EWAG: A Swiss pioneer in precision machining

EWAG's beginnings: at the heart of Swiss watchmaking

Founded in 1946 as Edel-Werkzeug AG, by Dr. H. Pfluger, G. Vogt-Schild, Dr. H. Vogt and O. Remund in Solothurn, Switzerland, EWAG's core business was initially the manufacture of tools, such as tungsten carbide chisels. Its first production sites - a garage and a barracks - were located in Zuchwil, in the contemporary Sulzerareal, and in Biberist.

 

This region, reputed to have been a hotbed of Swiss watchmaking since 1888 and home to the headquarters of companies such as Liga, Roamer Watch and Mido (which joined HAUSER in Biel in 1946), was the fertile ground on which EWAG was able to design its first machines.

 

Drawing on its experience in machining precision tools, in 1954 the company developed its first prototype high-precision grinder, the WS10, which would later become the legendary WS11 in 1955.

 

The WS11: a grinding revolution

It was in this propitiatory context of development in the manufacturing industry that the legendary WS11 saw the light of day. Following its unveiling at the Hanover Fair in 1957, this formidable universal sharpening machine quickly gained worldwide renown for its exceptional performance. Its unrivalled precision, versatility and robustness made it an indispensable tool not only for watchmakers, but also for other cutting-edge industries with similarly demanding requirements. The ‘pearl of tool grinders’, as it is known, truly marked a turning point in the history of sharpening, by raising quality standards to a level never before achieved.

Since then, it has never stopped evolving. Towards the WS11-A in 1973 and the WS11 SP (spiral) in 1977, the entire range was modernised in 2008.

 

Buying a used EWAG grinding machine

Even today, the WS11 has not lost any of its superb looks. It is still highly coveted, and examples in perfect condition are rare on the second-hand market. To acquire one with complete peace of mind, it's a good idea to contact a specialist retailer of second-hand grinding machines, who will have ensured that the machine has been reconditioned to EWAG's standards.

With its machine tools, EWAG has rapidly established itself as a key player in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Watchmakers, looking for increasingly high-performance tools to machine the tiny components of their watches, have found in EWAG a manufacturer they will never leave.

 

Diversification and move towards CNC machines

Over the years, EWAG has continued to innovate and diversify its activities. 

Firstly, by developing its range of manual machines until 1980, with radius grinders for PKD, then the RS2 in 1964, the precursor of the RS12 released in 1980, as well as sanding machines, notably the LS01 in 1982, drill grinding machines such as the AS40 in 1983 and, finally, the FS600 milling grinder in 1984. 

A major turning point came in 1986 with the presentation of the first mass-produced CNC machine, the RS12, at IMTS in Chicago (USA). This was followed by a succession of technological developments and innovations, from the EWAMATIC CNC grinder in 1993, to the development of the first EASYGRIND prototypes in 1999, then the INSERT LINE and LASER LINE in 2010.

 

From watchmaking, the company has expanded into other sectors such as aerospace, medical and automotive. EWAG's integration into the UNITED GRINDING Group has strengthened its position on the global market and enabled it to offer an even wider range of products. In particular, it has initiated a close collaboration with the German company WALTER MASCHINENBAU, already part of the group, within which they form the tool machining technology branch.

Today, EWAG has a complete range of products for tool processing, from laser machining and measuring machines to CNC tool grinding and sharpening machines and tool erosion machines.

 

EWAG's impact on the manufacturing industry

EWAG is much more than just a machine tool manufacturer. It is a company that has combined tradition and innovation to become a key player in precision machining.

 

EWAG's heritage extends far beyond the company itself. By developing ever more efficient machines, EWAG has contributed to improving productivity and quality in the watchmaking industry and many other industrial sectors. The precision of EWAG machines has made it possible to produce increasingly complex and miniaturised parts, paving the way for new technological applications.

Thanks to its iconic machines, EWAG has left an indelible mark on the history of the manufacturing industry.