WFL showcases new M70 MILLTURN at IMTS 2026

As a global leader in complete machining solutions, WFL continues to push the boundaries of manufacturing technology by integrating multiple processes into a single machine and a single setup. At this year’s IMTS, visitors will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how the company’s latest innovations increase productivity, improve process reliability, and enable entirely new machining strategies for demanding workpieces.

M70 MILLTURN: Complete machining without compromise

The centerpiece of WFL’s booth will be the M70 MILLTURN, a machine designed to combine turning, milling, drilling, boring, gear cutting and measuring operations within one highly stable platform.

Designed for workpiece lengths of up to 8,000 mm, swing diameters of up to 850 mm and component weights reaching 5,000 kg, the M70 extends WFL's complete machining philosophy into a new performance class. Its optimized machine geometry, powerful spindle drives and robust machine structure provide the stability required for highly demanding turning, boring and milling operations. A key advantage of the M70 is its modularity. Built on WFL's proven modular system, the machine can be configured to meet specific customer requirements while maintaining the core principle of complete machining in a single setup. Tool magazine configurations with up to 200 tool positions, automatic tool change capabilities and setup operations performed parallel to machining ensure maximum machine utilization and reduced non-productive time. The machine also offers extensive capabilities for advanced technologies such as deep-hole drilling, internal machining and special process applications. Particularly noteworthy is the optional WFL prismatic tool interface, which enables the use of large and highly specialized tooling, including long boring bars, solid drills and angular heads, with exceptional rigidity and process security. 

At IMTS, WFL experts will demonstrate how complete machining strategies can help manufacturers achieve higher productivity while reducing operational complexity throughout the production process.

Automated angular head technology expands internal machining capabilities

The M70 MILLTURN at IMTS will also serve as the ideal demonstration platform for WFL's newly developed automated angular head technology. Internal machining has long been one of the most challenging disciplines in metal cutting. Components featuring deep cavities, internal pockets, ribs, radii, threads and seating surfaces often require multiple specialized tools and extensive manual intervention. These challenges become even more demanding when machining thin-walled lightweight structures, particularly in aluminum applications.

To address these requirements, WFL has developed an entirely new angular head concept that fundamentally differs from conventional systems. While traditional angular heads typically require manual tool changes and are often limited in speed and rigidity, the new WFL solution introduces a fully automated approach. Tools are exchanged automatically through the machine’s standard tool magazine, eliminating manual handling and enabling uninterrupted machining processes.

The angular head incorporates an HSK32 tool interface, allowing compact dimensions while maintaining exceptional rigidity. A hydraulically actuated clamping system, combined with integrated electrical and hydraulic media supply, creates a highly sophisticated machining unit capable of handling demanding applications with maximum reliability.

Designed for high-speed aluminum machining

The development of the new angular head was driven by customer requirements in lightweight manufacturing, where large aluminum components frequently undergo extreme material removal. It is not unusual for a raw workpiece weighing more than 100 kilograms to be transformed into a thin-walled finished component with only a fraction of its original mass. Such parts require high cutting speeds and precise force control to avoid deformation while maintaining economic productivity.

To meet these demands, WFL engineered the solid steel prism angular head to operate at spindle speeds of up to 12,000 rpm in continuous operation. An integrated oil-mist lubrication system ensures thermal stability and long bearing life, enabling sustained high-performance machining under production conditions.

The result is a solution that combines high-speed capability, rigidity and automation in a way previously unavailable for many internal machining applications.

Significant productivity gains

Beyond automation, the new angular head also enables innovative machining strategies that significantly reduce cycle times. One example is the machining of internal radio. By positioning the machine’s B-axis at a specific angular, the cutter generates an elliptical path that approximates the required internal contour. Compared with traditional ball-nose milling strategies that require numerous narrow tool paths, this approach dramatically shortens machining times while maintaining or even improving surface quality.

The technology also supports fully automated machining processes involving numerous tools. Components that previously required extensive operator intervention can now be produced with minimal manual involvement, improving both productivity and process consistency.

Featured at the IMTS Conference

This technology will also be discussed in detail during the IMTS Conference, where John Kelly, Sales Manager at WFL Millturn Technologies, will present the development background and practical applications of the automated angular head. His presentation will focus on the challenges of modern internal machining, the increasing demand for lightweight components, and the engineering innovations that enabled the creation of a fully automated angular head system capable of delivering both high rigidity and high spindle speeds. Conference attendees will gain insights into how this technology is helping manufacturers increase productivity while simplifying the machining of complex internal features.

Advancing the Future of Complete Machining

The new angular head represents another milestone in WFL’s long-standing commitment to complete machining. Together with technologies such as deep-hole drilling, internal turning and bottle boring, it extends WFL’s comprehensive approach to internal machining and enables manufacturers to perform increasingly complex operations within a single setup.

By combining advanced machine design, intelligent automation and innovative tooling concepts, WFL continues to provide solutions that help customers meet growing demands for flexibility, quality and efficiency.

Visitors to IMTS 2026 are invited to experience the M70 MILLTURN and learn how complete machining can transform modern manufacturing operations.