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32 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2025 machinery, and in 1966, Schmoll developed its first numerical control (NC) machine for PCB drilling. is technological shi made produc- tion more efficient, leading to an increase in PCB output. By the 1970s, the company expanded glob- ally, supplying equipment to both Western and Eastern markets. e growing number of installed machines highlighted the need for improved customer support, leading to the establishment of: • A central spare parts warehouse • A dedicated service department • A training center for engineers At that time, there was still a lot of manual labor in the industry, so, in 1976, Schmoll devel- oped at 12-spindle drilling/routing machine with automatic tool change for Philips in Schmoll's first drilling and routing machine for PCB. Vienna. is innovation enhanced productiv- ity by allowing automated tool change, reduc- ing manual interventions. As always, there was a need in the industry for better accuracy and larger capacity. How to achieve this? In 1979, the company made a huge step: We introduced granite machine bases and air bearings, which helped to improve accu- Twelve-spindle drilling machine with automated tool change. Our first CNC drilling machines. Our drilling shop in the 1980s.