How a high-end cutting tool manufacturer redefined quality assurance and design with optical 3D metrology.

The Quest for Clarity in Complex Micro-Geometries

At TTE, the challenge was clear: as the demand for specialized and smaller tools increased, so did the need for reliable, non-contact measurement of complex surfaces. Their customers, particularly in high-precision sectors like watchmaking and medical, demanded tools with perfectly polished, ultra-sharp edges. Even the smallest deviation could mean failure.

Traditional measurement tools weren't enough. Lapped tools, high-gloss finishes, sharp cutting edges: all of them posed significant challenges for conventional metrology.

"Especially in jewelry and medical applications, we deal with extremely sharp tools that are machine-lapped,” Zecchini explains. "It’s difficult to even see these geometries with traditional systems, let alone measure them reliably.”

That's when Bruker Alicona stepped in. TTE started working with Bruker Alicona in 2017, and the relationship has evolved into an essential part of the company’s R&D and quality control workflows.

From Inspection to Innovation

The introduction of the InfiniteFocus G6 allowed TTE to shift from basic inspection to proactive tool design. In the world of micro-tools, this was nothing short of a revolution.

"With Bruker Alicona, we're not just checking if the tool is okay. We're pushing the limits of what's possible in geometry," Zecchini says.

Using the system, the team at TTE now studies and validates:

•  Surface roughness on micro and nano levels
•  Cutting edge preparation
•  Precision of lapped, mirrored finishes
•  Shape fidelity in custom-designed geometries

This is particularly crucial when developing tools for non-ferrous materials, which tend to scatter light in a way that makes optical inspection extremely difficult. Bruker Alicona's Focus-Variation technology not only captures such surfaces but delivers repeatable, high-resolution 3D data that guides every step of the design process.

"The InfiniteFocus G6 allows us to go deep into geometries that were previously invisible to us. That insight gives us an incredible edge in development and customer-specific adaptations."

Where Every Micron Matters

TTE's commitment to quality assurance goes hand-in-hand with its business philosophy: precision, respect, and integrity. From design to delivery, every step is optimized for customer satisfaction.

Their manufacturing floor is equipped to handle both catalog and custom tools. In fact, more than 25% of TTE’s production today is special tools developed for niche applications. Whether it’s a special cutter for medical titanium or a trochoidal tool for hardened steel, the process always starts the same way: listening.

"We spend a lot of time listening to our customers,” says Zecchini. "That’s where innovation starts. Every tool is a response to a real challenge.”

Thanks to Bruker Alicona, TTE can now respond faster, smarter, and more accurately. Measurements that once took hours are now available in minutes. Analysis that once required trial and error is now built on data.

And this is where the Met Max digital twin truly shines: measurements can now be executed directly on the machine or pre-planned offline in a virtual environment. The process is fully automated and repeatable, eliminating the need for manual intervention. What once required a technician can now be launched autonomously, significantly boosting the volume and consistency of tool inspections.

"It's not just about measuring. It's about learning from each tool and using that knowledge to build a better one next time."

A Toolmaker's Edge

At TTE, metrology is no longer a bottleneck—it’s a competitive advantage. As the company continues to grow its presence in demanding sectors, the InfiniteFocus G6 has become a cornerstone of both its quality control and its innovation strategy.

"For us, Alicona is not a machine. It’s a partner in our development process,” Zecchini concludes.

From fashion to medical, from micro-tools to mirrored surfaces, TTE is redefining what precision looks like. And with Alicona at their side, every new challenge becomes a new opportunity.