Platinum Tooling
Platinum Tooling Technologies is a Prospect Heights, Illinois-based exclusive North American importer and master distributor of precision CNC machine tool accessories, including live tools, angle heads, spindle speeders, broaching tools, and hydraulic clamping, serving medical, automotive, aerospace, firearms, and energy manufacturers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersProspect Heights, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Platinum Tooling does
Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. is a privately held importer and master distributor of precision machine tool accessories serving the North American market. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Prospect Heights, Illinois, the company holds exclusive North American importer rights for multiple premium international manufacturers including Heimatec (Germany), Tecnicrafts (India), Hommel + Keller (Germany), Henninger (Germany), REV, Dunner, Gewefa, and Suzuki IB. Its core product portfolio covers live tools and angle heads, spindle speeders, broaching tools, Swiss collets, guide bushings, knurling and marking tools, hydraulic clamping solutions, and the patented Heimatec u-tec flexible changing system. Speeds and gear ratios reach the upper end of the segment, with Heimatec live tools offering ratios up to 1:4 and speeds up to 48,000 rpm and Henninger spindle speeders reaching 80,000 rpm.
The company is a distribution intermediary rather than a manufacturer, and its differentiator is the depth and exclusivity of its supplier portfolio combined with local inventory and field support. A notable technical asset is the u-tec adapter-based changing system, which allows end users to swap tool outputs without purchasing new complete tools, lowering total cost of ownership for high-mix CNC shops. Multi-spindle configurations allow multiple cutting tools to operate from a single turret position, an increasingly relevant capability for Swiss-type and complex CNC machining. The business is founder-owned and operated under President Preben Hansen.
Revenue mechanics are one-time hardware sales of precision tooling via an independent sales representative network covering the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Standard terms are net 30 days from shipment with returns allowed within 30 days subject to a 15% restocking fee. End customers span five principal verticals: medical devices, automotive, aerospace, firearms, and energy, with named enterprise accounts including Boston Scientific, DMG Mori, Hardinge, DN Solutions, Haas, and Hyundai. Distribution reaches these end customers primarily through OEMs, machine tool dealers, and industrial supply companies rather than direct to end users.
Platinum Tooling firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Platinum Tooling
- Legal name
- Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc.
- Website
- https://platinumtooling.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Platinum Tooling Technologies is a Prospect Heights, Illinois-based exclusive North American importer and master distributor of precision CNC machine tool accessories, including live tools, angle heads, spindle speeders, broaching tools, and hydraulic clamping, serving medical, automotive, aerospace, firearms, and energy manufacturers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Platinum Tooling industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Machine Tool Accessories
- NAICS
- Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing (333514)
- SIC
- Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB)
Keywords
Where Platinum Tooling is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Prospect Heights
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Platinum Tooling business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Precision Tooling Product Sales: Platinum Tooling generates revenue through the import and distribution of precision machine tool accessories including live tools, angle heads, speed increasers, collets, guide bushings, and broaching tools. Products are sold through an extensive network of sales representatives to OEMs, machine tool dealers, and industrial supply companies across North America.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard product sales with net 30 payment terms |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Platinum Tooling product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Platinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer and master distributor of precision machine tool accessories including live tools, angle heads, multi-spindle tools, spindle speed increasers, broaching tools, Swiss collets, guide bushings, and knurling and marking tools. The company represents premium German and international brands (Heimatec, Tecnicrafts, Henninger, REV, Dunner, Hommel + Keller, Gewefa, Suzuki IB) and stocks products in Chicago for distribution to OEMs, machine tool dealers, and industrial supply companies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Live Tools (Heimatec) Heimatec live tools for CNC lathes in axial and radial configurations, with gear ratios up to 1:4 and operating speeds up to 48,000 rpm. Targeted at CNC machine shops and OEMs requiring high precision on turning and milling operations.
- Angle Heads (Heimatec) Standard and custom Heimatec angle heads engineered for difficult applications on CNC machining centers. Sold to manufacturers requiring angular drilling, milling, or tapping capabilities.
- Multi-Spindle Tools (Heimatec) Dual output live and static tools plus half-index static tools that allow multiple cutting tools to face both main and sub spindles, performing multiple functions from a single turret position. Designed for Swiss-type CNC lathes and machining centers.
- Speed Increasers / Spindle Speeders (Heimatec, Henninger, Suzuki IB) Mechanical, air-driven, and motor-driven spindle speeders with gear ratios from 1:2 to 1:4 reaching maximum speeds up to 48,000 rpm for Swiss CNC lathes and up to 80,000 rpm for machining centers. Used by machine shops needing higher spindle speeds for small-diameter tooling.
- Static Tools Static tooling built to complement the precision of CNC turning centers and Swiss-style machines. Sold to manufacturers requiring fixed-position tooling solutions.
- Changing Systems (u-tec, heimatec CAPTO) Heimatec's patented u-tec flexible changing system and heimatec CAPTO tool changing systems that allow users to change tool outputs through adapters without purchasing new tools, reducing tool costs and setup times.
- Swiss Collets and Guide Bushings (Tecnicrafts) Precision collets and guide bushings for Swiss-type automatics and CNC lathes, available in standard and ultra-precision grades. Manufactured by Tecnicrafts in Coimbatore, India.
- Dunner Guide Bushings Bronze, ceramic, and titane (Meehanite) guide bushings from Dunner in standard, ultra-precision (5 microns or less), and ultimate ultra-precision (2 microns or less) grades. Used in medical and precision manufacturing.
- Broaching Tools (REV) REV motorized and static broaching tools for CNC lathes and machining centers, adding broaching capability to CNC operations.
- QUICK Knurling and Marking Tools (Hommel + Keller) High-end knurling and marking tools for form knurling, cut knurling, and precision marking on Swiss-type lathes, with workpiece diameter capabilities from 1.5mm. Used in medical, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods manufacturing.
- Citizen Live Tools Live and static tools designed for Citizen/Cincom lathes including L12, L20, L32, and A20 models, with Citizen-Cincom standard 4x speeders.
- Hydraulic Clamping Solutions (Gewefa) German-made hydraulic clamping tools and adapters for machining centers, grinding machines, live tool lathes, and Swiss-style machines, including adapters for ER output live tools and boring bar holders.
- Custom Tools Custom tool designs and special tooling solutions for complex applications, addressing specific customer machining challenges.
- Shrink Fit Tool Holders Shrink fit tool holders and shrink fit device technology for precision machining applications requiring secure tool clamping.
Quantifiable outcome
- Maximum speed of 48,000 rpm for high-precision manufacturing applications
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Platinum Tooling
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Platinum Tooling technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Platinum Tooling partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Sellers MarketingminorNew sales representative firm partnership to expand market coverage. Featured in AMT Online industry coverage.
- Hommel + Keller (QUICK)corePlatinum Tooling became the North American importer of QUICK knurling and marking tools manufactured by Hommel & Keller. The QUICK product line offers tools for form knurling, cut knurling, and precision marking for various workpiece diameters.
- GewefacorePlatinum Tooling became the new North American importer of hydraulic tools made in Germany by Gewefa. Gewefa offers a wide range of hydraulic clamping solutions for machining centers, grinding machines, live tool lathes, and Swiss-style machines.
- Heimatec GmbHcorePlatinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer of standard and custom Live Tools, Angle Heads, and Multiple Spindle Tools manufactured by Heimatec GmbH of Germany. Heimatec is a worldwide leader in machine tool accessory manufacturing.
- TecnicraftscorePlatinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer of Tecnicrafts Swiss collets and guide bushings. Tecnicrafts, founded in 2002, is a privately owned company with 150+ employees manufacturing precision collets and guide bushings in Coimbatore, India.
- HenningercorePlatinum Tooling imports Henninger Spindle Speeders including Mechanical, Air, and Motor Spindle speeders for machining centers with rpm capabilities up to 80,000.
- REVcorePlatinum Tooling imports REV broaching tools for CNC lathes and machining centers, expanding the product portfolio into broaching applications.
- DunnercorePlatinum Tooling distributes Dunner specialty and adaptive guide bushing systems. Dunner has been producing guide bushings since 1935, offering bronze, ceramic, and titane (Meehanite®) options in standard, ultra-precision, and ultimate ultra-precision grades.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Platinum Tooling competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- MSC Industrial Direct: Large-scale North American industrial MRO and metalworking distributor offering metal-cutting tools, tooling accessories, and machine tool supplies. Comparable to Platinum Tooling because both distribute metalworking consumables and accessories to machine shops and OEMs, but MSC operates at vastly greater scale and breadth.
- OSG USA: Manufacturer and distributor of taps, end mills, drills, and thread mills for metal cutting applications across aerospace, automotive, and medical. Comparable because both supply precision cutting tooling to North American manufacturers in similar end markets, though OSG is a global manufacturer.
- Sandvik Coromant: Global leader in metal cutting tools and tooling solutions for CNC turning, milling, and drilling. Comparable because both serve precision CNC machining customers in automotive, aerospace, and medical, but Sandvik is a global manufacturer with extensive direct sales coverage.
- Guhring: Global manufacturer of rotary cutting tools (drills, taps, end mills) and tool holders. Comparable because both supply precision metal-cutting tooling to North American CNC machining customers, though Guhring is a much larger global manufacturer.
- Iscar (IMC Group): Global manufacturer of metal cutting tools including inserts, end mills, and tool holders serving automotive, aerospace, and general machining. Comparable because both serve the same CNC machining end markets with metal-cutting tooling, but Iscar is part of a much larger global manufacturing conglomerate.
- Kennametal: Global manufacturer and distributor of metal cutting tools, tool holders, and workpiece holding solutions serving aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy. Comparable to Platinum Tooling because both supply precision tooling (tool holders, indexable tooling) to overlapping end markets, though Kennametal manufactures internally at far greater scale.
Direct peers
- Travers Tool: Industrial distributor specializing in cutting tools, machine tool accessories, hand tools, and MRO supplies for metalworking and machine shops. Comparable to Platinum Tooling because both serve the same North American machine-shop customer base with tooling accessories, though Travers carries a broader catalog across multiple brands.
- Maritool: US-based precision tooling supplier specializing in tool holders, collets, chucks, and live tooling for CNC machining centers and Swiss-type lathes. Closely comparable to Platinum Tooling given near-identical product focus on Swiss/CNC lathe workholding accessories and similar small-distributor profile.
- Big Kaiser: US-based precision tool holder and workholding manufacturer offering shrink fit, ER collet chucks, and tool presetters for CNC machining. Comparable to Platinum Tooling because both focus on premium precision workholding/accessories for CNC machine tools, though Big Kaiser manufactures domestically in Switzerland/USA.
- Haimer USA: US subsidiary of Haimer, a German manufacturer of premium tool holders, shrink fit machines, and balancing technology for CNC machining. Comparable to Platinum Tooling because both distribute German-engineered precision workholding/tooling to North American CNC customers, though Haimer sells its own products directly.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Platinum Tooling social profiles
Digital presencePlatinum Tooling financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Platinum Tooling leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Platinum Tooling funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Platinum Tooling M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Platinum Tooling
What does Platinum Tooling do?
Platinum Tooling is the exclusive North American importer and master distributor of precision machine tool accessories including live tools, angle heads, multi-spindle tools, spindle speed increasers, broaching tools, Swiss collets, guide bushings, and knurling and marking tools. The company represents premium German and international brands (Heimatec, Tecnicrafts, Henninger, REV, Dunner, Hommel + Keller, Gewefa, Suzuki IB) and stocks products in Chicago for distribution to OEMs, machine tool dealers, and industrial supply companies across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Is Platinum Tooling a public or private company?
Platinum Tooling is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Platinum Tooling founded?
Platinum Tooling was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Platinum Tooling based?
Platinum Tooling is headquartered in Prospect Heights, United States, in the North America region.
How does Platinum Tooling make money?
One revenue line is on record: precision Tooling Product Sales.
Who are Platinum Tooling's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are MSC Industrial Direct, OSG USA, Sandvik Coromant, Guhring, Iscar (IMC Group) and Kennametal. Direct peers are Travers Tool, Maritool, Big Kaiser and Haimer USA.
Does Platinum Tooling have an API?
No public API is recorded for Platinum Tooling.
What industry is Platinum Tooling in?
Platinum Tooling's product category is Precision Machine Tool Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAB, Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures). Its NAICS code is 333514 and its SIC code is 3541.