup time when changing discs in the production machine, and also protects the dressing discs. The PM machine gives flexibility because customers can buy only the blanks.
8. Energy efficiency and sustainability are gaining importance in capital equipment decisions. How are Burri’s machines responding to these expectations?
Burri machines are leaders in energy efficiency. We have always placed great importance on this, and all systems run at less than 12 kVA with integrated loading.
9. Looking ahead, which technological developments will most strongly shape Burri’s next generation of gear grinding machines?
We are working on continuous developments and new ideologies on gear grinding machines.
