The VLaser 370 laser machine sharpens tools made from ultra-hard cutting materials such as PCD, CVD or PcBN. The machine was developed by the international sharpening specialist VOLLMER, headquartered in Biberach, Germany, with its Indian subsidiary located in Bengaluru. The VLaser 370 enables fast and highly precise tool machining thanks to its innovative kinematics, which ensure that the tool being processed remains at the focal point of the laser at all times by using the C-axis as a reference. Automation and digital solutions allow for unmanned operation around the clock, as well as IoT-based analysis and web-based helpdesk services.
With the VLaser 370 laser machine, VOLLMER completes the portfolio and offer tool manufacturers an innovative technology for the high-precision sharpening and high-volume production of ultra-hard cutting tools. Our customers can benefit from VOLLMER’s focus on personalised service and the ability to customise sharpening solutions from our three technologies—grinding, erosion and laser—according to their specific requirements.
Laser technology for contactless sharpening of ultra-hard materials
The VLaser 370 comes into play when tools cannot be efficiently processed using conventional grinding wheels. This is typically the case with tools made from ultra-hard materials such as PCD (polycrystalline diamond), CVD diamond (chemical vapour deposition) or PcBN (polycrystalline cubic boron nitride). Like electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser processing is contactless, but has the added advantage of being applicable to non-conductive materials. In developing the VLaser 370, VOLLMER drew on over 115 years of expertise gained through its grinding and erosion machines, establishing itself as a global technology and service leader. The VLaser 370 is ideal for manufacturing and re-sharpening precision cutting tools used in industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.
Precision machining at the heart of the C-axis
At the core of the VLaser 370 is a fixed laser beam path combined with an innovative machine kinematic system. All axes are driven by linear motors, and rotational axes use torque motors, eliminating wear and allowing for high speeds and acceleration.
This dramatically reduces the machining time for cutting edges. Integrated glass scales on all axes ensure optimal stability and extremely accurate positioning.
The five axes are arranged in such a way that the machining point remains centred on the rotational axis (C-axis) at all times. This minimises long travel paths and compensatory movements often found in other laser machines. The focal point of the laser always lies precisely at the centre of the C-axis, which greatly enhances efficiency—especially for rising and falling contours. This technology enables customers to process tools with minimal axis movement while ensuring stable, consistent results for each tool. The machine’s kinematics also support high path accuracy, which enhances machining precision and edge quality.
Fast, precise, and sustainable in operation
“With regard to the Asian market, the VLaser 370 stands out for executing sharpening processes at high speed and precision,” explains Christopher Lang, Product Manager at VOLLMER and responsible for the VLaser 370. “Benchmark tests with Asian competitor laser machines have shown that we can process simple, straight tool profiles twice as fast—and for complex profiles, the complete tool manufacturing process can be up to 12 to 14 times faster.”
As the laser sharpens edges contactlessly, unlike grinding wheels, there is no tool wear and no significant thermal influence during processing. Its outstanding energy efficiency and lack of consumables make the VLaser 370 a particularly sustainable solution for machining ultra-hard materials. It can handle tool outer diameters of up to 150 mm and lengths of up to 250 mm (starting from HSK0 tool holder), with individual tools weighing up to 10 kg—even in fully automated operation. An optional tailstock can also be added to improve concentricity—making the VLaser 370 the first laser machine globally, and to offer tailstock feature for stable operation over extended periods.
“Our extensive testing shows that the VLaser 370 produces reliably and precisely for months without requiring a warm-up programme or diameter or length corrections,” adds Christopher Lang. “This performance is due in part to an improved and more stable material removal process and a compensation measurement system that references each tool within seconds.”
The machine features capabilities such as defined cutting edge rounding, pre-processing for corner chamfers, and chipbreaker step technologies, excelling in continuous operation. With no warm-up time needed—even between tool batches—the VLaser 370 is ready to produce a wide variety of precision tools including step drills, reamers, face mills, thread mills, profile cutters, and more with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Even complex tools such as thread profiles or closed contours with recesses, such as circular cutters, can be processed using a single standard technology without pre-processing. Minimal compensatory movements and perfectly formed axial and radial relief angles make it easy to manufacture tiny inner radii of 50 or even 20 microns.
The laser can also perform specialised tasks such as producing chipbreaker steps—small steps directly behind the cutting edge that assist in chip control. The machine’s optimised extraction system supports this long-term stability by efficiently removing vaporised microparticles, thereby keeping the protective lens clean. Automated, round-the-clock operation The VLaser 370 supports 24/7 unmanned operation through automation options capable of processing up to 160 tools. Customers can opt for the HC 4 chain magazine, which holds up to 52 tools (up to 63 mm diameter) or 39 tools (up to 70 mm diameter).
The HC 4 Plus version accommodates 53 tools (up to 63 mm diameter) or 20 tools (up to 150 mm diameter). Once loaded, the tools can be processed overnight or over weekends without human intervention. “The operating philosophy of the VLaser 370 is well proven and familiar to VOLLMER customers who already use the VPulse 500 EDM machine,” says Christopher Lang. “The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Programmes can be copied easily, measurement points are automatically adopted, and programming is streamlined by using just a single standard technology—whether for PCD, CBN or CVD—regardless of the geometry’s complexity.” Operation can be carried out via touchscreen or using a mouse and keyboard. Operators benefit from functional job sequence control, flexible intervention, and integrated technology management. Existing programmes from VOLLMER EDM machines like the VPulse 500 can be reused directly. Based on ExProg software, the VLaser 370 also accepts programmes from other laser systems. The software automatically reads and adapts essential geometry and contour data for fast production deployment. Connected to the IoT world as standard
The VLaser 370 comes IoT-ready with a built-in gateway, part of the VOLLMER V@dison portfolio. This gateway converts electrical I/O signals into readable data and serves as a hardware interface between the machine and IoT applications. Thanks to standardised protocols like OPC UA or MTConnect, data exchange works seamlessly with both V@dison products and third-party IT systems. The V@ screen digital service allows tool manufacturers to monitor all key machine parameters in real time, accessible across all devices. The V@ check service simulates and optimises sharpening processes in advance, reducing material waste and downtime. V@ guide uses predictive maintenance features and digital modules to detect faults early, offering actionable recommendations and avoiding unplanned outages. A central platform for machine data “The IoT gateway also links the VLaser 370 with the new VOLLMER Smart Hub,” adds Lang. “This platform collects, processes and manages data from multiple VOLLMER machines.”
The Smart Hub displays dashboards showing machine condition and process information. With built-in AI (LLM-based), a chatbot allows users to retrieve documentation or historical data. On request, it reports tool counts, machine utilisation, or rejects. This data-driven tool enables efficient production management. No training or complex interface is needed—just natural language chats with the system. KPIs such as output, downtimes or errors are automatically visualised. This multi-level analysis helps manufacturers uncover optimisation potential from plant-wide to individual machines. Web-based or on-site helpdesk support The Visual Support digital tool allows VOLLMER’s service team to connect live and remotely via any device.
The operator at the machine leads the interaction, while the service technician gains real-time visual access via video. This enables rapid remote troubleshooting without the need for a site visit. For more extensive tasks like maintenance or training, customers can use Visual Instruct. After assessing the scope of work, a service appointment and dedicated technician are assigned. Parts delivery and guidance are managed virtually. The technician guides the user step by step via live stream, offering the same quality of service as an in-person visit—but delivered digitally. Simple testing and commissioning of the VLaser 370.
The VLaser 370, with its automation and digital features, is ideal not only for toolmakers in the metal, wood and plastics industries but also for alternative applications such as micro-machining, surface perforation or other material removal tasks within the 150 mm workspace. Toolmakers and interested parties are invited to test the VLaser 370 with their own tools at VOLLMER’s facility in Biberach. Leasing options are available for extended evaluation and integration into existing production environments.
