Annual Supply Agreements with Blanket Purchase Orders
Fixed pricing for a year of expected tool consumption, with scheduled or on-demand call-offs.
Bauron Critical Tool Management
Critical Cutting Tool Management: Never Let a Missing Tool Stop Your Spindle
Bauron's Critical Tool Management (CTM) program keeps your critical end mills, drills, taps, reamers and special form tools in stock, in spec and on time — under one annual supply agreement with one precision tool manufacturer.
Already using Bauron tools? Add your current tools to CTM in one step.
Technical overview
The Problem: One Missing Tool Can Idle a Machining Cell
In CNC machining, the cutting tool is where production actually happens. When a critical tool runs out, wears beyond spec or arrives with inconsistent geometry, the spindle stops, workpieces get scrapped and deliveries slip.
The risk is highest when a tool is:
- A special or form tool — not available from catalog stock.
- Long-lead — weeks to regrind or reorder.
- Discontinued — the original brand no longer makes it.
- Ordered reactively — bought only when the last one breaks, often replaced by an untested substitute.
The Solution
The Solution: What Is Critical Tool Management?
Critical Tool Management is a planned approach to cutting tool inventory management. Instead of emergency orders, Bauron grinds your critical tools in advance under an annual supply agreement, holds agreed stock levels and ships tools just in time as you consume them.
In practice, CTM works like a vendor managed inventory (VMI) program for standard and custom cutting tools: you define the tools and expected annual consumption; we plan production, verify every tool and keep stock ready.
Program
What We Offer
Just-in-Time Delivery
Tools are stocked at Bauron and shipped just in time.
Free Sample Tool
For qualified tools under an annual supply agreement, we grind a free sample tool so you can test it on your machine, in your material, before series supply.
Consistent Geometry Across Every Batch
ISO 9001:2015 certified production, 5-axis CNC grinding and 100% optical inspection.
Custom Tool Design
Custom end mills, drills, taps, reamers and form tools designed from your CAD/STEP files or drawings.
Application Engineering Support
CAM review and feeds & speeds optimization to extend tool life and lower cost per part.
Reverse Engineering
No Drawing? Send Us the Tool: Reverse Engineering and Discontinued Tools
Some of the most critical tools on the shop floor are specials nobody has a drawing for anymore — or catalog tools the original brand has quietly discontinued.
Reverse Engineer a New or Used Tool
We measure geometry, flute form, helix, rake and clearance angles from your sample and create a production drawing.
Reproduce Discontinued Special Tools
Replace tools that are no longer available from the original manufacturer.
Improve on the Original
Optimize substrate, coating or geometry for longer tool life in your application.
Once reverse engineered, the tool joins your CTM program — documented, stocked and reorderable at any time.
Process
How It Works
1. Send Drawings or Samples
Send your tool drawings, CAD/STEP files or physical samples (new or used), along with estimated annual consumption.
2. Application Review
Our engineers check geometry, substrate, coating and your machining parameters.
3. Quote and Supply Plan
You receive pricing plus a proposed blanket PO, stock levels and delivery schedule.
4. Sample Tool
Test the sample tool in your process and approve it.
5. Production, Stocking and JIT Release
Tools are ground, inspected, held in stock and shipped as you need them.
Quality
Why Machine Shops Trust Bauron
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management
- 100% optical inspection on every tool
- 5-axis CNC grinding
- Tools supplied to customers in 80+ countries
- Serving aerospace, automotive, medical and general precision machining
Technical questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is critical tool management?
Critical tool management is a planned sourcing and stocking strategy for the cutting tools a CNC operation cannot run without. The tool manufacturer produces those tools in advance, holds agreed stock levels and ships them just in time, so the shop avoids machine downtime and emergency orders.
Which tools should be in a CTM program?
Tools that are custom or special, have long lead times, are discontinued, or would stop a machine if unavailable. Typical examples are special end mills, step drills, form taps, custom reamers and form tools.
Can you make a tool without a drawing?
Yes. Bauron can reverse engineer a new or used tool by measuring its geometry and creating a production drawing. The tool can then be manufactured and added to your CTM program.
How does a blanket PO with JIT delivery work?
A blanket purchase order covers your expected tool consumption for a set period, usually 12 months, at a fixed price. Bauron grinds and stocks the tools, and you call off quantities as needed, on a schedule or on demand.
Is the sample tool really free?
For qualified tools under an annual supply agreement, yes. We grind a sample tool so you can test it in your process before series supply.
Where do you ship?
Bauron supplies customers in more than 80 countries.
Secure Your Critical Tools for the Year Ahead
Send us your drawings, sample tools or tool list. We'll come back with a quote, an annual supply plan and a free sample tool for qualified tools.