Müller Precision Tools: CAB Coatings Project - More Cost-Effective Machining
On June 11, Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH, together with its project partners, presented the international research project “CAB-Coatings” at the 2026 Innovation Day for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, hosted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) in Berlin: More efficient machining with hybrid coatings.
As part of the project funded by the Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ZIM), Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH, the Society for Manufacturing Technology and Development Schmalkalden e.V. (GFE), Urma AG, and Schnyder SA have been developing a new generation of high-performance wear-resistant coatings since late 2024 to extend the service life of carbide tools when machining difficult-to-machine materials. The goal is to develop hybrid CrAlBTiN coatings that enable higher wear resistance, longer tool life, and improved process reliability, particularly when machining titanium, nickel-based, and CoCr alloys. In addition to developing this innovative coating technology, the project partners are working on new solutions for tool recoating and reconditioning, as well as on specially adapted tool designs for milling, reaming, and gear-cutting processes. This is intended to significantly improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of modern machining processes.
Coating Technology for Longer Tool Life
“With CAB coatings, we are laying the foundation for tool technologies that are both more high-performance and more sustainable. Our goal is to make the machining of challenging materials more cost-effective and to significantly increase tool life. We are, of course, very pleased that our progress has now been recognized with an invitation to this important platform for small and medium-sized enterprises,” explains Mathias Schmidt, Managing Director of Müller Präzisionswerkzeuge. Visitors to the Innovation Day had the opportunity to learn about the project’s current state of development and the potential of the new coating technology for applications in medical, automotive, and manufacturing technology at the exhibition booth. Innovation Day is regarded as a central platform for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions, bringing together around 300 selected exhibitors at the invitation of the BMWE.
Contact details and information on the companies and institutions presented here can be found in our interactive surface technology industry directory.