
Introduction
ALPINA, an independent automobile manufacturer based in Buchloe, Germany, has been utilizing OPEN MIND Technologies' hyperMILL® CAM system for creating NC programs. Known for producing exclusive vehicles based on BMW models, ALPINA caters to customers who value both everyday usability and exclusivity.
Company Background
ALPINA was founded by Burkard Bovensiepen in 1961 and has grown into a company with nearly 200 employees and an annual turnover of approximately EUR 50 million. The company produces between 1,000 and 1,200 cars annually, emphasizing their exclusivity. ALPINA is recognized as a legitimate automobile manufacturer, not merely a car tuner, as their vehicles are equipped with ALPINA-specific parts from the outset.
Partnership with BMW
ALPINA has a longstanding partnership with BMW, allowing them access to CAD data 18 months before BMW's serial production launch. This collaboration extends to both road vehicles and auto racing, with ALPINA achieving notable success in events like the ADAC GT Masters.
Use of hyperMILL®
ALPINA adopted hyperMILL® in 2008 to enhance their manufacturing capabilities. The CAM system supports various machining types, including 2D, 3D, HSC, and 5-axis milling, and offers features like indexed axes and automation through macros. This has led to increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved quality in ALPINA's manufacturing processes.
Technological Integration
ALPINA uses Catia V5 for CAD and hyperMILL® for NC programming, connected via a common interface, STEP AP 214. The hyperMILL® license includes advanced features for 5-axis machining and special applications like impellers and blisks. The system is used extensively across ALPINA's operations, from serial components to racing car parts.
Conclusion
ALPINA's collaboration with OPEN MIND Technologies and the use of hyperMILL® have significantly enhanced their manufacturing capabilities, allowing them to maintain high standards of quality and exclusivity in their vehicles. The partnership has been mutually beneficial, with both companies expressing satisfaction with the collaboration.
Success Story ALPINA steps on the gas with hyperMILL® ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG creates exclusive automobiles for discerning customers, using BMW models as a basis. They are also active participants in the auto racing scene. The automobile manufacturer, located... ...in Buchloe in Germany’s Allgäu region, has been successfully using OPEN MIND Technologies’ hyperMILL CAM system to create NC programs for years. ® Typical ALPINA customers use their cars a lot, driving 20,000, 30,000 or even 50,000 kilometres a year. They require cars perfectly suited to everyday use, but don’t wish to forgo a touch of exclusivity. About ALPINA As a car manufacturer in its own right since 1983, ALPINA has partnered with BMW on and off the racing circuit for more than 40 years, collaborating on technological development and producing a steady stream of groundbreaking innovations which are reflected in their automobiles. The BMW ALPINA range is like no other, combining luxury and understated exclusivity with exceptional power and ability. Combining the ALPINA philosophy and engineering with the benefits of BMW engine technology, especially with regards to efficiency and emissions, results in a combination of effortless high-performance, in petrol and diesel form, but not at environmental cost. > www.alpina-automobiles.com © OPEN MIND Technologies AG. “ALPINA creates sophisticated vehicles b ased on the BMW 3, 5, 6 and 7 series,” says ALPINA CEO Andreas Bovensiepen. The two companies have been closely linked ever since Bovensiepen’s father, Burkard Bovensiepen, placed a Weber dual carburettor in a BMW 1500 in 1961, increasing its output by 14 hp. From this promising beginning, ALPINA has developed into an independent automobile manufacturer with almost 200 employees and an annual turnover of approximately EUR 50 million. ALPINA only produces between 1,000 and 1,200 cars a year, a sure sign of their exclusive nature. ALPINA is no mere car tuner but a proper automobile manufacturer: “A BMW ALPINA is not a vehicle modified after manufacture,” says Bovensiepen. “From the mo- ment it comes into the world, it is equipped with ALPINA-specific parts, including motor, gearbox, exhaust system, cooling system, wheels, and chassis, as well as a modified bodyshell with aerodynamic components. And let’s not forget the interior.” In fact, ALPINA’s interiors can meet almost c any ustomer demand. The exquisite BMW ALPINA: A limited-edition automobile (only 99 were made) based on the BMW
Open the catalog to page 1“hyperMILL has provided us with lots of oppurtunities to manufacture components and create designs that we just weren’t able to previously.” ® Matthias Schau, Development engineer at ALPINA a penchant for technology and automobiles; people who know how to appreciate the high quality and individuality offered by ALPINA’s vehicles. Thanks to the well-developed bond of trust between BMW and ALPINA, ALPINA is given access to the CAD data they need to develop their BMW ALPINA models as far as 18 months in advance of BMW’s serial production launch. The main markets for the cars from Allgäu, apart from...
Open the catalog to page 2Without a doubt, this list also needs to include OPEN MIND’s feature and macro technology, which enables the user to standardise and automate the programming of geometries. Including intelligent macros, Customized Process Features (CPFs), and the option of connecting proprietary programs to hyperMILL via an API. ® New 5-axis functions continue to offer expanded options to the user. With the 5-axis shape offset machining strategy, curved surfaces can be completely machined with a consistent offset. Automatic 5-axis approach and retract strategies ensure greater quality and safety, as well as less...
Open the catalog to page 3able to previously. The system has not only significantly increased our productivity, it has also reduced our costs. What’s more, the quality is excellent.” Laminating tool, milled using hyperMILL® and the finished CFK component. About OPEN MIND Technologies AG OPEN MIND is one of the world’s most sought-after developers of powerful CAM solutions for machine and controller-independent programming. OPEN MIND designs optimized CAM solutions that include a high number of innovative features not available elsewhere to deliver significantly higher performance in both programming and machining. Strategies...
Open the catalog to page 42 Pages
3 Pages
2 Pages
3 Pages
5 Pages
16 Pages
8 Pages
16 Pages
16 Pages