Gerardi
What is Gerardi?
Gerardi is an Italian machine tool industry company specializing in workpiece clamping systems and machine tool accessories. The company is especially known for its modular machine vises, zero point clamping systems, as well as angle heads and driven tool holders designed for machining centers and CNC lathes. Gerardi products are widely used in machine shops and machining facilities, where repeatable precision, short setup times, and reliable clamping are required for various types of CNC machining applications.
Gerardi and Company Background
Gerardi S.p.A. was founded in 1971 by Ivano Gerardi Sr. The company’s creation was preceded by the founder’s more than two decades of experience in the machine tool industry in North America. Gerardi’s manufacturing operations are located in Northern Italy in Lonate Pozzolo, near Milan, and over the decades the company has grown into a significant international player. In the 1980s, Gerardi established itself as Italy’s largest manufacturer of machine vises and gained recognition in the European market as an expert in clamping technology.
Gerardi in the Machine Tool Industry
Gerardi’s solutions are designed to meet the requirements of the machine tool industry, emphasizing production flexibility, process reliability, and dimensional accuracy. The company’s modular clamping systems are particularly suited for CNC machining, multi-task machines, and 5-axis machining centers. Gerardi’s products support both single-piece and series production needs, and are widely used in milling, drilling, and multi-stage machining processes.
Gerardi and Modular Machine Vises
Gerardi’s modular machine vises represent a central product area for the company. The Precision Modular Vises series is designed for general CNC machining, where rigid and precise clamping is required. The FMS vises focus on space-saving design and precise alignment, which is particularly useful for efficient utilization of the machine table. Multiflex and Multitasking vises are developed for flexible and versatile clamping needs, including 5-axis machining, where the ability to machine multiple sides of a workpiece in a single setup is a key advantage.
Gerardi, Angle Heads, and Driven Tool Holders
Gerardi manufactures a wide selection of angle heads for machining centers and driven tool holders for CNC lathes. Angle heads make it possible to change the machining direction without re-clamping the workpiece, improving accessibility and reducing machining time. Driven tool holders enable milling, drilling, and tapping operations on lathes as part of multi-functional CNC machining. These solutions are especially useful when combining manufacturing processes and minimizing setups is essential.
Gerardi and Zero Point Clamping Solutions
Gerardi’s zero point clamping systems are designed to minimize setup times and improve production flexibility. With zero point clamps, workpieces and fixtures can be changed quickly and with repeatable precision, without the need for re-measuring. This supports efficient CNC machining, especially in machine shops handling multiple types of workpieces and production batches. Zero point systems are often combined with Gerardi vises and angle shelves for comprehensive clamping solutions.
Gerardi’s Operating Model and Product Development
Gerardi invests in continuous product development and quality control in manufacturing. The company uses its own machinery and also develops some of the specialized machines used in its production. A significant portion of revenue is directed toward research and development, which is reflected in the technical advancement of its products and their compatibility with modern CNC machines and machining methods. Gerardi products are primarily made of steel and are designed to withstand the demanding operating conditions of the machine tool industry.
Summary
Gerardi is an established Italian company in the machine tool industry, with core expertise in workpiece clamping solutions and machine tool accessories. The company’s modular machine vises, zero point clamps, angle heads, and driven tool holders support efficient and precise CNC machining in machine shops and machining facilities. A long history, systematic product development, and broad international presence make Gerardi a well-known name in clamping technology for the machine tool industry.
