INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Smarter CNC for smarter machine shops

The theme on Hurco Europe’s 216 m² (19-140) is ‘Smarter CNC for Smarter Shops’, emphasising the ability of these intelligent, intuitive and operator-friendly machines to reduce reliance on specialist programmers. As ever, the manufacturer’s proprietary WinMax software is a primary focus, as it sits at the core of user ability to compress lead times. WinMax bridges the gap between conversational and G-code programming.

Centre stage on the stand is Hurco’s first-ever machine tending cell based on a six-axis industrial robot, offered as a standard package. It comprises a cantilever-design five-axis VC500i machining centre equipped with a Kawasaki PC 25 system. It is the first offering to result from the strategic collaboration between Kawasaki Robotics and Hurco that was announced at the most recent IMTS show in Chicago.

More information www.hurco.com/gb

Automation, five-axis machining and industrial AM

With the largest stand in its history of exhibiting at MACH, Matsuura is presenting a major showcase of advanced automation, five-axis machining and industrial additive manufacturing on stand 20-130. A major focus is the MAM72-70V PC6 multi-axis machining centre, which combines rigidity, stability and accuracy with Matsuura’s automation expertise. Also in the spotlight is the MX-520T PC7 versatile and palletised five-axis mill-turn machine and the MX-330 PC10 10-pallet automation system, both in live machining action. Elsewhere on the stand, the HP FDM 3D printer makes its debut appearance.

More information www.matsuura.co.uk

Guhring presents new turning tool lines at MACH 2026

Guhring is presenting a range of cutting tool innovations at MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April) on stand 20-362. Alongside established milling, threading and drilling ranges, the company is highlighting new product lines, including its PCD and micro tool portfolio.

A key exhibit is the System 208 grooving platform, developed for sliding-head lathes and the machining of complex micro-turned components. Featuring indexable, precision-ground inserts with two cutting edges, the system delivers high accuracy in confined spaces, making it well suited to medical, electronics and micro-component applications. With a maximum grooving depth of 8 mm, it supports parting off, grooving and turning operations. Field trials have demonstrated tool life improvements of up to 30%, while a high-precision interface ensures repeatable insert positioning with changeover accuracy of ±0.015 mm.

Also on show is the FT 200 U solid-carbide drill. This three-fluted design enables cost-efficient drilling up to 12xD without pilot drilling, thanks to its pyramid tip geometry and optimised web thinning for precise self-centring and strong material penetration. A modified flute profile improves chip control, while the Spiropoint geometry enhances spot drilling accuracy. The result is high hole quality and extended tool life across a wide diameter and length range.

Complementing the drilling portfolio is the RT 100 U step drill, designed to produce holes with a 90° countersink in a single operation, reducing tooling requirements and associated costs. The Pionex thread milling range is also on the stand, offering expanded geometries and coatings to suit diverse threading applications.

Guhring is additionally demonstrating its GTMS-enabled tool management systems, providing secure, efficient storage and dispensing to support productivity on the shop floor.

More information www.guhring.co.uk

Productivity and process stability in cast-iron machining

As global manufacturing continues to face pressure from raw material volatility and supply chain concentration, machine shops are reassessing how critical tool materials are deployed within their processes.

Tungsten carbide remains indispensable across a wide range of applications. However, its reliance on tungsten, a strategically sensitive material, is prompting manufacturers to reconsider where it delivers maximum value and where alternatives can offer distinct technical advantages.

With expertise in ceramic material engineering and application development, NTK continues to advance cutting tool performance in demanding environments. In cast-iron machining, engineered ceramic grades provide a highly robust solution for high-temperature applications.

Machining cast iron generates extreme cutting temperatures, particularly in dry and high-speed operations. Under these conditions, alumina- and silicon-nitride-based ceramics retain hardness and wear resistance beyond conventional carbide limits. In stable, heat-dominated processes, they enable higher cutting speeds, shorter cycle times, consistent wear behaviour and reliable dry machining performance – benefits grounded in material science and proven in production environments.

Ceramics are not intended to replace carbide across all operations. Carbide remains the preferred choice for heavy interruptions, unstable set-ups and applications requiring maximum edge toughness. The opportunity lies in identifying operations driven primarily by thermal load rather than mechanical shock. In these conditions, ceramic grades can deliver measurable productivity gains, while carbide continues to excel where toughness is critical.

NTK’s ceramic portfolio includes SP9, SX6 and HC1/HW2 grades, developed specifically for cast-iron machining. Widely used across automotive, heavy equipment and industrial casting sectors, these solutions have demonstrated increased cutting speeds and productivity in components such as wheel hubs and structural housings, while supporting more efficient, lower-resource manufacturing.

More information www.ntkcuttingtools.com

Horn stresses economy of sintered chip-breaker geometries

Horn is presenting no fewer than 20 new or recently introduced cutting tool products on its 232m² stand (6-210) at MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April). A key focus is the company’s carbide inserts featuring chip-breaking geometry pressed directly into the green blank before sintering, delivering high-speed, repeatable and cost-efficient production.

This approach removes the need for post-sintering laser cutting or grinding, traditionally required for miniature inserts due to the difficulty of maintaining precision during heating. With these challenges now overcome, new Supermini type 105 GM (geometry moulded) inserts are priced comparably to standard versions without chip breakers.

As with machined geometries, the sintered designs eliminate long, stringy swarf that can damage tools or workpieces. Suitable for boring and internal threading in holes down to 4 mm diameter, the inserts use teardrop-shaped blanks to maximise contact area in the holder, improving rigidity, preventing twist and maintaining accurate centre height. This design enhances stability, particularly in long overhang applications.

Available in TH35 and IG35 grades, the inserts are compatible with a wide range of holders and support internal coolant delivery. The Supermini system comprises around 2500 standard variants.

Further highlights include new GM inserts for metric ISO internal threading, first shown at EMO 2025, delivering reliable chip control in hole diameters from 5 mm. The Mini 114 system for deep axial grooving (up to 10 mm) and Mini 111 and 108 inserts with sintered I-geometry also feature, enabling effective chip breaking in finishing applications. Also on show is the six-edged 66T grooving system, offering increased depth capability and competitive cost per edge, alongside the S234 system for parting off to depths of 33 mm with high process reliability.

More information www.horn-group.com