Editor’s Pick

ADIPEC Technical Conference Set to Stage 190+ Sessions 

As energy systems face rising demand, greater complexity and increasing pressure to perform, technical expertise is central to improving reliability, efficiency and long-term resilience. The ADIPEC Technical Conference 2026 (Abu Dhabi, 2 to 5 November) convenes engineers, operators, researchers, technology leaders and technical specialists from across the energy value chain to exchange applied knowledge, benchmark solutions and advance practical innovation. 

Across more than 190 sessions, over 1100 expert speakers will examine the technologies, processes and capabilities needed to improve operational performance, strengthen system resilience and deliver scalable solutions across real-world energy systems. Themes will include: asset development, engineering and project delivery; digital and intelligent energy systems; and sustainability, decarbonisation and environmental stewardship. 

More information www.adipec.com/conferences/technical-overview 

New R&D Centre ‘Mazak Innovation Hub’ to Open in 2027

Machine tool builder Yamazaki Mazak will open a new R&D centre, the Mazak Innovation Hub (MIH), in Oguchi, Japan in August 2027. The MIH will consolidate the company’s research, engineering and prototyping functions into a single location. Serving as a hub that connects diverse talent and technologies, the facility is set to enhance the efficiency of next-generation technology research and product development. 

The MIH will feature an open office layout to encourage communication and collaboration across organisational boundaries, including meeting areas that naturally facilitate interaction among employees. Offices will also be located adjacent to a machine tool prototyping and evaluation area, enabling a seamless workflow. In addition, a dedicated collaboration area is set to support technical exchanges and joint development projects. 

More information www.mazak.com 

Hurco Demo Deals Day meets all targets

Now a regular feature in the Hurco calendar, the company’s recent Demo Deals Day in High Wycombe facility gave customers an opportunity to secure special discounts on used equipment and ex-demonstration machine tools originally prepared for the MACH 2026 exhibition. The day was regarded by the supplier and its visitors as a resounding success. 
 
Within a week of the event finishing, orders had been confirmed for the showroom’s Hurco VC500i five-axis VMC automated with Kawasaki PC25 robot loading system, the Hurco VMX30HSi three-axis VMC, and the Roeders RXP400 high-precision, high-speed VMC. All of the ex-demonstration Hurco turning centres had also been sold by that time. Hurco is now looking forward to its Christmas open house and supplier village on 1 and 2 December.  

More information www.hurco.com/uk 

DAS Engineering Goes from One XYZ Machine to 25

The installation of an XYZ TC 400 turning centre at DAS Engineering represents the 25th machine purchased from XYZ Machine Tools by this successful subcontract machining business. Dave Stone, owner of DAS, purchased an XYZ Vulcan turning centre back in 2002, marking the start of a relationship that has helped the Yorkshire-based company outgrow two industrial units. 

That original purchase was a story of desire, as Dave recounts: “We visited the MACH 2002 exhibition to see the latest XYZ machines. As soon as I saw the Vulcan, I needed to have it. Within a couple of weeks, one arrived at our facility and, 24 years later, the machine is still running 45 hours a week and holds tolerances the same as it did on day one.” 

In the years since that original purchase, DAS has purchased a range of XYZ products. The most recent acquisitions include a TC 400 two-axis turning centre.  

“We needed a turning centre with greater metal removal capability,” states Dave. “The TC 400 fitted the bill perfectly. With its 32 kW spindle motor and 40 VDI 12-station turret, we knew it would be robust enough to increase material removal rates and reduce cycle times.” 

He continues: “The maximum turned diameter capacity of 400 mm and maximum turned length of 600 mm are more than we already had. In addition, with its 78 mm bar capacity, it opened up the opportunity to put bigger stock down the spindle drawtube. Within an hour of commissioning we were producing parts. That’s testament to the ease of use of the Siemens 828D control and its 15-inch touchscreen.” 

More information www.xyzmachinetools.com 

FANUC ‘Automation for All’ Technology Showcase

Back for 2026, this November will see automation expert FANUC open the doors to its UK headquarters to demonstrate how automation is now accessible for every manufacturing business, large or small. Taking place on 3-4 November in Ansty Park, Coventry, the free-to-attend FANUC open house will highlight simple, scalable robotic solutions to help manufacturers of all sizes tackle key industry challenges 

Combining expert guidance with practical solutions, this year’s open house will deliver expert-led seminars, panel debates, industry discussions and case studies. In addition, an exhibition running throughout the event will showcase the latest robotic technology from FANUC and more than 30 partners and suppliers. Following the event, FANUC’s Coventry HQ will also host the annual BARA Conference, taking place on 5 November. 

More information www.tinyurl.com/2s449zn6