Katthöfer is growing with VOLLMER 2026-06-23

Steady innovation, state-of-the-art grinding technology, and personal customer support are the cornerstones of success for the family-owned company Katthöfer Cutting Tools. Based in northwestern Germany, the medium-sized company has evolved from a traditional HSS specialist into a modern precision partner for carbide-tipped (HW) circular saw blades and continues to expand its range of services for new industrial sectors. A key milestone on this journey is the investment in the fully automated CS 860 grinding machine, including the ND 320 handling system, supplied by sharpening specialist VOLLMER from Biberach. With VOLLMER technology, Katthöfer Cutting Tools can respond more flexibly to new market demands and provide its customers with expert technical support at all times.

“Our location in Selm, North Rhine-Westphalia, offers a strategic advantage thanks to its proximity to the steel industry in the Ruhr region as well as to key suppliers in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Our customers benefit from short distances, fast response times, and a high degree of flexibility,” says Daniel Katthöfer, Managing Director of Katthöfer Cutting Tools.

Customers primarily come from the steel industry

Individual consulting, customer-specific solutions for sawing processes, and a modern machine fleet make Katthöfer Cutting Tools a sought-after partner for the maintenance and procurement of HSS and carbide-tipped (HM) saw blades. Around 95 percent of the company’s annual revenue of €800,000 is generated from industrial customers in the steel, tube, profile, and aluminum industries. In addition, the company is increasingly serving businesses whose applications involve wood processing and non-ferrous metal machining.

“Our long-term strategy also includes close collaboration with manufacturers to actively contribute to the further development of HSS and HM saw blades,” says Daniel Katthöfer. “At the same time, professional resharpening of circular saw blades is becoming increasingly important due to rising material costs for HSS, carbide, and tungsten. With our customized services, we can provide customers with an economical and sustainable solution that significantly extends tool life.”

VOLLMER grinding machine delivers greater precision

To further improve the refurbishment and performance of carbide-tipped circular saw blades, Katthöfer Cutting Tools invested in a fully automated VOLLMER CS 860 grinding machine together with the ND 320 handling system. The fully CNC-controlled machine from the Swabian sharpening specialist was commissioned at the beginning of 2026 and is used to process circular saw blades with diameters ranging from 80 to 860 mm.

Integrated measuring systems perform fully automated setup and operating procedures. The measuring cube determines tool compensation values, ensuring maximum process reliability. An integrated probe provides highly accurate 3D measurement, while acoustic sensor technology optimizes setup operations.

On the software side, the CS 860 already includes a wide range of predefined programs and geometries. The optional oscillation program and adjustable cutting speed offer greater flexibility when machining carbide-tipped circular saw blades. The feed pawl automatically detects broken teeth and tooth pitches, eliminating manual input and preventing operator errors. Combined with intuitive control via touchscreen or keyboard, the CS 860 accelerates the entire circular saw blade processing workflow.

Using the ND 320 handling system, Katthöfer Cutting Tools can operate the CS 860 unattended around the clock. Its robust dual gripper enables rapid changeovers of saw blades weighing up to 11 kg.

Katthöfer opens up new markets in the carbide segment

“For us, precision has a name – VOLLMER. VOLLMER technology impresses us with outstanding repeatability, excellent reliability, and exceptional functionality in daily operation,” adds Daniel Katthöfer. “The investment in the CS 860 marks an important milestone in our company’s development. It enables us to grind carbide-tipped circular saw blades with significantly greater precision and opens the door to new markets. For our customers, this means not only longer tool life for their saw blades, but also consistently high cutting quality and therefore tangible cost advantages.”

Katthöfer Cutting Tools has been a customer of the VOLLMER Group for many years and already operates around a dozen sharpening machines from LOROCH, a subsidiary of the VOLLMER Group. Overall, Katthöfer Cutting Tools values its collaboration with the sharpening specialist, which is characterized by technical expertise, practical advice, and a partnership-based exchange. In particular, the company appreciates VOLLMER’s rapid support, high reliability, and shared commitment to precision and quality.

“Katthöfer Cutting Tools is an excellent example of how small and medium-sized sharpening service providers can continue to generate growth through targeted investments,” says Tobias Trautmann, Managing Director of the VOLLMER Group. “With our fully automated sharpening machines and digital solutions, VOLLMER is able to optimize the machining of circular saw blades and other tools while supporting our customers’ growth strategies over the long term.”