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The DECKEL company was founded in 1898 by Friedrich Deckel. He was a trained precision engineer and originally produced camera shutters with his business partner Christian Bruns. Friedrich Deckel first studied the precision engineering required for his new venture under Ernst Abbe, the driving force behind Carl Zeis Jena. Quality and precision were thus present at the very start and helped launch the successful DECKEL company we know today.
In the 1950s, DECKEL began to focus more on machine tool construction and they designed and created milling machines based on the experiences gained through the production of camera shutters. These milling machines achieved a level of quality never seen before. In 1993, DECKEL merged with the cutting machine manufacturer MAHO. A year later, DECKEL-MAHO was taken over by GILDEMEISTER to create DMG MORI AG, which continues to manufacture the milling machines on which DECKEL had built its reputation.
When developing its milling machines, DECKEL has always been attuned to new and emerging technical possibilities as time progressed. Keeping interfaces open to incorporate future developments was also taken in consideration, which means that a large number of old DECKEL milling machines have been modernised to such an extent that they can be put back into operation very cost-effectively.
DECKEL’s FP series was introduced in 1953 and was immediately an astounding success. The precise machining of workpieces, compact design, easy-to-operate and a wide selection of accessories were behind the success of DECKEL FP milling machines right from the start. The company conceived the FP series to be highly customisable and able to be adjusted in line with practically any production task. This light, flexible approach meant DECKEL could offer an alternative to the large, heavy and sluggish equipment supplied by their competitors.
What the VW beetle was to the automobile industry, the DECKEL FP1 milling machine was to the machining sector. This entry-level model for cutting and milling was very compact and lightweight yet the FP1 lacked nothing in performance. The FP1 was highly regarded for its precise production of milled parts and its high level of repeat accuracy. However, due to its size, the dimensions and weight of the parts it could mill were restricted, yet with products measuring up to 300 * 160 * 340 mm³, it was sufficient for a large portion of industrial production. The DECKEL FP1 was conceived as a production machine with strengths in linear movements and the creation of blind/long holes, through-holes and internal threads. When it came to radii and chamfers, however, the FP1 was lacking, but they were possible with the use of special tools and extra equipment. The FP1 could also be fitted with active digital controls made by HEIDENHAIN, which facilitated a very large number of automated production processes. Today, the FP1 is mainly used for workshop-based repair jobs and training purposes. The low price of a used FP1 also makes these machine tools an interesting prospect for private users.
DECKEL FP1 - technical specifications
DECKEL FP1 on the second hand market
Nowadays, it is not difficult to buy a DECKEL FP1 and the market of used machinery is huge. A Deckel FP1 built in 1953 without automated controls is especially good value. However, when looking for a used DECKEL FP1, consideration should be paid to the fact that older models may be fitted with a rigid work table. Fortunately, the wide range of used FP1 milling machines means finding spare parts from a is very simple. Many specialist retailers have a selection of spares on offer.
To begin, the DECKEL FP2 was an improved version of the FP1 with better performance and geometry. Its travel path of 400 x 200 x 400 millimetres represented an increase of up to ¼ and enable larger workpieces to be machined. The DECKEL FP2 milling machine also featured a pivotable milling head, which meant that curved contours and radii could be created along the Z-axis much more easily than by using the FP1 with its rigid milling head. The greatest gains in performance were primarily in terms of operational speed with a feed rate eight times higher than its predecessor and advancements in its main drive and RPM, which were both twice as powerful. The milling machine was originally conceived as a manually-operated device, which was later complemented by the FP2 NC version with integrated programme controls ex-works. The FP2 NC was fully upgraded to feature housing and a cooling lubricant pump, which could now be built-in upon request. With the creation of its FP2, DECKEL had undertaken a major step in the future development of milling machines.
DECKEL FP2 - technical specifications
A second-hand DECKEL FP2
DECKEL FP2 milling machines are not found on the technology market quite as frequently as the FP1, but when available, the range on offer is far more comprehensive. Older, purely manual Deckel FP2As are also far more affordable than DECKEL FP2s, which feature housing, a wide range of extra equipment and a much higher price tag. When it comes to the potential fields of application, it can be difficult to differentiate a simple DECKEL FP2A from a complex DECKEL FP2 Dialogue 11. Spare parts for DECKEL FP2s are also very easy to source for all models.
The main advancement from the FP2 to the DECKEL FP3 is the enhanced pivoting milling head, which makes it far easier to machine the bottom of workpieces. Travel path and performance were also increased.
The DECKEL FP3 was mostly supplied with comprehensive additional equipment, such as housing and numerical controls, which were often integrated in FP3 milling machines in the factory. The CNC version was titled the DECKEL FP3 NC and is ideally suited to the efficient production of workpieces.
DECKEL FP3 - technical specifications
A second-hand DECKEL FP3
Buying a DECKEL FP3 is an investment and will not be suitable for hobby purposes and other budget-conscious areas. A functional DECKEL FP3 NC Dialogue 4 is a high-performance machine that requires skills and extensive knowledge – simply reading the DECKEL FP3 instructional manual is insufficient. However, for people with the right expertise, a used DECKEL FP3 is an outstanding piece of machinery.
The DECKEL FP4 is a universal milling machine suitable for workpieces measuring up to 580 millimetres in length. The clamping area of the DECKEL FP 4 covers up to 800 millimetres and the machine is generally supplied with numerical controls. The DECKEL FP4 NC was fitted with HEIDENHAIN controls and achieved high speeds and feed rates thanks to a gear unit in the spindle. Surprisingly, the DECKEL FP4 is not capable of withstanding work table loads greater than the FP3 despite its increased size.
DECKEL FP4 - technical specifications
A second-hand DECKEL FP 4
DECKEL FP models ranging from 4A to M hardly differ from other DECKEL milling machines in terms of operation and repairs, however, users of DECKEL FP4s must be accustomed to handling error messages. A complete DECKEL FP 4 instruction manual should thus always be present when purchasing. DECKEL FP 4 spare parts are available from every specialist retailer.
The DECKEL FP Series is continuously being developed in terms of size and performance. For example, the DECKEL FP 42 work table can withstand up to 2 tonnes and offers travel paths of up to 11.5 metres.
Machining centres are the right choice wherever conventional universal milling machines are no longer sufficient. The DECKEL DC Series consists of the following models: DECKEL DC 30, 40, 50, 70 and 100. The range of machines enable users to efficiently and comprehensive process any type of workpiece using automated processes largely thanks to the tool holders used, which automatically select the right tool. One of the most widely used machining centres is the DECKEL DC 40.
DECKEL DC 40 - technical specifications
DECKEL GK Series features a range of engraving machines/pantographs. The range’s bestsellers were the Deckel GK 21 and Deckel GK 12. These machines are very technically robust but are simple to use for the milling of flat contours using their purely manual controls. The widespread use of affordable CNC mills on the second-hand market has led to engraving machines losing much of their significance. As such, used DECKEL GK 12s and DECKEL GK 21s can be found on the used market at very attractive prices.
As with the GK Series, these machines are also suitable for machining copies of existing workpieces, which means it is possible to perform milling without programming or known dimensions. However, with the advent of 3D scanners and modern photogrammetry, copy milling machines have lost a great deal of significance. Their manual operation also means they cannot perform anywhere near as well as a normal milling machine. Low levels of tolerance and precision are where they mainly differ from normal CNC milling machines and the result is very favourable prices for used machines from this series.
In addition to its wide range of milling machines, DECKEL also offers solutions for grinding workpieces. Turning plates and lathe tools can quickly and easily be put back in operation using a DECKEL grinding machine. Used DECKEL grinding machines are freely available from machinery dealers at favourable prices.
The Deckel SO is a compact grinding machine that requires little space on the workshop floor. The manufacturer supplies their DECKEL grinding machines with the same level of quality and precision as can be found in their other products. The Deckel SO is a table-top device.
DECKEL SO - technical specifications
The DECKEL S1 tool grinding machine represents a significant leap forward in performance compared to the DECKEL SO.
In contrast to the DECKEL SO, the DECKEL S1 is a free-standing machine with a 500 kW electrical motor. The drive spindle is capable of 2800 revolutions per minute, which makes it especially suited to processing large quantities of milling and turning tools.
Buying a used DECKEL S1 or DECKEL SODue to their age, second-hand DECKEL SOs and DECKEL S1s can be found for sale at comparably low prices. There are still large numbers of spare parts available for both models from specialist retailers. The low load experienced by the machines when grinding tools makes them very durable.
