Technology meeting at WFL: Trade visitors from the metal cutting industry experience innovation up close

The WFL Technology Meeting is aimed at international trade visitors from industry, Research & Development who want to find out about trends in complete machining, automation solutions and digital manufacturing strategies. Direct exchange with WFL specialists creates clear added value for decision-makers and users alike. 

The in-house exhibition offers the opportunity to experience the full range of metal cutting capabilities in live demonstrations on machines of all sizes – from the M20 to the M150 MILLTURN. Visitors can also find out about WFL software solutions, manufacturing solutions and retrofit machines.

Unfold new possibilities with the M70 MILLTURN

A special highlight of the event is the new M70 MILLTURN. The latest generation of multifunctional turning-boring-milling machines combines the capabilities of a powerful turning machine, a high-precision 5-axis machining center and, depending on requirements, a gear cutting or deep drilling machine. The M70 is designed for very large and heavy workpieces. It can accommodate parts with a center distance of up to 8,000 mm, a maximum swing diameter of 850 mm and a workpiece weight of up to 5.5 tonnes. The machine therefore covers an exceptionally wide range of applications – from long shafts and solid housings to complex chuck parts. 

The main spindle delivers up to 5,860 Newton meters of torque and reaches speeds of up to 2,500 revolutions per minute. This torque corresponds approximately to the combined power of around 20 modern car engines. The robust cast spindle housing, stable spindle bearing and backlash-free holding brake guarantee maximum rigidity – even in applications where difficult-to-cut materials such as Inconel or titanium are used. The milling unit delivers up to 58 kilowatts, reaches 8,000 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 640 Newton meters. Particularly noteworthy feature is the interpolating B-axis with a swivel range of 220 degrees and a holding torque of 15,000 Newton meters. This makes the M70 suitable for long and heavy boring bars, which are held in a stable prism interface. The milling spindle is also equipped with an internal coolant supply of up to 200 bar, which guarantees excellent machining conditions even for deep hole drilling.

Despite these dimensions, the M70 MILLTURN achieves maximum precision. This is achieved on the one hand by high-resolution direct measuring systems in all axes and a structurally optimized machine frame made of solid grey cast iron with integrated vibration damping. On the other hand, it is achieved by intelligent measuring technologies: with integrated measuring probes, workpieces can be measured directly in the working area and deviations can be corrected automatically. In addition, the iControl software ensures continuous monitoring of cutting force, which enables maximum process reliability even in unmanned production.

In summary, the M70 MILLTURN is particularly interesting for WFL customers due to its maximum flexibility in production. Whether small batch sizes or large series, simple turned parts or complex components such as crank shafts – the M70 covers everything in a single machine. It reduces changeovers, shortens lead times and, at the same time, increases process reliability . For WFL customers, this means higher productivity, lower costs and a sustainable investment in the future.

Intelligent automation

Another focus of the WFL Technology Meeting is on automation solutions. The M70 MILLTURN is designed for continuous 24/7 production. Many other WFL machine models also increase output and reduce production costs through automation. WFL offers tailor-made automation solutions – because every automation solution is tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. Only through intensive dialogue can it be determined which automation concept is efficient in the long term. Customers are often surprised by the potential that modern automation offers today – far beyond simple loading and unloading. Today's customers expect much more than a single machine. They want turnkey production systems that map processes holistically and secure long-term competitive advantages. WFL therefore attaches great importance to well-thought-out automation concepts – both for new systems and for the expansion of existing systems. 

The goal of automation is clear: to reduce production costs, increase output and secure jobs at the same time. Because automation does not mean staff cuts, but rather qualification. Experience shows that the requirement profile is changing – towards skilled specialists who understand, control and optimize complex turnkey processes.

At the in-house exhibition in Linz, visitors can see automation solutions for themselves in person and live on site. For example, multiple interlinking can be viewed. This automation solution takes productivity to a new level. Real manufacturing scenarios are used to show how machining steps are seamlessly linked together. The live demonstrations illustrate how continuous processes without manual intervention increase productivity, reduce idle time and ensure consistently high component quality. At the same time, it becomes clear how intelligent control concepts and coordinated automation solutions guarantee maximum process reliability. Visitors will gain first-hand insight into the efficiency, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of WFL’s integrated manufacturing solutions. The articulated robot will also be in use, demonstrating how intelligent robotics can be seamlessly integrated into highly automated manufacturing solutions. WFL's automation experts will be available to answer questions from interested parties throughout the three days of the Technology Meeting.

Further items on the agenda at the Technology Meeting

These exhibitors will be present at the three-day in-house exhibition: Avantec, Bechem, Blum, Boehler-it, botek, Cogsdill, Diahon, voltec, gravostar, Haimer, Hainbuch, Kennametal, Leistritz, Marh, mimatic, Renishaw, Röhm, Sandvik coromant, Siemens, SMW Autoblok, Zoller. As usual, visitors can look forward to an exciting supporting programme this year, including multilingual tours, live demonstrations and fascinating specialist presentations.