October 30, 2025 — Oxnard, California. Haas Automation has officially presented the VF-3SS Gen 3, the latest addition to its renowned Super-Speed vertical machining center lineup. The new model represents a significant step forward in terms of precision, productivity, and control performance, addressing the growing demand for flexible and high-efficiency CNC solutions across various manufacturing sectors.
The VF-3SS Gen 3 comes equipped with an upgraded 12,000-RPM inline direct-drive spindle, designed for smooth operation and extended service life. Its 30+1 side-mount tool changer ensures rapid tool swaps, reducing non-cutting time and increasing throughput. The machine also incorporates a newly engineered rigid base casting and enhanced vibration-damping system, providing greater stability during heavy material removal and complex multi-axis machining tasks.
The new Haas Next Generation Control (NGC) system offers improved processing speed, expanded memory, and refined user interface options for more intuitive programming and monitoring. Additional connectivity features, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi integration, allow seamless communication with production networks and remote diagnostic systems.
According to company representatives, the VF-3SS Gen 3 is tailored for high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, precision engineering, and prototyping. It reflects Haas’s ongoing commitment to delivering affordable, reliable, and technologically advanced CNC solutions built entirely in the United States.
The VF-3SS Gen 3 will be available for order through official Haas Factory Outlets starting Q1 2026, with global shipping to follow shortly thereafter.
Launching a new product is rarely straightforward. When it comes to components produced through CNC machining, precision is crucial — a single design flaw can lead to wasted material and expensive rework. Since CNC manufacturing is a subtractive process (material is cut away rather than added), every mistake counts. Once the excess is removed, it can’t be restored. This is why CNC prototyping plays such an essential role: it allows engineers to test and refine their ideas before full-scale production begins.
Why CNC Prototyping Is Worth the Investment
Building a prototype is one of the smartest moves in any product development cycle. It helps verify both form and function before committing to production tooling or bulk manufacturing. A CNC-machined prototype closely replicates the final product — not just visually, but in strength and performance as well.
Unlike 3D-printed plastic models, CNC prototypes made from metal or rigid polymers can withstand real-world mechanical testing. This gives engineers a more accurate picture of how a part will behave in use — whether it’s subject to stress, vibration, or high temperatures.
Preventing Expensive Mistakes Early
Fixing a design flaw gets more expensive the further you go into production. Many manufacturers refer to this as the “rule of ten” — every stage of the process increases the cost of error correction roughly tenfold:
Stage
Cost Multiplier
Design
×1
Prototype
×10
Manufacturing
×100
Assembly
×1,000
Field Use
×10,000
Skipping the prototyping stage means risking massive expenses later — or worse, product recalls and damage to brand reputation.
By incorporating Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and creating a working CNC prototype, companies can catch flaws early, improve efficiency, and protect themselves from costly setbacks.
CNC Prototyping in Today’s Market
As production costs rise globally, manufacturers are becoming more selective about how they allocate resources. CNC prototyping remains a solid investment — and the data proves it. The global subtractive prototyping sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14% from 2022 to 2031, with CNC machining representing the largest share.
The reason is simple: CNC parts provide superior strength and durability compared to additive-manufactured (3D-printed) components. When performance, reliability, or safety is at stake, CNC is still the preferred method for prototyping and small-batch runs.
How the CNC Prototyping Process Works
If you’re new to CNC prototyping, understanding the workflow helps you prepare for a smoother collaboration with your manufacturing partner. The process generally includes four main stages:
1. Concept & Design
Everything begins with a concept. Engineers transform ideas into technical drawings, applying DFM practices to ensure the design can be efficiently produced without compromising quality.
2. CAD Modeling
CNC machining depends on computer-aided design (CAD) or 3D modeling. These digital blueprints define every dimension, angle, and surface feature that the machine will create.
3. Machining & Fabrication
Once the CAD model is approved, the manufacturer programs the CNC machines — such as mills, lathes, routers, or drills — to execute precise tool paths. If the prototype includes multiple components, they are machined separately and then assembled. Depending on the purpose, the prototype may be purely visual or fully functional.
4. Testing & Validation
After machining, the prototype undergoes inspection and performance testing. Engineers check tolerances, fit, and overall functionality. If the part passes evaluation, it’s cleared for production. If not, the design is refined and re-machined until it meets all requirements.
CNC prototyping is more than a technical step — it’s a strategic safeguard for innovation. It allows manufacturers to detect issues early, optimize designs, and reduce long-term costs. As industries continue to demand faster development and higher precision, CNC machining remains a cornerstone of reliable, efficient product creation.
Five-axis CNC milling technology is available in two main configurations: vertical machining centers (VMCs) and horizontal machining centers (HMCs). Choosing the right one can significantly influence precision, efficiency, and overall production costs. Below is a breakdown of how these two setups differ in operation, advantages, and limitations.
Vertical 5-Axis Machining
In a vertical machining setup, the spindle approaches the workpiece from above, moving along the z-axis. Rotational movement is typically provided by trunnion-style tables, which allow two additional axes of flexibility.
Advantages of VMCs:
Compact tool setups: Because vertical machines often feature smaller spindles, operators can use shorter tools, which improves rigidity, extends tool life, and enhances surface quality.
Clear visibility: The open structure of a VMC allows operators to directly monitor machining progress, making troubleshooting easier.
Ease of use: Since vertical 5-axis systems are widely used, operators usually adapt quickly, reducing training time.
Lower upfront cost: VMCs are typically more affordable than horizontal units, lowering the financial barrier for workshops.
Space efficiency: Their relatively small footprint makes them easier to integrate into existing production floors.
High precision: Ideal for jobs requiring intricate details, such as tool and die manufacturing.
Challenges with VMCs:
Setup interruptions: Parts cannot usually be swapped while machining is in progress, which may slow down throughput unless automation is added.
Chip management issues: Material chips often accumulate around the workpiece, potentially affecting tool wear and finish quality.
Horizontal 5-Axis Machining
With horizontal machines, the spindle runs parallel to the ground and moves along the y- and z-axes. These machines are often chosen for large-scale or heavy-duty milling where material removal rates are high.
Advantages of HMCs:
Efficient chip evacuation: Gravity naturally assists in clearing chips and coolant, which improves part quality and reduces tool wear.
Higher productivity: Thanks to rotating tables, new parts can be loaded while others are being machined, minimizing downtime.
Operational flexibility: Some HMCs allow entire milling heads to be swapped, enabling multiple processes within one setup.
Reduced labor input: Continuous operation with minimal idle time helps lower staffing costs over the long run.
Challenges with HMCs:
Space requirements: HMCs occupy more floor area, though this often comes with increased production capability.
Higher investment: The robust construction and larger design make them considerably more expensive than VMCs.
Which One to Choose?
The decision largely depends on the type of work being done. Vertical 5-axis machines are well-suited for smaller, highly detailed parts and offer a cost-effective entry point for precision machining. Horizontal systems, on the other hand, excel at large, heavy parts and continuous high-volume runs, making them better suited for industrial-scale operations.
Both machine types can be enhanced with automation solutions, enabling manufacturers to maximize spindle time and efficiency regardless of configuration.
In modern precision manufacturing, efficiency depends not only on the CNC machines themselves but also on the supporting technologies that keep them accurate and versatile. Among these, rotary tables have emerged as a critical—yet often overlooked—component. Their ability to rotate, index, and precisely position workpieces enables advanced 4-axis and 5-axis operations, making them indispensable across industries such as aerospace, motorsport, medical device production, and toolmaking.
Why Rotary Tables Matter
If a rotary table fails, an entire machining center can grind to a halt. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repairs are often expensive and slow, leaving manufacturers with the challenge of either facing costly downtime or seeking third-party expertise. For UK workshops, reliable local repair, retrofit, and upgrade services have become a lifeline—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises working under capital constraints.
The CNCROTARY.COM Approach
One company stepping into this gap is CNCROTARY.COM, which focuses exclusively on rotary systems. Its services include repairing, upgrading, and building custom rotary units to suit specific production needs. The firm works with a wide portfolio of brands—Fibro, Peiseler, Haas, Nikken, Kessler, Cytec, Tsudakoma, Kitagawa, and many more—ensuring customers aren’t locked into costly OEM-only solutions.
For example, a recent refurbishment project documented by the company involved salvaging a high-value rotary system initially thought to be beyond repair. After a comprehensive rebuild—including mechanical overhauls, recalibration, new seals and bearings—the unit was restored to full functionality, providing the client with a cost-effective alternative to outright replacement.
Tailored Engineering for Competitive Advantage
The benefits of such services extend beyond cost savings. Many manufacturers are now prioritizing asset life extension, sustainability, and operational flexibility. Custom-built rotary tables, whether designed for multi-spindle setups, compact footprints, or non-standard bores, allow businesses to adapt equipment to evolving production demands without major reinvestment.
CNCROTARY.COM also supplies brand-new rotary tables—both standard and bespoke—engineered in close collaboration with clients. By matching specifications to the exact requirements of a production line, the company helps ensure seamless integration and minimal downtime.
Looking Ahead
With more than 40 years of engineering experience, CNCROTARY.COM positions itself as a bridge between standard off-the-shelf parts and fully tailored motion-control solutions. As CNC technology continues to advance and AI-driven automation expands into workshops, rotary integration will likely play an even bigger role in maintaining precision and uptime.
The question for UK manufacturers now is not just how to keep machines running, but how to do so strategically—maximizing productivity through smarter servicing, targeted retrofits, and partnerships with specialists who understand that every minute of downtime has a cost.
EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine-Outil – World Machine Tool Exhibition) is the leading global trade fair for production technologies. It takes place every two years, usually in the cycle “Hanover – Hanover – Milan,” meaning two events in Hanover followed by one in Milan.
EMO showcases machine tool technologies (milling, turning, forming), production systems, precision tools, automated material flow, computer technologies, industrial electronics, and accessories.
Dates and New Format
EMO Hannover 2025 will be held from September 22 to 26, 2025 (Monday to Friday). A key change: the Saturday has been removed from the schedule following feedback from exhibitors and visitors.
This decision makes the event more efficient and focused, saving costs for accommodation, staff, and logistics while offering the same level of global exposure.
Themes and Focus Areas
The slogan for EMO 2025 is “Innovate Manufacturing.”
Key focus topics will include:
Digitalization (Industry 4.0, IIoT)
Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
Collaborative technologies (cobots)
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Special areas will feature IoT, Industry 4.0 showcases, international pavilions, and B2B matchmaking sessions.
Scale and Significance
EMO is an international event: more than 60–70% of exhibitors come from abroad, with around 1,800 participants from over 40 countries and approximately 92,000 visitors recorded at the last edition.
The exhibition covers every aspect of modern production: machine tools, tools, automation, electronics, logistics, and beyond.
For the manufacturing industry, EMO is the central stage for unveiling trends, solutions, and strategies that shape the future of production.
Additional Highlights
Efficient & Focused: A shorter, five-day format for greater impact.
Convenient Conditions: Accommodation and transport packages available through official partners.
Anniversary Edition: EMO 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the exhibition, which began in 1975.
The world of manufacturing is never static, and at the heart of this evolution lies Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery. While unmatched precision and repeatability have long been the hallmarks of CNC, new technologies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. For industry professionals, staying informed about these trends isn’t just interesting—it’s essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
Here are five key trends revolutionizing the CNC machining landscape:
1. The Rise of Smart Factories and IoT Integration The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, is in full swing. Modern CNC machines are no longer isolated units; they are connected nodes in a smart factory ecosystem. Equipped with sensors, they continuously collect data on tool wear, spindle health, temperature, and vibration.
The Benefit: This enables predictive maintenance. Instead of failing unexpectedly, a machine can alert operators to replace a tool or service a component before it causes downtime or scrapes a part. This maximizes uptime, reduces costs, and improves overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning AI is moving from concept to practical application on the shop floor. AI algorithms analyze the vast amounts of data generated by IoT-connected machines to optimize processes in real-time.
The Benefit: AI can automatically adjust machining parameters like feed rates and spindle speeds to adapt to variations in material hardness or tool condition. This ensures optimal cutting conditions at all times, leading to longer tool life, higher quality surface finishes, and reduced energy consumption.
3. Hybrid Manufacturing: Additive Meets Subtractive Why choose between 3D printing and CNC machining when you can have both? Hybrid CNC machines combine additive manufacturing (e.g., laser metal deposition) with traditional subtractive machining in a single platform.
The Benefit: This allows for the creation of complex, near-net-shape parts through additive processes, which are then finished to ultra-tight tolerances with precision milling. It’s perfect for prototyping, repairing expensive components, and manufacturing parts with internal features that would be impossible with machining alone.
4. An Enhanced Focus on Sustainability Modern manufacturing is increasingly eco-conscious. CNC machining is adapting through “green machining” practices.
The Benefit: This includes using advanced filtration systems to minimize coolant waste, employing energy-efficient motors and drives, and implementing software that optimizes material usage to reduce scrap. Furthermore, there is a growing shift towards using biodegradable coolants and recycling metal chips.
5. Automation and Robotics: Lights-Out Machining Fully automated CNC cells with robotic part loaders/unloaders are becoming more accessible. This enables “lights-out” manufacturing—running operations unattended for extended hours, even overnight and on weekends.
The Benefit: Automation drastically increases production capacity without increasing labor costs. It also ensures consistent quality by removing human error from the loading process and allows skilled machinists to focus on higher-value tasks like programming and quality control.
The future of CNC machining is intelligent, connected, and remarkably efficient. By embracing these trends—IoT data, AI optimization, hybrid processes, sustainability, and automation—manufacturers can achieve new levels of productivity, precision, and profitability.
Italy’s machine tool, robotics, and automation sector is cautiously entering 2025 with expectations of mild growth after enduring a significant downturn in the previous year. The domestic market experienced a steep contraction in 2024, yet the industry managed to hold its place on the global stage—retaining its position as the fifth-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter worldwide, based on figures from industry body Ucimu-Sistemi Per Produrre.
In 2024, total production within the sector declined sharply by 16.9%, reaching €6.3 billion. Domestic demand plunged, resulting in a nearly 40% drop in local deliveries. At the same time, machinery imports shrank by 31.8%, settling at €1.65 billion. This combination of weakening internal demand and reduced import activity reflected broader market uncertainty and cautious investment behavior.
Amid these challenges, foreign sales became a rare source of momentum. Exports increased modestly by 1.2%, hitting a new high of €4.27 billion. Positive performances were noted in markets such as the United States (up 10.9%), Germany (1.6% growth), and India (a notable 58.3% rise). However, demand decreased in other key destinations, including China and France, which saw double-digit contractions. Conversely, Spain and Sweden registered strong increases, with Swedish demand surging over 70%.
Looking to 2025, Ucimu’s research division projects a mild rebound across several metrics:
Production is forecasted to grow by 2.6%, reaching approximately €6.49 billion
Exports are set to rise by 1%, potentially establishing a new record at €4.31 billion
Domestic shipments may increase by 5.9%
Imports are expected to recover slightly, with a 4.9% gain
Despite the slightly improved outlook, significant risks remain. The broader geopolitical climate—marked by trade disputes, conflicts, and the threat of protectionism—continues to cloud projections. Ucimu underscores the importance of adopting a cautious and adaptive approach amid such volatility.
To support sustainable recovery, industry leaders are urging ongoing investment in technological advancement, digital transformation, and workforce training. Initiatives such as Transition 4.0 and 5.0 are seen as critical levers for driving competitiveness. Italy’s industrial base must remain closely aligned with evolving European manufacturing ecosystems, especially as countries like Germany pursue major reindustrialisation agendas.
One prominent strategic effort is the UCIMU Academy, which focuses on bridging the skills gap through stronger collaboration between businesses, technical schools, and universities. The program aims to equip future professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate increasingly automated and digitized production environments.
Additionally, sector leaders are monitoring global shifts such as the electrification of the automotive industry and evolving trade regulations, particularly those that could influence access to U.S. markets. While direct impacts from tariffs may currently be limited, indirect consequences through multinational supply chains remain a concern.
As Italy’s manufacturing sector recalibrates after a turbulent year, stakeholders are calling for unified efforts to reinforce resilience and secure long-term growth.
OTT-JAKOB Spanntechnik, a German leader in tool clamping technology, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the Power-Check Micro—a compact device designed to assess clamping force in small-scale spindle interfaces. This newly developed tool caters to the needs of high-precision industries where space is limited and accuracy is critical.
Tailored for miniature spindles such as HSK E15, E16, and E20, the Power-Check Micro is intended for use in applications like dental technology, fine jewelry production, micro-component manufacturing, and sectors including aerospace and medical instrumentation. These industries depend heavily on stable, repeatable clamping performance due to the delicate nature of their machining tasks.
Distributed in the UK and Ireland through Gewefa UK, the Power-Check Micro is engineered to meet rising demands in miniature manufacturing for consistent monitoring and predictive maintenance. Unlike traditional measuring systems designed for large spindle formats like HSK 160, SK, or BT, this device fits seamlessly into smaller machine environments, thanks to its compact design—measuring just 48.8 x 43 x 41.5 mm and weighing approximately 200 grams.
The Power-Check Micro is battery-operated, eliminating the need for external power sources. Two replaceable lithium cells provide up to 1,000 hours of operation. Its wireless communication system transmits real-time data at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, with updates delivered once per second to a receiver. Integration is flexible, with USB and IO-Link modules available to support various digital workflows.
One of its standout features is the precision adjustment ring, which allows users to simulate deviations in tool holder size by increments of 0.05 mm, up to a ±0.2 mm range. This functionality enables more accurate replication of real-world tolerance variations—something rarely possible with static, nominal-only measurements.
The device supports interchangeable threaded adapters to suit different HSK interface sizes and is compatible with a broad range of tool clamping systems. Like its larger siblings in the Power-Check lineup, it measures axial drawbar force—ensuring that the retention mechanism holds the tool securely. A drop in clamping force may signal potential problems such as tool slippage, poor surface finish, or even catastrophic failure—risks that are unacceptable in high-precision machining.
Note that the Power-Check Micro is intended for manual insertion only and should not be used during automatic tool changes or while the spindle is running.
Users can purchase the device individually or as part of a comprehensive kit that includes software, a USB receiver, batteries, and a protective case. Routine calibration and scheduled testing are advised to keep measurements consistent and reliable.
With the Power-Check Micro, OTT-JAKOB continues to deliver advanced, user-friendly tools that help manufacturers uphold tight tolerances and maintain high standards—even at miniature scale.
This week marked a significant moment in industrial manufacturing as industry experts visited Picanol’s state-of-the-art facility in Belgium. The weaving machine manufacturer, renowned for its global leadership in textile technology, recently celebrated an extraordinary achievement – the sale of its 400,000th weaving machine worldwide, cementing its position as an industry pioneer.
Revolutionizing Textile Manufacturing Through Innovation
Picanol’s success stems from its relentless pursuit of manufacturing excellence. The company has implemented groundbreaking production strategies that significantly reduce assembly times while maintaining exceptional quality standards. A key component of this strategy involves their strategic partnership with IBARMIA, a leader in precision machining technology, and their local partner Geroud.
Next-Generation Manufacturing Solutions
The centerpiece of Picanol’s technological advancement is a revolutionary IBARMIA machining system featuring:
An innovative moving column design
An expansive 8-meter X-axis capacity
Dual-spindle configuration
Integrated robotic automation
This comprehensive manufacturing solution represents a quantum leap in production efficiency. The system’s intelligent design enables simultaneous machining operations, dramatically increasing output while maintaining Picanol’s renowned precision standards. The automation components significantly reduce manual intervention, minimizing production interruptions and enhancing overall equipment effectiveness.
Engineering the Future of Textile Manufacturing
Picanol’s investment in this advanced manufacturing technology demonstrates their commitment to maintaining industry leadership. The IBARMIA integration provides:
Enhanced production capacity to meet global demand
Improved machining accuracy for superior product quality
Optimized workflow efficiency through intelligent automation
This strategic equipment selection reflects Picanol’s forward-thinking approach to manufacturing. By combining precision engineering with smart automation, the company continues to set new benchmarks in weaving machine production, ensuring they can deliver their industry-leading solutions to customers worldwide with unmatched efficiency and reliability.
The successful implementation of this advanced manufacturing system underscores Picanol’s dedication to technological innovation as they continue to shape the future of textile production on a global scale.
DMG MORI has introduced two new advanced machining centres—the DMX 60 U and DMX 80 U—designed to elevate five-sided machining performance across various manufacturing sectors. Built on the trusted architecture of the company’s DMV vertical 3-axis machines, these upgraded models promise exceptional precision, productivity, and operational efficiency.
Represented in the UK by DMG Mori UK Ltd (Coventry), the new DMX U line brings a smart solution for manufacturers working with mid-sized components. The DMX 60 U handles up to 300 kg, while the DMX 80 U accommodates up to 350 kg, both offering ample workspaces: 600 x 600 x 510 mm and 800 x 600 x 510 mm, respectively.
Central to the machines’ stability is their rigid monoblock bed design, reinforced by heavy cast iron components and broad roller guideways. This structural approach delivers up to 50% greater static stiffness compared to earlier models, allowing for stable performance under dynamic machining conditions. With rapid traverse speeds reaching 42 m/min and enhanced B- and C-axis rotation rates (up to 10 rpm), users can expect a significant gain in cycle time efficiency.
Precision is further enhanced through features like multi-sensor thermal compensation and direct-drive systems. Linear encoders on the X and Y axes help maintain exact positioning over time, making the machines ideal for tight-tolerance components.
Standard spindle configurations include the 12,000 rpm inlineMASTER, though users can opt for higher-performance options such as the SpeedMASTER series, offering speeds of up to 20,000 rpm or high torque of 200 Nm. Tool magazine capacities are scalable from 30 to 120 tools, and all setups utilize the BIG PLUS face-and-taper interface for improved rigidity and machining accuracy.
The DMX U series also supports integrated processes such as in-machine grinding, minimizing the need for separate operations and reducing overall setup time. For full automation, the machines are compatible with DMG MORI’s Robo2Go Milling, MATRIS Light, and PH Cell systems.
Users can choose between Siemens Sinumerik ONE or Heidenhain TNC7 CNC platforms, both with CELOS X—DMG MORI’s digital interface for intuitive machine operation and seamless workflow integration. For eco-conscious operations, the built-in GreenMode feature offers energy savings of up to 10%.
By combining compact design, high flexibility, and cutting-edge digital control, the DMX 60 U and DMX 80 U stand as key additions to DMG MORI’s portfolio, catering to modern production demands with precision and sustainability at the forefront.
