Bornemann Gewindetechnik wins innovation award
Bornemann Gewindetechnik, based in Delligsen, was awarded third place in the Göttingen/Northeim Region Innovation Award. Its new system for real-time monitoring of external threads sets new standards. What does this mean for the future of thread technology?
Delligsen. The Göttingen/Northeim Region Innovation Award has now been presented in Göttingen. A total of 15 nominees reached the final in three categories – 130 companies and scientific institutions had previously applied for the award. Bornemann Gewindetechnik from Delligsen took third place in the “Companies with over 20 employees” category.
According to its own announcement, Bornemann Gewindetechnik is the first company worldwide to successfully monitor and actively control the whirling process of external threads in real time. This achieves a level of precision that was previously only possible with thread grinding—but considerably faster, more efficiently, and with documented real-time measurement data.
The technological basis for this is provided by the dissertation of Dr.-Ing. Tom Niklas Klages, carried out at the Institute for Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) at Leibniz University Hannover in close cooperation with Bornemann. The new system measures pitch errors during whirling, evaluates the data immediately, and makes automatic corrections.
Error reduction by 38 percent
The results of the development are impressive: in the test series, pitch errors were reduced by up to 38 percent—a significant step toward even more precise thread profiles. At the same time, the system provides fully documented real-time measurement data, making the entire process transparent and traceable. However, the thread accuracy achieved is particularly noteworthy: with a pitch accuracy of 0.005 millimeters over 300 millimeters, the technology sets new standards, even in industries that place extremely high demands on safety, reliability, and precision.
The basis for the innovation dates back to an idea conceived by Hans Gereke-Bornemann in 2018. The founder’s goal was to use camera technology and shadow casting to visualize deviations in the thread profile and compensate for them immediately during the process. The solution that has now been implemented combines this entrepreneurial vision with scientific excellence and takes thread manufacturing to a new level.
Research as a foundation for the coming years
Bornemann plans further collaborations in the coming years with the Institute for Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) at Leibniz University Hannover, HAWK in Göttingen, and the University of Applied Sciences in Turku, Finland.
The upcoming research projects address key future topics in thread technology. The focus is on further improving thread quality and dimensional accuracy, as well as automating complete digital process chains, including adaptive manufacturing systems. A particular emphasis is placed on the use of AI, which in the future will serve as an intelligent control system to automate and optimize parts of the quotation and work planning processes. In addition, Bornemann is researching technological possibilities through the use of SLM (selective laser melting).
New Head of Research & Development
Upon completing his doctorate, Dr. Tom Niklas Klages will take over as head of the Research & Development department. Together with the Bornemann team, he will set up new research projects, update the technology roadmap, and expand international cooperation.
Managing Director Moritz von Sode says: “The award shows the potential that lies in the consistent combination of research, entrepreneurial courage, and industrial application.” Bornemann exports to 57 countries worldwide—and we are proud of that.