Independent trial confirmation: Vericut Optimizer reduces energy use

While is straightforward to demonstrate the cycle time reductions facilitated by Vericut Optimizer, substantiating claims regarding the energy savings of this innovative software has proved more challenging. Now, however, an independent energy monitoring trial involving Seco Tools, Virtual Manufacturing UK and Grob, confirmed that the estimated 19% savings in electricity consumption when applying Optimizer to a sample titanium workpiece did indeed correlate to actual measured data.

With Vericut Optimizer, a stand-alone version of Vericut’s integrated Force module, the company can easily prove facts and figures regarding cycle time savings to its customers and prospects. Vericut simply takes an existing process and applies Optimizer to get a ‘before and after’ result.

The company also knows that the impact of this optimisation means the CNC machine consumes less energy. This fact was recognised recently, with Vericut and Seco Tools winning the prestigious 2025 ‘Sandvik Sustainability Award in Memory of Sigrid Göransson’. The accolade recognised a collaboration that continues to provide a significant contribution to reduced environmental impact during machining. In tests, Vericut Optimizer reduced machine energy consumption by 18% and demonstrated a substantial increase in tool life.

“Having won the award, we wanted to back-up calculated savings with hard evidence of the energy savings that Optimizer provides,” explains Scott Ravenscroft, Sales Manager at Vericut UK. “We asked Seco Tools to produce a sample component on its Grob 550T universal CNC mill-turn centre and invited Virtual Manufacturing UK to monitor the machine’s energy consumption in real time.”

Adds David Magnall, Innovation Partnership Manager at Seco Tools UK: “Our Innovation Hub at Alcester is where we assess factors beyond just cutting tools. We look at more holistic solutions for customers, perhaps involving digitalisation or sustainability, for example. All projects take place in collaboration with technical partners, in this case Vericut, Virtual Manufacturing UK   and Grob.”

Sustainability is a hot topic right now and something that manufacturers increasingly consider as part of their investment strategies. It can even influence funding decisions if the technology solution identified is particularly energy efficient.

“If we can offer sustainable, holistic solutions, the impact on the manufacturing industry will be positive and profound for all stakeholders: technology suppliers, users and funders,” says David Magnall.