With its new UniversalTurn 50, Emco says it is setting the next milestone in the complete machining of bars and chuck parts. Developed for maximum precision, dynamics and process reliability, the compact, high-performance turning centre offers powerful drive systems, an integrated Y axis for extended milling and flexible automation concepts.

Whether complex turned and milled parts for mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, medical technology or defence – the UniversalTurn 50 impresses with its rigidity, intuitive operation and scalable equipment, reports Emco. Thanks to established Emco technologies combined with progressive new developments, users are said to benefit from efficiency, high cost-effectiveness and high levels of manufacturing quality.

The high-precision turning centre is designed for the efficient and complete machining of bars up to 51 mm diameter bore. An integrated Y axis supports extended milling and helps to maximise machining versatility, while dynamic drive systems deliver fast machining cycles and high accuracy.

A compact counter spindle means users benefit from precise rear-side machining without additional re-clamping. Furthermore, a powerful tool turret with up to 12 driven tool positions adds to a list of further advantages provided by the UniversalTurn 50 that include: a stable cast machine bed for rigidity, damping and process reliability; an absolute measuring system for repeat accuracy without reference point homing; intuitive operation with the SINUMERIK ONE control (optionally available with FANUC 0i plus control from 2026); and access to scalable automation solutions that range from integrated swivel loaders to gantry systems.

Emco says the new machine is a fully co-ordinated machine concept – made in the heart of Europe – for applications in mechanical engineering, automotive, medical technology, defence and more.

More information www.emco-world.com/en

Among the machine highlights on the stand of Index at the EMO 2025 exhibition last week was the Traub TNK40 production turning machine, a pure short-turning machine developed on the basis of the Traub TNL32 compact Swiss-type turning machine. Instead of the sliding-head for Swiss-type turning, the TNK40 has a fixed headstock with a spindle diameter of 40 mm. Thanks to the low-vibration and simple bar feed, the machine achieves higher overall rigidity than the Swiss-type turning version, which is reflected in increased dynamics and component quality.

Another new addition to the portfolio on show at EMO was the Traub TNL12 lean Swiss-type turning machine. This cost-effective entry-level model is configured with only one turret and one rear unit. The driven guide bush is adjustable but not programmable. Optional extensions are of course still possible.

Complete machining and automation are of course setting a trend across all industries. Index demonstrated what a practical solution can look like at EMO 2025 using the example of the Index G200.2 and G320 turn-mill centres with the iXcenter robot cell.

Among the technological innovation on show was High Dynamic Turning (HDT), which Index has further developed into HDT 2.0. In this process, the setting angle of a turning tool is continuously adjusted using the C axis of a motorised milling spindle. Index has developed a new input mask for HDT 2.0 that allows this process to be programmed easily and efficiently directly at the machine. This capability eliminates the need for numerous tool changes, as even very complex turning contours can be machined with just one tool.

Index also presented a solution that enables HDT on a turret and even on a multi-spindle automatic lathe.

More information www.index-group.com

DMG Mori provided the second generation of its NLX 2500 |1250 universal turning centre with its world premiere at the EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover last week. According to the company, the machine represents a new era of universal turning, in which flexibility and intelligent technology go hand in hand – in all key industries, from mobility and medical to aviation and space. It meets high demands for precision, productivity and efficiency with stability, integrated processes and individual automation options.

As the new universal turning machine in the portfolio, the versatile NLX 2500|1250 2nd Generation proves its importance in the context of the so-called era of machining transformation (MX). The MX connects all areas of ‘DMG Mori World’ and redefines industrial value creation. Four strategic pillars form the backbone: process integration, automation, DX and green transformation (GX). Each of these pillars addresses key challenges facing the manufacturing industry: productivity, flexibility and sustainability.

For example, to demonstrate process integration, DMG Mori offers multitasking machines such as the DMC 125 FDS duoBLOCK μPrecision, which was demonstrated at EMO performing milling, turning and grinding in a single clamping. Such a solution releases capacity on other machines, reduces the need for manpower and relieves the burden on employees. At the same time, models of this type increase machine utilisation to up to 7000 hours per year.

DX connects the entire production process. In this context, CELOS X from DMG Mori serves as an intuitive, app-based control and operating system that supports users from order planning and programming to process optimisation. All machines with CELOS X use the GREENMODE, which reduces the energy and resource consumption of the machines by up to 30%.

More information www.dmgmori.com

Several principals of Sheffield, UK-based machine tool dealer Ward Hi-Tech exhibited at Europe’s largest machine tool exhibition, EMO, in Hanover last week.  

For instance, Korean-based machine tool builder, Hwacheon exhibited the new i2-2SP turn-mill machine. A high-specification model capable of machining complex parts in one set-up, the i2-2SP was equipped with the latest Hwacheon-developed Harmony user-friend control with the FANUC system at its heart.

Also on show was the best-selling Hi-Tech 750ALYMC heavy-duty turning centre with driven tools and Y axis. Specifically designed for large workpieces and materials that are difficult to machine, the Hi-Tech 750ALYMC comes with up to 24” chuck size as standard and the Hwacheon extra-wide 12-station turret, benefitting the application of extra-long boring bars.

Elsewhere on the Hwacheon stand was the AF-4 horizontal, high-speed multi-pallet machining centre. As standard all models have a rapid traverse of 60 m/min in X, Y and Z, and up to 34 rpm on the B axis coupled with a high-speed tool changer and a 37 kW spindle motor.

Finally, the MEGA 72 is high powered flat-bed CNC lathe with a maximum swing of 720 mm and a turning diameter of 480 mm over the saddle through a heavy-duty spindle. Options include various turret types, steady sizes and heavy-duty tailstock and large-capacity side-mounted boring holder of up to 150 mm diameter.

Another Ward Hi-Tech principal at EMO was SFM of Taiwan, which has been building heavy-duty flat-bed lathes for over 60 years. At the exhibition, the company exhibited a CST46200 long-bed CNC lathe with a swing of 1170 mm, bed length of 5 m between centres, twin-chuck headstock with 255 mm diameter spindle bore, and 50 hp heavy-duty main motor.

More information www.wardhitech.co.uk