Precision Redefined: Fine Grinding, Lapping, and Polishing at the Submicron Level
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From Honing to Polishing – Perfect Surfaces from a Single Source
The partnership between Nagel Technologies and FLP Microfinishing brings together two leading experts in precision surface processing. Combining FLP’s deep expertise in fine finishing with Nagel’s renowned know-how in honing and superfinishing creates a technological bridge between cylindrical and planar high-precision processes. The result: a seamless portfolio that covers every aspect of precision surface finishing – from the serial production of cylindrical components to planar ultra-fine processing in the nanometer range.
Both companies share a single goal: to perfect surfaces to the limits of what is physically possible. While Nagel has set standards in process reliability and automation for decades, FLP is synonymous with exceptional flatness, plan parallelism, and submicron surface quality. Together, they create solutions that are technologically advanced, economically efficient, and process-secure.
With this alliance, Nagel strengthens its position as a system provider for high-precision technologies across a wide range of industries – from mechanical and aerospace engineering to semiconductor, optics, and medical technology. At the same time, FLP benefits from the global network of the Nagel Group, synergies in process development, and the ability to realize large-scale projects worldwide. This collaboration merges precision, process expertise, and innovation in a truly unique way.
Key Advantages at a Glance
The joint portfolio of Nagel and FLP enables up to ten times higher precision compared to conventional superfinishing processes – achieving surface roughness down to Ra 0.001 µm and plan parallelism and flatness in the submicron range.
Customers benefit from a complete technology package encompassing machines, tools, process development, and service – ideal for high-tech sectors like semiconductors, optics, and medical technology, as well as traditional fields such as automotive and hydraulic manufacturing.
Thanks to close technical integration, the solutions are more precise, more economical, and seamlessly adaptable to existing production environments. “By joining forces with FLP, we can now offer our customers the entire spectrum of precision finishing – from the micrometer range down to the nanometer level,” explains Andreas Schmohl, Managing Director of ELGAN Diamantwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG and Head of Nagel Technologies. “FLP achieves surface qualities of up to 0.001 µm – ten times more precise than our previous superfinishing processes.”
Precision as a System Performance
FLP’s modular machine design combines mechanical stability with thermal and dynamic precision. Depending on the application, customers can choose between single- and double-sided systems, semiconductor grinders, or CMP polishing systems (chemical-mechanical polishing).
FLP covers the entire process chain of fine grinding, lapping, and polishing – from tool technology and process development to contract manufacturing. “We understand precision as the interplay of mechanics, process control, and material expertise,” emphasizes Thomas Rehfeldt, Managing Director of FLP Microfinishing GmbH. “Our machines are designed to deliver ultimate accuracy with maximum stability – even under thermal and dynamic loads."
Setting New Standards in Precision Manufacturing
FLP systems achieve flatness up to 0.1 µm and surface roughness as low as Ra 0.001 µm (1 nm). Typical applications range from valve seats for ventilators and turbine components to optical mirrors for high-performance telescopes and wafers in semiconductor production.
In mechanical and plant engineering, FLP machines ensure tight sealing surfaces and durable components. In the automotive sector, they enable lower friction, quieter systems, and improved efficiency. In photonics, they form the basis for high-precision sensors and laser technologies.From Standalone Process to Integrated Production Solution
By combining Nagel’s proven honing technology with FLP’s expertise in surface finishing, integrated manufacturing solutions become possible – seamlessly linking cylindrical and planar precision processes. This synergy opens new opportunities for compact, automated systems, where multiple fine-finishing steps merge into one continuous workflow.
Nagel and FLP deliver complete process solutions – including machines, tools, polishing fluids, automation, and metrology. Through this alliance, FLP gains access to the Nagel Group’s global network of around 1,800 employees and 29 locations worldwide.
The result is a symbiosis of two complementary technologies:
• Nagel stands for cylindrical precision.
• FLP stands for planar perfection.
Together, they are setting new benchmarks in industrial fine finishing – delivering higher accuracy, greater efficiency, and maximum process security. A powerful duo for the future of ultra-precision manufacturing – united by one goal: perfection down to the last micron.
