Tacchella machine tools – Performance guaranteed

History of Tacchella

Founded in 1921 in northern Italy by Andrea Tacchella, the company started out as a small precision engineering workshop. Over the decades, Tacchella has evolved and innovated continuously in the world of machine tools. In the 1950s, the company focused on grinding and sharpening machines, developing new series of cylindrical grinding machines that were quickly adopted by industry. In the 1970s, Tacchella was one of the first manufacturers to integrate in-house designed numerical controls into its grinding machines, paving the way for greater precision and automation in the workshop. The 1980s saw the introduction of versatile ranges (such as the Multigrinder and Grindiflex series) and laid the foundations for the current Elektra and Crossflex models. In 2017, with nearly a century of expertise behind it, Tacchella joined the international FFG (Fair Friend Group), further strengthening its global presence and capacity for innovation. Today, the brand still designs and manufactures all its machines at its factory in Cassine, Italy, and remains synonymous with exceptional quality in cylindrical grinding. Tacchella grinding machines have contributed to the success of many industrial sectors – from automotive to aerospace and tooling – by providing reliable equipment for the most demanding applications.

 

Tacchella CNC ranges and models

Tacchella offers a complete range of CNC cylindrical grinding machines to meet a variety of production needs. Each model has its own specific characteristics: workpiece size, level of automation and preferred type of application. The main Tacchella series include:

• Elektra – Universal grinding machine capable of external and internal grinding on the same machine. Flexible and modular, it is available in several sizes (centre distance from 700 mm to 1700 mm) to adapt to both small parts and long shafts.
• Pulsar – High-production cylindrical grinding machines designed for long and heavy parts. This series can handle shafts up to 2,100 mm in length and weighing several hundred kilograms, with hydrostatic guides ensuring excellent cutting stability even at high speeds. Ideal for the mass production of complex parts (cam shafts, worm screws, polygonal shafts, etc.), the Pulsar range combines speed of execution and robustness.
• Crossflex – External grinding machine focusing on compactness and flexibility in production. The Crossflex series has been designed with an optimised frame for a small footprint, while accepting large diameter grinding wheels (up to Ø610 mm) and very high speed CBN grinding wheel technology. It offers an excellent compromise between productivity and adaptability, with a controlled investment, making it a popular choice for automated production lines.

Focus on the Tacchella Elektra UA 1200

Among the brand's flagship models, the Tacchella Elektra UA 1200 stands out in particular. This universal cylindrical grinding machine embodies Tacchella's expertise in high-precision machining. With a centre-to-centre capacity of approximately 1.2 metres, it can machine parts such as medium to large shafts and cylinders. Its universal design means that the same machine can perform external and internal grinding operations on a workpiece in a single clamping. The Elektra UA 1200 is equipped with a swivelling grinding head (CNC B axis) that can hold two external grinding wheels (left and right) of different grit sizes, and an additional spindle for internal grinding.

This high-resolution automated turret (0.0001°) allows the grinding of external surfaces, bores and even faces or chamfers to be carried out in sequence without dismantling the workpiece.

The strengths of the Elektra range lie in its high precision and ease of use. The Elektra UA 1200 ensures tolerances of a few microns on ground diameters, thanks to its precision mechanics and advanced numerical control. It incorporates a latest-generation Fanuc control and self-optimising grinding cycle software (user-friendly TOP – Tool Operator Package interface in a Windows environment), which automatically control the roughing, finishing and superfinishing sequences. The machine can also be fitted with equipment such as in-process measuring probes for fine adjustment of dimensions in real time, or diamond wheel dressers to ensure an optimal surface finish. In short, the Tacchella Elektra UA 1200 offers remarkable flexibility: it is versatile enough for the manufacture of prototypes or small, highly technical series, while being robust and powerful enough to be integrated into more intensive production workshops.

 

Industrial applications and market positioning

Why do so many companies choose Tacchella for their grinding machines? The answer lies in both the quality of the machines and their suitability for cutting-edge industrial applications. Tacchella CNC machines excel wherever high-precision grinding and absolute reliability are required.

In the automotive industry, for example, Tacchella universal grinding machines play a crucial role in the finishing of metal engine components. Machines such as the Tacchella Elektra UA 1200 are used to machine parts such as camshafts, crankshafts, pistons and cylinder liners. These parts must have perfectly smooth surfaces to ensure that engines run smoothly and remain watertight. The Elektra UA 1200 can grind these components to sub-micron quality, guaranteeing optimum alignment and roughness. Tacchella machines are also used on production lines for transmissions (gearbox shafts, cardan joints), in the manufacture of injection systems (injectors, high-pressure pump bodies) and high-end bearings. These are all critical components where reliability makes all the difference.

The aerospace sector also calls on Tacchella's expertise. Whether for grinding turbine shafts, compressor shafts, bearing rings or landing gear components, CNC cylindrical grinding machines guarantee compliance with very strict geometric tolerances. In this field, the materials machined are often expensive (superalloy metals, titanium, etc.) and the quality requirements are extremely stringent. French companies in the sector rely on high-end grinding machines from renowned brands such as Tacchella to eliminate any defects in aircraft engine parts or even rocket parts. The robustness of Italian machines and their micrometric accuracy ensure that every critical part is compliant, flight after flight.

Other fields also benefit from the performance of Tacchella grinding machines, including tooling and general mechanics. For example, the machining of punches, dies and various tools requires perfect finishes that Elektra machines achieve with ease, even on special shapes (polygonal profiles, eccentric cams, etc.).

 

Similarly, the production of hydraulic components (cylinder bodies, distributors, valves) benefits from the rigidity and repeatability of Tacchella machines to achieve leak-proof and reliable bearings.

On the French market, Tacchella has established itself as a leading supplier of cylindrical grinding machines. Many workshops still have older Tacchella models that are still working perfectly, testimony to the longevity of these machines. Faced with competition from Swiss and German manufacturers well established in high-quality grinding, Tacchella stands out by offering a valued balance between performance and acquisition cost, without compromising on machining quality. The brand's presence in the region is supported by partners such as Kraffter Machine Tools, which distributes and maintains this equipment in France. This proximity guarantees French users reliable support, from machine selection to after-sales service.

 

Technical features and advantages of Tacchella CNC grinding machines

Tacchella CNC cylindrical grinding machines stand out for their high-end technical features, which translate into concrete production benefits. Here are some of the key features that make these machines so effective:

• Micrometric machining: Designed for finish machining, Tacchella machines deliver highly accurate results. High-precision guides (prism or hydrostatic slides depending on the model), preloaded ball screws and high-resolution encoders on the axes guarantee ultra-precise positioning. This results in perfect concentricity and cylindricity of the ground parts, often with a tolerance of less than 5 µm.
• Rigid frame and thermal stability: The machine base is made of solid ribbed cast iron, a material known for its vibration-absorbing properties. This mechanical rigidity ensures impeccable surface quality and extends the service life of the grinding wheels. In addition, the design incorporates cooling circuits and thermal control systems to minimise expansion during machining – a crucial factor in maintaining quality throughout the production day.
• Machining versatility: Thanks to the combination of interpolated CNC axes, these machines are capable of grinding not only conventional cylindrical surfaces, but also more complex geometries. For example, the programming allows non-circular profiles (oval, cams) or polygonal shapes to be produced with high precision, which broadens the range of possible parts to be produced. A single machine can therefore be used for multiple tasks, advantageously replacing several more specialised machines.
• Productivity and automation: Tacchella solutions incorporate technologies to maximise throughput without sacrificing quality. Certain series (such as Pulsar or Crossflex) allow the use of CBN grinding wheels at very high cutting speeds (up to 120 m/s peripheral speed), which drastically reduces cycle times during material removal. The ability to simultaneously grind two opposite shoulders with two external grinding wheels, or to automatically chain together internal and external grinding, reduces set-up times and part handling. Finally, the addition of robotic loading systems or pallets allows continuous production to be automated for large series.
• Reliability and optimised maintenance: With decades of experience, Tacchella's design focuses on long-term reliability. Critical components (grinding spindles, motors, electronics) are designed to last and are easy to maintain.

 

Purchase options: new or reconditioned via Kraffter Machine Tools

When it comes to purchasing a Tacchella cylindrical grinding machine, there are several options available to you. The choice between a new machine and a reconditioned used machine will depend on your budget, urgency and technical preferences.

• New machine: Opting for a new model allows you to benefit from the latest technological advances from Tacchella, a customised configuration at the factory and a manufacturer's warranty. If your budget allows and manufacturing/delivery times are not an issue, you will have a brand new machine, ready to operate for many years to come.
• Refurbished used machine: This is often a smart solution for combining performance and a reasonable investment. Kraffter Machine Tools specialises in the refurbishment of used machine tools. In practical terms, this means that a second-hand Tacchella grinding machine will be thoroughly inspected, cleaned and reconditioned before being put on sale. Worn or faulty components are replaced (spindle bearings, ball screws, variators, etc. as required) and the machine geometry is rechecked according to the manufacturer's specifications. This retrofit approach can also include upgrading the numerical control on older models: for example, installing a current FANUC NC on the robust frame of an older Tacchella to combine mechanical reliability with a modern interface. The end result is a reliable and operational grinding machine. This is a particularly attractive option for workshops looking to increase capacity or replace a machine quickly, without manufacturing lead times.

Browse Kraffter Machine Tools' online machine catalogue to find a selection of ready-to-use used CNC cylindrical grinding machines, including carefully refurbished Tacchella machines. Each machine listing details the specifications, year, condition and equipment included, allowing you to evaluate the option that suits you with complete transparency. Whatever your preference, the Kraffter team is here to advise you and secure your investment.

 

Services and support Kraffter Machine Tools

Buying a precision machine tool such as a Tacchella is a major undertaking, and Kraffter Machine Tools offers a range of services to support you every step of the way, ensuring you get the most out of your experience:

• Personalised technical advice: Right from the initial consultation, the Kraffter team is on hand to listen to your needs. They can recommend specific models, explain the differences between two options and even arrange a visit to see the machine in operation. All machines in stock can be viewed in operation at our premises (73240 Saint-Genix-les-Villages) by appointment, allowing you to check their performance for yourself before purchasing.
• Logistics: Once you have made your choice, Kraffter takes care of everything to deliver the machine to your workshop in France or abroad. Our logistics department handles export formalities, land or sea transport, and secure packaging (vacuum packing, treated wooden crates if necessary).Thanks to this expertise, your Tacchella grinding machine will be delivered to you with complete peace of mind.

• Reconditioning and technical support: As mentioned above, we carry out most of the repair, reconditioning and retrofitting work required on the used machines we sell in-house. You therefore benefit from a machine that has been checked and comes with a technical condition report before shipment. After the sale, we remain at your service: if you have any technical questions or need to fine-tune a setting, our technical team will respond promptly.
• Transparency and customer support: Kraffter makes it a point of honour to provide its customers with clear information. In our FAQ section, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about purchasing used machine tools (payment terms, inspection options, etc.). In addition, our sales team is easily reachable by phone or email for any additional requests. This proximity and transparency guarantee you reliable support before, during and after your purchase.

By choosing Kraffter Machine Tools as your partner, you are choosing peace of mind. From the first contact to the delivery of the Tacchella grinding machine to your workshop, you will be dealing with passionate professionals who are experts in the entire import-export chain and the technical specifications of machine tools. Our goal? To ensure that your new CNC cylindrical grinding machine quickly becomes a productive asset in your workshop, without any logistical or technical issues.