Rubix to host smart manufacturing event

Cutting tool, work-holding and associated shop-floor products specialist Rubix Cutting & Machining is holding an open house and Smart Manufacturing Event at its Product Proving Centre in Sandiacre, Nottingham on 18-19 March (09:00-16:00 both days). The Rubix division in Sandiacre was created to combine the company’s cutting tool portfolio with technical consultancy provided by expert, time-served engineers.

For performing live demonstrations of the production solutions that Rubix provides, the facility in Sandiacre operates three Hurco machine tools: a pair of vertical machining centres (a five-axis VMX42Ui and a three-axis VMX30Ti) and a TMX8MYSi multi-axis, driven-tool lathe with Y-axis turret and sub-spindle. Metal-cutting demonstrations conducted at the event will include high-speed slotting, roughing and finishing in titanium and aluminium.More information www.bit.ly/4u2K2HB

Excetek wins big at Taiwan machine tool awards

Excetek has been recognised at the 2026 Taiwan Machine Tools Industry Award, with its NP600L Plus energy-saving, smart, linear motor wire EDM named a winner of the 34th Taiwan Excellence Award. The accolade highlights the machine’s advanced engineering and its alignment with global drives towards carbon neutrality and intelligent manufacturing.

Developed to meet growing demands for precision, efficiency and sustainability, the NP600L Plus introduces a series of key innovations. At its core is the proprietary GS high-speed, energy-saving discharge circuit, which increases cutting speeds by 25% to 320 mm²/min (comparable with leading Japanese standards), while reducing power consumption by up to 33% through an integrated energy-recovery function.

Performance is further enhanced by the newly developed W600I controller. Using EtherCAT for motion control, the system delivers four-times faster real-time axis response and six-times greater computing performance than the previous generation, ensuring improved machining accuracy and stability.

To support smart manufacturing strategies, the machine incorporates a remote-monitoring system compatible with OPC UA and UMATI communication protocols. This enables seamless integration with factory management software and allows operators to monitor machine status via a web-based interface.

Additional features include an automated (and patented) scrap-collection system, eliminating manual tapping and improving lights-out efficiency, and XY-axis linear motors equipped with 0.01 µm absolute optical scales. Combined with a structurally optimised, symmetrical design verified through Nastran analysis, the result is zero backlash, minimal thermal deformation and exceptional positioning precision.

The award underscores Excetek’s commitment to continuous innovation and high-performance, energy-efficient EDM technology for the next generation of smart factories.

More information www.excetek.com

Strong results for Accutex via Taiwan-EU R&D tie-up

Taiwan and Europe are continuing to deepen their technological cooperation under the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ A+ International Innovation R&D Collaboration Programme, supporting Taiwanese manufacturers in their transition from “Made in Taiwan” to trusted partners within the European supply chain. Among the standout success stories is wire EDM machine manufacturer Accutex Technology, recognised as a representative case of effective Taiwan-Europe collaboration.

Accutex partnered with ONA, a leading wire EDM brand in Spain, to develop high-precision, intelligent wire-cut EDM machines. The collaboration combines Accutex’s strengths in manufacturing integration and cost-efficient production with ONA’s established brand reputation and extensive European distribution network. Together, the companies successfully achieved EU certification and introduced the new machines into demanding sectors such as aerospace jet engine component production and high-end mould manufacturing.

The commercial results have been significant. In 2025, Accutex recorded a 152% increase in sales compared with 2023, with total output value reaching approximately TWD$223m. Crucially, the partnership has enabled successful entry into the EU aerospace and premium manufacturing markets, sectors where precision, reliability and certification standards are exceptionally stringent.

Beyond the figures, the achievement reflects the broader capability of Taiwan’s machine tool industry in high-precision engineering, smart manufacturing and international collaboration. By leveraging complementary strengths across continents, Accutex has demonstrated how strategic R&D alliances can accelerate innovation and global market access.

Looking ahead, Accutex will continue strengthening its core technologies through global partnerships, expanding its European footprint and positioning itself as a trusted, long-term partner within the international precision manufacturing supply chain.

More information www.acutex.com.tw

Tezmaksan and Mitsubishi Electric unveil EDMCell Cube

A 15-year strategic collaboration between Tezmaksan and Mitsubishi Electric Europe has culminated in the launch of EDMCell Cube, a new automation system designed to redefine productivity in wire EDM applications. Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s high-precision wire EDM machines with Tezmaksan’s CubeBOX automation engineering, the solution delivers fully automated, uninterrupted production within a compact and modular footprint.

Developed to eliminate manual intervention, EDMCell Cube enables automated loading and unloading of wire EDM machines, supporting lights-out manufacturing during nights and weekends. Hakan Aydoğdu, CEO of Tezmaksan Group, describes the system as a significant technological step forward. By reducing operator dependency, manufacturers can maintain consistent output beyond standard shift patterns while optimising labour resources. Integration with RoboCAM further enhances usability and simplifies process control.

The modular CubeBOX® architecture allows EDMCell Cube to be integrated across different machine platforms, making advanced automation more accessible to a broad range of manufacturers, including SMEs. Its compact design ensures high efficiency even in space-constrained production environments, a critical advantage for many European workshops.

The collaboration leverages Mitsubishi Electric Europe’s global expertise in wire EDM technology and Tezmaksan’s in-house automation capabilities. Together, the partners have created a solution that not only boosts productivity and flexibility but also reflects a shared vision for the future of European manufacturing.

Positioned as a new benchmark for wire EDM automation developed in Europe, EDMCell Cube represents the next phase of a long-standing partnership, one focused on intelligent integration, sustainable productivity and practical innovation for modern production environments.

More information www.tezmaksan.com/en

Strategic investment underpins growth at ComplexaHPE

Precision injection moulding, machining and tooling specialist ComplexaHPE is reporting a record order book following more than £2m of investment in advanced manufacturing technology and a strategic focus on supplier collaboration, including a close partnership with Erodex UK.

Formed in 2021 through the merger of ComplexaTools and High Precision Engineering (HPE), the business provides a full turnkey service spanning toolmaking, precision machining and injection moulding. The strategy is delivering results, with new contracts secured in the UK, Ireland and overseas, particularly within high-end medical manufacturing.

Group managing director Paul McHugh attributes the growth to sustained investment and integrated capability: “Customers increasingly want a complete solution, from design for manufacture through to final sign-off, including end-of-arm tooling and inspection fixtures. That reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality.

Since 2021, the company has installed high-speed milling machines, five-axis machining centres, spark and wire EDM systems, and a Mazak Millturn, alongside robotics and palletisation to support lights-out production. However, McHugh emphasises that machinery alone is not enough.

“Maximising performance is critical, and that’s where Erodex has added real value,” he says.

Following a review of EDM processes, Erodex recommended POCO EDM graphite grades to optimise electrode performance and consistency. In automated, unattended environments, predictable material behaviour is essential. The result has been improved machinability, longer electrode life, reduced cycle times and enhanced surface finishes.

With nearly 24 months of work secured, ComplexaHPE is experiencing unprecedented demand.

“Our success is built on quality, technical expertise and strong supplier partnerships,” concludes McHugh. “Working closely with Erodex has helped us raise standards and strengthen our competitive position in precision manufacturing.”

More information www.erodex.comTop of Form