PCD Tooling Solutions was formed in 2008 by Paul Falkingham who, having worked in the industry for several woodworking machine tool companies including his own saw service centre in the 1990’s, decided it was time to put his experience in diamond tooling to good use. His knowledge goes back to the mid 1980’s working as tool room supervisor for Hygena Kitchens when the first diamond saws and tools were purchased and tested. The results were so impressive that the tool room was soon producing its own saws, profile blocks and routers for the Hygena group.
The connections and relationships that were forged in those early days came into their own in 2008 when PCD Tooling Solutions was born and a network of dealers and outlets was formed covering the whole of the UK. PCD is very much a family concern with Paul’s wife Wendy joining the company in 2009 to cover the increasing office and admin workload. In the same year they employed another two employees. Paul and Wendy’s son, Ben, joined the company in 2018 after completing his university education and following this up with further mechanical engineering qualifications.
The business started with just one Vollmer QM erosion machine and one Agie wire erosion machine and the business grew rapidly and investment was the key. Year on year new machines and upgrades were put in place to improve capacity and above all quality, and this mind set remains the same today. PCD Tooling Solutions now boast a stable of 5 Vollmer erosion machines – some have auto loading which enables continuous unmanned production – along with an Accutex erosion machine and a host of support and peripheral machines. With the purchase of the Zoller pre-set and inspection centre and Haimer balancing, all tools are manufactured and serviced to the highest level and the quality is transparent with both these machines having certified proof of accuracy. Further investment and innovation is constant and the company hopes to announce a major step forward before the end of 2024.
Service and Supply
Service and repair of diamond tipped machine tools is the mainstay of the business with a quick turnaround, quality and value for money at the core of everything the company does. Not only do they provide service work but also keep a good quantity of standard diamond machine tools in stock. These tools are supplied by one of the highest quality tool manufacturers in the world.
Where PCD Tooling Solutions excel is special machine tools which can be made to the customers specification and design and especially diamond tipped circular saw blades. PCD Tooling Solutions believe they are the only diamond tool manufacturer in the UK to produce diamond tipped circular saws in house to specific customer specifications. They can provide any diameter up to 600 mm, any tooth form, any PCD grade for cutting virtually any material. All their materials for saw manufacture are from UK suppliers.
Paul explains:
“In 2008 our company profile was service and supply of diamond machine tools to the trade or dealers and saw service centres, but we have gained some very valuable end user customers over the years, particularly in the kitchen and office furniture industries. However, basically they have had to find us, be it through our website, our location or recommendation so we now feel it’s time to spread the word to all areas of the panel and furniture industry and beyond. With so many different materials being produced we need to get the word out that we have the experience and the capacity and the best in plant and machinery. For instance we have had some great results with PCD saws for cutting aluminium, cement particle board, carbon fibre board and plastics.
“At an exhibition some years ago I got talking to furniture manufacturer from the midlands and from his lanyard I recognised his well-known company and from my lanyard he saw that my business was PCD tooling. To my amusement he went on to explain that he had a company that looked after his diamond machine tools and he was very happy with the quality, the turn round and the value for money. Unbeknown to him it was PCD Tooling Solutions that had been looking after his diamond tools for the past 10 years – frustratingly I couldn’t divulge this to him as the dealer he uses is a very valuable customer to us but it was satisfying to know our work was appreciated.”
With so many different materials to be machined it is time for us to let the industry know who we are and what our capacity is. We want to create a bigger customer base and are very happy to discuss customers individual requirements. PCD Tooling Solutions believe that your machine and product is only as good as the tools you use and we are your ideal partners to provide help you maintain your tools to the very highest quality.”
