Palbit has taken delivery of its fifth CemeCon coating system, marking more than 20 years of partnership between the Portuguese cutting tool manufacturer and the coating technology specialist. The latest installation, a CC800®HiPIMS system commissioned in June 2026, also marks CemeCon’s 500th coating system installation worldwide.
Palbit has relied on CemeCon’s PVD coating technology and peripheral equipment for more than two decades. The new system further expands its in house coating capacity and supports the company’s focus on precision, reliability and customised cutting tool solutions. “Our partnership with CemeCon is a key pillar of the performance and success of our tools,” says Jorge Ferreira, CEO of Palbit.
Founded in 1916, Palbit continues to focus on innovation, customer requirements and manufacturing quality. The company has a high level of vertical integration and manufactures its tools from start to finish. Its process covers powder production, tool body and holder manufacturing and final coating. This level of control allows Palbit to develop and optimise tools internally and respond quickly to changing market requirements.
Continuity as a strategic strength
In 2016, Palbit invested in its first CC800®HiPIMS in house turnkey system from CemeCon and has continued to expand its in house coating centre. To maintain process stability and product quality, the company also relies on CemeCon’s complete service package, including technical consulting, consumables and replacement parts. During periods of higher demand, CemeCon’s coating service supports Palbit’s production capacity, including during the installation of its latest HiPIMS system.
Dr Beate Hüttermann, CMO at CemeCon, sees the long term cooperation as an example of how CemeCon supports tool manufacturers as their requirements evolve. “Our shared history started with our initial collaboration on coating services, through the first turnkey complete system, to today’s independent, highly optimized coating center, which we closely support with comprehensive consulting and service offerings. This close partnership is a prime example of how companies can grow together successfully in the long run in terms of technology, performance, and market success.”
Premium coatings meet demanding, specialized requirements
Palbit’s product range covers milling, turning, drilling, threading, grooving and parting off, along with custom made tools for applications where standard catalogue solutions are not enough. “Optimizing tools for specific applications is one of our strengths,” says Jorge Ferreira, Managing Director of Palbit. The company’s manufacturing expertise allows it to develop tools around specific customer requirements, helping it address complex machining challenges.
For its wide portfolio of carbide cutting inserts and round tools, coating performance is an important part of Palbit’s manufacturing approach. Different machining conditions require different coating specifications, making flexibility essential. HiPIMS technology supports this need with coating thicknesses of up to 12 micrometers. Alongside CemeCon’s coating recipes, Palbit also carries out its own R&D and adjusts coatings for different tool grades. “With HiPIMS, these customizations are very easy to implement on the systems. In our market segment, this allows us to clearly differentiate ourselves both through our tool geometries and through optimized coatings,” explains Jorge Ferreira. “Our customers appreciate our high level of vertical integration and also view tool coating as a core competency of Palbit in its own right.”
Quality as a strategic growth driver
Palbit’s focus on quality and customer trust is supporting its expansion into new markets. The company has operated internationally for many years and is now increasing its presence in the highly competitive US machining technology market.
Close customer proximity, reliable local service and technical support are important parts of this expansion. By building a stronger presence in the US, Palbit aims to serve customers more closely and bring its cutting tool expertise to a wider range of machining applications.
Proud of 500x premium quality
The installation of Palbit’s latest system also marks an important milestone for CemeCon, with the CC800®HiPIMS becoming its 500th coating system installation worldwide. “The 500th plant project was something very special for everyone involved, especially since its implementation coincides with our anniversary year,” says Jens Jordine, the CemeCon project manager responsible for the installation.
The project involved close coordination at every stage, starting with contract negotiations and the project kick off, followed by monitoring during plant construction and preparation of Palbit’s team through in house training. “The same highest quality standards apply to every order. At the same time, we share a long standing, very trusting partnership with Palbit. It’s a wonderful affirmation of our own commitment that we were once again able to serve a customer to their complete satisfaction,” Jordine adds.
