IMTS 2026 Exhibitors Unveil Factory Floor
New automation, tooling, and machining technologies will be showcased by multiple manufacturers at the IMTS 2026 trade show, per event previews.
Multiple equipment suppliers will showcase new factory floor technologies at the IMTS 2026 trade show. The highlights, previewed in articles for the event's Show Daily newspaper, focus on automation, precision tool handling, and novel machine configurations.
Automation and Material Handling
Edge Technologies has partnered with KUKA to demonstrate autonomous material handling. Their display features an FMB SL110 short loader equipped with a KUKA robot designed to load heavy material into bar feeders.
Allied Machine and Engineering is running a boring automation demo. Their new AutoBore tool automatically adjusts its diameter based on part measurements from a Blum-Novotest touch probe. A radio controller relays the signal from the probe to the machine and then to the tool. Booth visitors can type in an adjustment to see the tool respond automatically.
Zoller Inc. is introducing the MicBox, which makes its world premiere at the show. This system fully automates indexable insert handling on milling tools. It manages tool identification, insert indexing, rotating, flipping, replacement, and fastening-screw changes. An optional AI-supported feature called WearCheck evaluates each cutting edge to decide if an insert should be used, indexed, or replaced.
New Machine Tools and Configurations
BTB USA claims an industry first with a five-axis unit designed for a high-production, rotary transfer machine. A display unit will be shown in their booth. The company states that while five-axis machining is not new, applying it to this type of transfer machine is a novel development.
Index Corp. will feature the Traub MS12-4 machine concept. This design merges multispindle production with sliding headstock operation. It is presented as an alternative to multiple Swiss-type machines for high-volume small parts manufacturing. The machine features four main spindles, four tool turrets, two or four counter spindles, and up to four Flex-WT flexible tool carriers.
Horn USA is conducting live machining demos on a 38-mm Nomura DS NN-38JXB Swiss-type CNC lathe. The demonstration will use a variety of the company's precision cutting tools to create whisky bottle toppers. The process involves turning, micro milling, grooving, contouring, chamfering, and broaching, followed by polishing passes with monocrystalline diamond (MCD) tools.
Tooling and Accessory Focus
Marubeni Citizen-Cincom is again incorporating a tooling and accessory workshop into its IMTS booth, centered as a walk-around counter. The workshop, first unveiled at IMTS 2024, displays MCC-designed ancillary equipment running on machines. It allows attendees to learn about engineered accessories for Cincom and Miyano machine models that aim to boost machining efficiency and capabilities.
Zoller Inc. is also premiering the new PomBasic MTI (Micro Tool Inspection) system at IMTS 2026. This compact, production-integrated solution is designed for inspecting and measuring micro tools.
The source notes that Turkish machine tool builder Kestech will also exhibit, aiming to make inroads in the U.S. with cost-effective vertical-trunnion rotary transfer machine platforms like its Multivexa.
