Machine Tools World May 2026

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 45 TECH INNOVATIONrisks to planning operations with greater confidence and stability, which is especially important as production volumes continue to grow in markets like India.Engineering basic monolithics for high-performance steelmakingBasic monolithics play a critical role in steelmaking operations such as electric arc furnaces, energy optimizing furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and degassing units. These areas face intense thermal cycling, aggressive slags, and constant mechanical stress. Performance in such conditions depends on more than just having material available. It depends on how well the refractory is engineered for the specific application.High-performance basic monolithics must balance several properties at once. Thermal shock resistance is essential for zones with frequent temperature changes. Slag corrosion resistance protects linings from chemical attack. Good sinterability and coating adhesion help create dense, protective working layers that extend campaign life. Tailored raw material selection and binder systems are what make these properties consistent in real operating conditions.When the manufacturing is localized, the formulation can be further refined based on the feedback from the steel plants operating under similar conditions. This helps refractory solutions evolve in sync with the changing furnace practices, scrap composition, and productivity requirements. In critical steel plants, the consistency of performance is as important as availability. A refractory that works well can minimize downtime and ensure consistency in production, which in turn helps in maximizing productivity, and ultimately supports throughput and cost control.Manufacturing excellence as a supply chain differentiatorManufacturing quality is a silent but powerful part of the supply chain. Advanced local manufacturing setups allow tighter quality control, better traceability of raw materials, and more consistent batch to batch performance. In-house raw material processing, automated batching systems, and specialized mixing technologies reduce human error and improve reproducibility.Manufacturing closer to the end user also makes it easier to adapt production volumes and packaging formats to customer needs. Routine consumption can be facilitated by having fixed production planning, whereas surge in demand during major shutdowns or unexpected outages can be handled by having quicker response times. This agility is a true gamechanger in sectors

46 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comTECH INNOVATIONwhere time is of the essence and any delay can easily mean lost production.Over time, consistent manufacturing excellence builds confidence in the supply chain. Steel producers gain trust that what they order will perform as expected, when they need it. That confidence reduces risk in maintenance planning and encourages longer-term partnerships rather than purely transactional sourcing decisions.Beyond products: The role of technical partnership in supply chainsModern supply chains in the steel industry are no longer just about moving materials from factory to site. They depend heavily on technical partnership. Local manufacturing makes it easier to provide on-site application support, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring. Engineers can work closely with operations teams during installations, dry-outs, and campaign reviews.Continuous feedback loops are essential. When performance data from furnaces flows back into product development, formulations can be refined to suit specific operating conditions. This kind of collaboration improves lining life and hot repair efficiency over time. It also helps steel plants adapt refractories to new operating practices, higher productivity targets, or changes in raw material quality.Trust, transparency, and collaboration sit at the heart of this relationship. When suppliers and steel producers work as partners, downtime risks reduce and asset life cycle management improves. The supply chain becomes a shared responsibility, not just a procurement function.Conclusion: Building a stronger, smarter steel supply chain from withinThe domestic production of basic monolithics improves the steel industry’s supply chains in three basic ways. It increases reliability by shortening lead times and making the industry less vulnerable to global disruptions. It improves cost efficiency by reducing inventory burdens and stabilizing procurement economics. And it increases operational agility by enabling faster response to both planned and unplanned maintenance needs.Import substitution is only part of the story. The bigger shift is in supply chain quality. Local production, backed by strong manufacturing practices and technical partnership, upgrades how steel plants secure performance assurance over the long term. It supports resilience, consistency, and strategic autonomy in a sector where downtime is costly and predictability is valuable.As steelmakers look to future-proof their operations in a world where production volumes are rising and supply chains remain uncertain, building from within becomes more than a tactical choice. It becomes a foundational strategy for competitiveness, reliability, and sustained performance. TECH INNOVATIONIsh Mohan GargSenior Vice President, Calderys APAC Region

48 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comTECH INNOVATIONFive-Axis CNC machines have become essential for creating the complex geometries demanded by industries such as aerospace, defense and medical device production. These advanced machines offer superior part accessibility and minimize the need for repositioning, enabling shops to eliminate secondary set-ups and post-processing. However, for many machine shops, unlocking the full performance potential of five-axis equipment requires more than sophisticated motion control: it also demands higher spindle speeds.Traditional five-axis machines often top out at spindle speeds between 6,000 and 15,000 RPM. While this is sufficient for heavy roughing operations using large diameter tools, when it comes to finishing intricate features or micro-drilling, small tools require consistent spindle speeds of 40,000 to 90,000 RPM on the toolpath to function effectively. Without that capability, shops risk poor surface finishes, broken tools and unacceptably long cycle times. This is where governed high-speed air-driven spindles offer a transformative upgrade.The Case for Add-On Spindles Over New EquipmentFaced with speed limitations, some shops invest in ultra-high-speed five axis machines, often costing upwards of $1 million. While these machines achieve relatively high RPMs, they are notequipped for roughing operations, and the main spindle heats up and wears out rapidly if operated close to the maximum speed range. Others may opt for multiple machines, one for high-speed finishing and one for heavy cutting, creating inefficiencies in programming, labor and floor space.Adding governed high-speed spindles is generally a smarter, more cost-effective solution. These compact spindles can be automatically tool-changed into the existing spindle on a five-axis machine. This allows the main spindle to handle the heavy cutting at lower RPMs, while the air turbine spindle takes over for high-speed milling, finishing or drilling. This ability to run both hogging and detail operations on a single machine increases throughput while eliminating the need to reposition parts or buy new equipment. With retrofit spindle solutions costing less than $6,000, shops often achieve the essential both high SFM to run small tools and get excellent ROI within a matter of weeks, especially when part volumes are high or production cycles are tight. Shops are also able to then take on jobs that were previously unprofitable and therefore declined. Why High-Speed Spindles Work: Cycle Time and ConsistencyHigh-speed machining does not just mean increasing RPMs; it slashes cycle times and improves part quality. When small tools operate below their ideal surface footage due to limited spindle speed, they tend to drag through material, overheat, Air Turbine ToolsFaster Finishes, Smarter SpindlesUnlocking the Full Potential of Five-Axis Machining with High-Speed SpindlesBy: Mike Blanchard, Technical Advisor at Air Turbine ToolsAir Turbine Tools high speed spindles maintain consistent speeds of 40,000 to 90,000 RPM for finishing intricate features and micro-drilling.

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 49 TECH INNOVATIONand wear prematurely. In contrast, governed air turbine spindles maintain consistent high-speed cutting even under load, enabling higher feedrates and optimized surface finish and accuracy.For example, if a shop runs a tool at 10,000 RPM, and the same tool can operate at 40,000 RPM using a highspeed spindle, the feed rate can be increased proportionally. This leads to 75% reductions in cycle time, a major productivity boost. Another interesting feature is that governed air spindles operate with no heat, avoiding thethermal growth and tool length deviation common in high-frequency electric or gear-driven alternatives. As a result, these add-on air spindles ensure reliable 2 Micron part tolerance.Integration Made Simple and SmarterOne of the key advantages of using add-on spindles is that they do not require complex retrofitting, wiring or control systems. Most modern five-axis machines already come equipped with through-spindle air, which enables automated loading of these air turbine spindles from the CNC magazine with no additional wiring or controls. For machines that lack this feature, mounting block-and-collar systems are available to deliver compressed air precisely when needed, activating only when the spindle is engaged. These systems are fully compatible with automatic tool changers and require no software integration, allowing for seamless highspeed machining without interrupting the existing workflow.Additionally, manual plug in options are available for shops running single tool operations or working with machines that do not require automation. In every configuration, integration can be quick, clean, and compatible with standard CNC operations.Making the Most of Five-Axis CapabilityThe combination of speed, stability and easy integration is particularly valuable in five-axis environments, where part complexity often includes undercuts, deep From roughing to finishing in one setup. High-speed spindles bring new capabilities to existing five-axis machines.

50 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comTECH INNOVATIONcavities and hard to reach geometries. These features frequently require smaller tools and finishing operations that traditional spindles struggle to perform.Because five-axis machines can approach parts from more angles without re-fixturing, they are often relied upon for completion of all machining steps in a single setup. High-speed spindles maximize this capability by reducing the time it takes to finish fine detail features, engravings and small holes, operations that otherwise become bottlenecks. They also reduce the need for manual post-processing, which introduces variability and slows throughput. When finishing can be done in-machine, under precise toolpath control, consistency improves and fewer parts are scrapped.Unlike standard air driven or coolant driven “speeders” that bog down under load, tooling experts like the U.S. manufacturer Air Turbine Tools offer unique solutions that maintain consistent high RPMs through their programmed cuts, even under the resistance of composite materials, tool steels or difficult alloys, without generating heat or thermal growth that could affect tool geometry. The result is shorter cycle times, reduced tool breakage, and tighter dimensional tolerances, particularly for small tools milling at 40,000 or 90,000 RPM. Air Turbine Tools’ range of spindles features narrow 0.75” / 19 mm barrel diameters extending up to 100 mm, enabling access to hard-to-reach areas, cavities and angles. This feature is a major advantage in programming on five-axis machines. Air Turbine Tools spindles load in and out of the main spindle on demand. This preserves the roughing power of the machine’s native low-RPM spindle while enabling high-speed finishing, engraving or drilling without moving the part or changing machines. This approach has been shown to cut production times by up to 75%, offering payback periods measured in weeks rather than months.The Bigger Picture: Spindles as a Strategic UpgradeAt a time when capital equipment budgets are tight and throughput demands are high, smart investments in modular upgrades can offer surprising returns. Instead of purchasing a new machine or maintaining a separate high-speed set-up, manufacturers can amplify the versatility of their existing five axis platforms with a relatively low cost, no maintenance spindle addition.These add-on spindles streamline production by enabling faster in-machine finishing, at 40,000 to 90,000 RPM, reducing secondary operations and minimizing tool wear. They also save wear and hours of use of the main spindle, avoiding the downtime, repair costs and lost productivity that can result from overtaxing expensive CNC equipment.For any shop working in aerospace, defense, electronics, mold-making or medical manufacturing, especially those handling small diameter tooling, tight tolerances, or exotic materials, the case for high-speed spindle upgrades is increasingly clear. By pairing five-axis motion control with governed constant high-RPM finishing capability,manufacturers can not only improve cycle time, part quality and tool performance, but alsofundamentally rethink what their current equipment is capable of achieving. Air Turbine Tools spindles can be integrated with a range of CNC machines, including this five-axis Hermle machine. Here the 625HSK63 spindle is For more information visit: www.mtwmag.com Mike Blanchard Technical Advisor, Air Turbine Tools

August 2026 HITEX, Hyderabad,Telangana, India20 21 22 23 24Scan to Join HIMTEX CONNECT Whatsapp CommunityFor Space Bookings, Sponsorship, Advertising, Contact usCompressed Air PartnerMedia PartnersDiamond Partners Gold Partner Silver Partners Central India's Biggest Machine Tool ExpoHIMTEX CONNECT is an exclusive industry networking initiative powered by the HIMTEX. Visit https://himtex.in/himtex-connect/fifffflfflffififlDiFact Pavilion a dedicated space for Digital Factory & Connected TechnologiesVinoth Sasidharan 9121211159 / [email protected] UK 9154751160 / [email protected] Reddy8341865558 / [email protected] Biswas9154392514 / [email protected] Engagement Partner

52 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comCASE STUDYPackaging and Labor Challenges Lead to Automation AdvancementsWhile SmartCap’s South African plant produced high-quality products, the company faced the common industry challenges of labor turnover and inconsistencies in packaging that were a result of some manual processes. With the U.S. expansion, SmartCap saw an opportunity to shift from labor-based packaging methods to an even more automated approach, ensuring greater efficiency and consistency across all operations. This decision was key to maintaining their competitive edge and overcoming the challenges posed by labor shortages in the packaging industry.The U.S. plant in Fort Worth was designed with automation in mind, taking advantage of PAC Strapping’s expertise in machine-based strapping solutions to streamline processes. Working with PAC, SmartCap was able to see how products were coming off the assembly line and implement an automated packaging process to enhance consistency, reduce manual labor, and address industry-wide issues such as high turnover rates.PAC Strapping’s Customized Solutions for SmartCap’s NeedsPAC Strapping stepped in to address SmartCap’s packaging challenges by transitioning from a manual to a machine-based strapping process. This change significantly reduced the variation in packaging quality. PAC Strapping took a comprehensive look at SmartCap’s existing processes and made personalized recommendations to suit their specific needs.PAC installed two strapping machines at two different stations, strategically designed to handle products based on their size and weight. Since SmartCap was setting up a new plant, they wanted a lot of forethought in their packaging process to avoid the mistakes of the past. The collaboration between PAC Strapping and SmartCap was not a one-off transaction; it has been a continuous partnership. PAC Strapping has maintained its connection with SmartCap to thoroughly understand SmartCap’s processes and provided ongoing support. CASE STUDYEnsuring Packaging Excellence:How PAC Strapping Products Transformed SmartCap’s Packaging ProcessBy: Sharon Dixson, PAC Strapping Products, IncSmartCap, a South Africa-based company, is revolutionizing the truck accessory industry with the world’s first modular stainless steel truck cap system. Its 5-piece modular design allows customers to configure their truck beds exactly as needed, seamlessly integrating accessories to build an organized and functional space. With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and innovation, SmartCap’s products are designed to endure and excel in the toughest conditions. After seeing much success, SmartCap decided to expand its reach to the U.S. to better reach its North American customers, and as part of that expansion, sought alternative packaging solutions for its new state-of-the-art facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 53 CASE STUDYSmartCap chose PAC Strapping’s top-seal strapping machine for their long boxes. This machine uses a thicker polyester strap to hold SmartCap’s two truck caps securely in place. The packaged boxes, which often hold imbalanced loads, required a thicker strap to maintain stability during shipping. This solution not only increased the stability of the packages but also significantly reduced the risk of damage during transit, ensuring the high-value product’s safety.How Machine Strapping Solutions Bolster Business Bottom LinesThe switch to machine-based strapping solutions provides several benefits to businesses’ bottom line:Reduction in Workers Compensation Claims: Manual steel strapping is notoriously dangerous, posing significant risks to workers. By using machines and safer strapping materials, PAC greatly reduced SmartCap’s risk of workplace injuries. Improving workplace safety not only helps retain talent but also boosts the company’s bottom line. Fewer injuries mean lower workers’ compensation costs and higher employee morale, both of which are integral to a healthy, productive working environment.Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs: Automation directly contributes to higher efficiency. With fewer company resources required for training and recruitment, SmartCap can redirect these savings toward more productive activities. The lack of skilled workers in the packaging industry is a pain point felt industry-wide. Automated strapping systems require less manual input, reducing the time needed to package and strap materials effectively and the number of hands necessary to do so.Fewer Product Returns and Claims:Improved packaging consistency means fewer products are damaged during shipping, reducing the number of returns and associated costs. The cost of returns due to damaged products can be substantial. According to Forbes, the cost of a return for a $50 product is estimated at $33. Plus, damaged goods are one of the most common reasons a consumer returns a product. For a large, high-value product like SmartCap’s, this cost is significant. Not only do damaged goods cost companies financially, they also tarnish brand reputation which can have significant longterm impact. By automating packaging processes, ensuring each package meets the same high standards, SmartCap can now confidently ship products without worrying about damage or defects.PAC Strapping’s Customer-Centric Approach to Packaging SolutionsPAC Strapping’s approach to tailoring strapping solutions for customers is comprehensive and client-focused. They begin with an in-person assessment to observe the client’s current processes, identify pain points, and listen to the customer’s pain points. During these assessments, PAC takes detailed notes and photographs to ensure they fully understand the challenges faced by the customer.Once the assessment is complete, PAC presents multiple options tailored to the customer’s needs, providing detailed quotes with line-item breakdowns. They offer both immediate solutions and scaled options for future growth, ensuring clients like SmartCap can start with a practical solution that fits their current needs while also planning for future scalability.ConclusionThe partnership between SmartCap and PAC Strapping showcases the importance of customized, automated solutions in overcoming packaging challenges. By transitioning to a machine-based strapping process, SmartCap improved packaging consistency, reduced labor costs, and enhanced worker safety. “From the packing of our roofs to our sub-assemblies, our final packaging is large and quite bulky. Using PAC’s automated solutions has been a game changer for us in North America-reducing our reliance on labor and increasing our efficiency,” says Jan Strydom, Vice President of Manufacturing Technology. “Plus, PAC’s detailed approach not only solidified our trust in them, but enabled us to make empowered decisions for our business.”As industries continue to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic workforce dynamics and the ongoing challenges of labor shortages and turnover, the benefits of automation become increasingly clear. For companies like SmartCap, these solutions are not just about improving the bottom line; they are about building a resilient, future-ready operation that can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

54 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comCASE STUDYThe Cutting Edge:How Wenzel Metal Spinning Enhances Efficiency and Precision with Prima Power’s 5-Axis Laser TechnologyIn metal manufacturing, efficiency ensures survival, while precision defines excellence. For decades, the industry has balanced high-volume speed and the meticulous quality required for bespoke components. Today, that balance has shifted. The introduction of 5-axis laser technology has fundamentally altered the landscape, turning what was once a bottleneck into a competitive advantage.At the forefront of this evolution is Wenzel Metal Spinning, an industry leader that recently integrated the Prima Power LASER NEXT 2131 into its workflow. This isn’t just an upgrade; it is a transformation. The move to 5-axis laser cutting represents a leap forward in how complex parts are finished, offering a synthesis of speed and accuracy that manual methods simply cannot touch.The game-changer lies in the LASER NEXT 2131’s specific capabilities, including its “split cabin” design. By allowing the laser to machine a part on one table while an operator safely loads or unloads the other, the machine eliminates downtime. This creates a rhythm of continuous production—a seamless flow in which the laser runs continuously, and productivity increases dramatically.This investment has enabled Wenzel to significantly improve employee safety, enhance quality, handle more complex geometries, and minimize waste, while also creating new revenue streams and business opportunities.The Industry Leader in Metal SpinningFounded in 1982, Wenzel Metal Spinning operates multiple facilities in Indiana and Alabama, with roughly 250,000 square feet of manufacturing space and about 150 employees.As one of the largest dedicated metal spinning companies in the United States, Wenzel Metal Spinning maintains an extensive industry presence and a diverse market portfolio.“We avoid being limited to a single niche,” says Ryan Funkhouser, General Manager at Wenzel Metal Spinning, regarding the company’s strategic direction. “Our capabilities span from high-volume industrial components, like trash can lids, to high-precision, specialized parts made with exotic materials for the Mars Rover.” Recent projects range from everyday industrial components to specialized aerospace parts where tight tolerances and exotic alloys make post processing especially demanding.Metal spinning, also known as spin forming, metal forming, or metal turning, is a cold work metal forming process that forms metals into axially symmetric parts. The process begins with a flat sheet of

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 55 CASE STUDYmetal cut into a disk and is then formed over a rotating mandrel into a round shape.Popular round shapes that are constructed from metal spinning include conical, parabolic, toroidal, and more. This process can be performed manually or by a CNC lathe and is a cost-effective alternative to low-volume or short-run metal stamping.Beyond flexibility, the metal spinning process offers several metallurgical benefits, resulting in stronger, higherquality parts. Spinning creates a finegrained, fibered structure that enhances tensile strength, hardness, and toughness. The cold-forming process, done at room temperature, increases material strength through work hardening, which often allows for the use of lighter-gauge materials. It also forms a single solid piece, eliminating weak points like welds or joints and improving pressure resistance. Unlike machining, spinning directs grain flow to match the part’s shape, thereby maintaining its structural integrity.Metal spinning is a unique process where industrial manufacturing meets artisanal craftsmanship. Unlike stamping or casting, spinning involves rotating a metal disc or tube at high speeds and forming it over a mandrel using localized pressure.“It’s as much an art form as it is a science,” Funkhouser explains. “In many ways, it’s akin to blacksmithing. You are moving metal, flowing it, changing its grain structure. It requires a feel for the material that you can’t just program into a computer.”This “feel” is why Wenzel values its long-term employees so highly. The experience required to spin metal correctly—to know how much pressure to apply before the metal tears or wrinkles—takes years to master.The Pivot to 5-AxisBecause the metal spinning process is so labor-intensive, it is essential to avoid bottlenecks in both upstream and downstream steps that disrupt production and reduce efficiency. For years, Wenzel faced a critical post-processing challenge: trimming spun parts was a slow, laborintensive, and often dangerous manual task that lacked the consistency needed to meet increasingly complex customer demands.“We were hitting a wall,” admits Funkhouser. “We had the capacity to spin parts faster than we could finish them. We saw opportunities to bid on contracts that required complex hole patterns or intricate cutouts, but we declined them because we couldn’t do the finishing cost-effectively. We needed a solution that could handle the 3D nature of our parts.”The search for a 5-axis laser was rigorous. The Wenzel team evaluated the top players in the market, narrowing the field to a German manufacturer, a Japanese competitor, and Prima Power.“We looked at everything—speed, footprint, software, and support,” says Ned Kaiser, Operations Manager, who helped lead the operational evaluation. Kaiser notes that the decision wasn’t just about specs on a sheet.“Ultimately, Prima Power best fit our overall needs, including the size of the cabin, which accommodated the larger parts we make. We chose them because they understood our business. They didn’t just try to sell us a laser; they looked at our workflow. They showed us how the LASER NEXT 2131 could integrate into our shop floor. Plus, the support network was there. When you’re running production, you can’t wait three weeks for a technician.” For Wenzel, the combination of cabin size, split cabin workflow, and responsive service support made Prima Power the clear fit.The Transformative Impact of the LASER NEXT 2131The implementation of the LASER NEXT 2131 has been a game-changer for Wenzel’s daily operations, with its impact felt across every metric: efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety. Installed a little over a year ago, the system has quickly become a core part of daily production, rather than a side experiment.Efficiency and SpeedThe most immediate impact was on cycle times. Operations that used to take hours of manual labor or required moving parts between multiple machines are now completed in minutes.“The speed improvement is massive,” says Production Manager Lance Angus. “What previously required multiple jigs, steps, and several workers is now down to a single operation. We’ve cut tasks that took over an hour down to just a few minutes.” For example, certain inlet parts that once required five separate post operations now run as a single, roughly one minute operation on the laser.Angus emphasizes the value of the split cabin design. “The split cabin is the real time-saver. While the laser is cutting

56 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comCASE STUDYa complex pattern on the left table, an operator is unloading a finished part and loading a raw one on the right table. The laser beam is almost always on. We aren’t paying an operator to watch a machine work; we’re paying them to keep the machine fed.”Complexity and QualityBeyond speed, 5-axis capability has enabled Wenzel to achieve tolerances previously impossible. In manual trimming, human error is inevitable. A slipped hand or a tired operator leads to inconsistent edges. The laser, however, never gets tired, never loses accuracy.“The consistency is vital,” adds Kaiser. “We are doing aerospace parts where the tolerance is plus or minus five thousandths of an inch.This precision has drastically reduced scrap. In the world of metal spinning, especially with exotic alloys, scrapped parts are expensive. “When you’ve already put time and effort into spinning a piece of Inconel or Hastelloy, scrapping it at the trimming stage is a costly waste.”Safety and WorkflowOne of the understated benefits of the new system is safety. Manual trimming of spun metal often involves handheld routers, band saws, or circle shears—tools that present significant injury risks.“We’ve removed the most dangerous element of the job,” Angus points out. “Operators aren’t fighting with sharp metal edges or spinning blades anymore. They are loading a fixture and pressing a button. The enclosure keeps everything contained. It’s cleaner, it’s quieter, and vastly safer.” By moving trimming and cutouts into the enclosed cell, Wenzel has sharply reduced operator exposure to sharp edges, shavings, and handheld cutting tools.Support and Reliability“Installing and integrating new technology into production is often challenging, but Prima made it manageable,” Kaiser explains. “They were on-site to assemble the machine, adjust parameters, train our team, and ensure the software integrated seamlessly with our existing systems. Their applications engineer guided us in mastering its capabilities and tackling complex processes and geometries—essential for success in laser cutting.”As Angus puts it, “Honestly, that thing just runs. Compared to some of the other equipment, we hardly ever see it down. It’s just solid. We don’t have to worry about it, which is huge for us when we’re scheduling work.”Workforce MotivationThe machine’s high-tech design has positively impacted employee retention and morale. In an industry that often struggles to attract younger workers, cutting-edge technology is a big draw. “Younger workers want to operate advanced equipment like the Prima laser,” Funkhouser notes.“It involves programming, robotics, and high-tech interfaces.” The Prima’s user-friendly design makes it easy to learn, helping new operators get up to speed quickly. It shifts the role from ‘laborer’ to ‘technician,’ giving employees the sense that they’re developing valuable skills for the future rather than doing repetitive tasks. Automation isn’t replacing our workforce—it’s inspiring them.” Experienced operators like Ned Kaiser now combine decades of hands-on forming knowledge with 5 axis programming, allowing Wenzel to bring complex, one off jobs online in minutes instead of hours.Strategic GrowthThe integration of the Prima Power LASER NEXT 2131 has done more than just speed up production; it has catalyzed a shift in Wenzel’s corporate identity. The laser has unlocked capacity, allowing the company to aggressively pursue additional market opportunities.“It has fundamentally changed our strategy,” Funkhouser reflects. “We are no longer just a spinning house that does a little fabrication on the side. We are a full-service metal forming solution. This machine has given us the confidence to take on more complex jobs where spinning is just the starting point.”The efficiency gains have rippled through the entire business, improving cash flow by reducing work-in-progress inventory and shortening lead times.Looking toward the horizon, Funkhouser hints at a broader evolution. “We are looking at the future and realizing that our name needs to reflect our expanded capabilities,” he explains. “We’re no longer just Wenzel Metal Spinning; we are becoming ‘Wenzel Metal Spinning and Fabrication.’ By combining the traditional craft of spinning with the advanced precision of Prima Power’s 5-axis laser cutting, we are well-positioned for future growth.”

58 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comINSIGHTThe Software-Defined Technician:Manufacturing’s Next Human Capital RevolutionFor the past several years, manufacturing leaders have obsessed over a single question: how do we capture the knowledge of our retiring experts before they walk out the door for the last time? The answers have poured in, from digital work instructions and video libraries to AI-assisted knowledge bases and immersive training simulations. Billions of dollars have been deployed to bottle the expertise of master machinists and senior quality inspectors who spent decades developing an almost intuitive ability to detect a hairline fracture, sense when a tolerance is drifting, or feel when a machine is running wrong.That work was necessary. But it was also, in a sense, the easier problem.The harder question is only now coming into focus: once that knowledge is digitized, what exactly do the remaining specialists do?The answer will define the manufacturing workforce for the next generation. And it points toward the emergence of an entirely new kind of worker, one I call the Software-Defined Technician.From Observation to ReasoningThe traditional role of a senior quality inspector was fundamentally observational. They looked at things, compared what they saw against a mental model built over years of experience, and rendered judgment. Vision Language Models (VLMs) now perform the pixel-matching component of that workflow faster, more consistently, and at a scale no human team can match. A well-trained VLM does not blink, does not have a bad day, and does not develop attention fatigue during the third hour of a shift.But here is what VLMs cannot do on their own: reason about metallurgical principles, apply probabilistic risk frameworks, or understand why a surface anomaly that looks identical to yesterday’s benign variation might today represent a critical failure mode because the incoming raw material lot changed. That contextual, causal reasoning is where human expertise migrates in the software-defined factory.The veteran inspector’s job description does not disappear. It evolves. They stop being the primary observer and become the primary teacher, the person who instructs the model on what the anomaly actually means, not just what it looks like. This is a profound shift in cognitive demand, and manufacturing organizations are largely unprepared for it.The Floor-Side Prompt EngineerConsider what this means practically. The next generation of quality technicians will need a skill set that has never appeared on a manufacturing job posting: semantic reasoning. They must be able to articulate, with precision, the logic behind an inspection decision in a form that a language model can learn from and generalize across conditions.Research from the Manufacturing Institute has consistently shown that the skills gap in manufacturing is widening, but the conversation has centered almost entirely on technical trades and machine operation. The emerging gap is cognitive and linguistic. How do you describe to a model that a 0.3mm surface depression is acceptable on a cast iron housing but unacceptable on an aerospace aluminum billet, and why the difference is not just dimensional but structural and contextual?The floor-side prompt engineer is not a programmer. They are a domain expert who has learned to externalize tacit knowledge into explicit, machinelegible reasoning chains. Companies that identify and develop these people now will have a structural advantage that compounds over time.Scale Through Spatial AIThe talent gap that has haunted manufacturing is not simply a quantity problem. It is a distribution problem. Deep expertise is concentrated in individuals, and those individuals can only be in one place at one time.Spatial AI changes this arithmetic fundamentally. By integrating 3D point cloud data into inspection and oversight workflows, a single specialist By Dijam Panigrahi, Co-founder and COO, GridRaster

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 59 INSIGHTcan maintain meaningful, high-fidelity oversight of multiple digital twins simultaneously. Instead of walking the floor to physically inspect ten machining cells, they monitor spatial representations of all ten, intervening with human judgment only when the AI flags an anomaly that requires contextual reasoning rather than rule application.According to analysis from McKinsey’s manufacturing practice, advanced digital twin deployments can increase the effective supervisory span of skilled workers by significant multiples. The implication is that you do not necessarily need to replace a retiring expert with another expert. You need to restructure the workflow so that one expert’s knowledge can be applied across the scale that the business actually requires.This is not a theoretical future. Manufacturers deploying spatial computing platforms are beginning to see this dynamic emerge in their quality and maintenance organizations right now.The End of the Brittle FactoryTraditional rule-based automation in manufacturing has a well-documented weakness: it is brittle. A production line calibrated for one grade of steel becomes unreliable when the supplier delivers a slightly different alloy. An inspection system tuned for summer ambient conditions drifts when the facility gets cold in January. Every shift in inputs requires human recalibration, and recalibration is slow, expensive, and dependent on exactly the scarce expertise organizations are losing to retirement.A software-defined workforce, where human specialists are orchestrating adaptive AI systems rather than manually executing fixed procedures, is structurally more resilient. VLMs trained on diverse conditions generalize better than rigid rule sets. Human AI Orchestrators who understand why the model is uncertain can intervene intelligently rather than waiting for a formal recalibration cycle.The manufacturing organizations that will lead through the next decade are the ones making this transition deliberately, defining the SoftwareDefined Technician role explicitly, building training pathways for it, and redesigning workflows around human-AI collaboration rather than hoping the two will integrate organically. For branding & advĞƌƟƐŝŶŐŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐcall: +91 9867082832/+91 9833373371 or email: [email protected] www.mtwmag.com www.isrmag.com www.cuttingtoolsworld.com www.bearingreview.comENHANCE YOUR VISIBILITY AND BRAND RECALLTHROUGH OUR PUBLICATIONSDijam PanigrahiCo-founder and COO, GridRasterFor more information visit: www.mtwmag.com

60 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comFrom Vision to Collective SuccessEvery transformational milestone begins with a clear vision-but it achieves success only when that vision is embraced, strengthened, and executed by a committed team. The successful manufacturing of GROB India’s first India made machine stands as a powerful example of how one guiding vision, supported by many capable hands and minds, can translate ambition into achievement.What started as a focused intent to localize manufacturing and build world class capability in India was realized through the collective ownership, expertise, and dedication of teams across the organization. Leadership direction provided clarity and purpose, while cross functional collaboration ensured that the vision was executed with discipline, precision, and consistency.This milestone is therefore not an endpoint, but a strong beginning. It reflects how aligned leadership and empowered teams can deliver results today-while laying the groundwork for many more innovations, capabilities, and successes in the future.As GROB India continues to grow, this achievement reinforces a shared belief: when a clear vision is carried forward by a united team, the possibilities for progress are limitless.“This milestone reflects a long standing vision to build strong, self reliant manufacturing capabilities in India while upholding GROB’s global standards of quality and engineering excellence. What makes this achievement truly special is how our teams across functions came together to translate this vision into reality. This is only the beginning of a much larger journey.” - L J Naidu, Managing Director, GROB IndiaBehind every manufacturing milestone lies a powerful combination of people, disciplined processes, and a shared purpose. At GROB India, this philosophy has translated into a landmark achievement-the successful manufacturing of its first India made machine, marking a defining moment in the company’s journey in India.More than a technical accomplishment, this milestone represents the coming together of engineering excellence, structured execution, and cross functional collaboration. It stands as proof that when global standards are combined with local capability and passion, the result is manufacturing excellence that meets world class benchmarks.Manufacturing a machine locally is a complex undertaking, demanding precision planning, close coordination, and unwavering focus. At the heart of this success are the GROB India teamsfrom engineering and manufacturing to quality, operations, and support-working in seamless alignment to turn vision into reality.Each phase of the building reflected a strong sense IN FOCUSPeople and Process at the CoreGROB IndiaManufactures Its First India Made MachineGerman engineering excellence meets Indian capability as GROB India reaches a defining manufacturing milestonepowered by people, precision, and process discipline.

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 61 IN FOCUS“When people and processes work in harmony, world class manufacturing follows.”of ownership, accountability, and teamwork. Challenges were addressed through structured problem solving, technical expertise, and continuous communication, reinforcing a core belief at GROB India: people are the true drivers of manufacturing excellence.The successful build stands as a strong example of process driven execution. Robust planning, standardized workflows, and adherence to proven methodologies ensured consistency from design and assembly through testing and validation.Every component and integration step was executed with meticulous attention to detail, reinforcing GROB’s quality first mindset. Global benchmarks for performance, safety, and reliability were followed rigorously ensuring the machine aligns fully with GROB’s worldwide standards.This milestone strongly reflects GROB India’s vision and mission:• Building world class manufacturing capabilities in India• Delivering uncompromising quality and precision• Driving innovation to global standards, built in India• As GROB India celebrates this proud achievement, the focus now turns to the future. The first India made machine lays a strong foundation for further localization, innovation, and capability building. With continued emphasis on technology, talent, and teamwork, GROB India remains committed to shaping the future of manufacturingcontributing meaningfully to India’s growing industrial ecosystem.

62 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comPRODUCTS SHOWCASEPRODUCTS SHOWCASEMECO 3⅚ DIGITS 6000 COUNTS 1000A AC TRMS AND 1000A DC/AC TRMS DIGITAL CLAMPMETERS (Models : 1008P+ & 1080P+)MECO Introduced NEW 3⅚ Digits 6000 Counts Auto / Manual Ranging Digital Clampmeters (Models: 1008P+ & 1080P+).Key Features :• 1000A AC TRMS• 1000A DC (1080P+)• 1000V DC / AC TRMS• Resistance up to 60MΩ• Capacitance up to 60mF• Frequency up to 9.999MHz• Duty Cycle• Temperature• Diode Test• Audible Continuity• Data Hold• Jaw Opening: Cable Dia. 38mm (max.)• LCD with Backlight• Torchlight• NCV (LED, Buzzer & EF Strength)• Live Test• APOAccessories are One Pair of Test Leads, Two 1.5V “AAA” Battery installed, K Type Thermocouple (up to 230°C), Instruction Manual and Carrying Case. MECO 600A DC / AC TRMS DIGITAL CLAMPMETER (Model : 3690P+ AUTO)MECO Introduced NEW 3⅚ Digits 6000 Counts Digital Clampmeter (Model : 3690P+ AUTO). with Digital LCD Display with Backlight having Current Range up to 600A DC / AC TRMS and Voltage Range up to 600V DC / AC TRMS.Key Features :• 600A DC / AC – TRMS• 600V DC / AC – TRMS• Resistance up to 60MΩ• Capacitance up to 60mF• Frequency & Duty Cycle• Data Hold• Audible Continuity & Diode Test• NCV (Buzzer & EF Strength)• Backlight (White) & Torchlight• Orange Backlight for High Voltage Alert• Auto Power Off• Low Battery Indication• Jaw Opening : Cable Dia. 35mm (max.)• Safety Standard : CAT III 600V Accessories are One pair of Test Leads, Carrying Case, Two 1.5 “AAA” Battery (installed) and Instruction Manual. For details please visit our website: W: www.mecoinst.comE: [email protected] M: 9323332435 / 9324405281For details please visit our website: W: www.mecoinst.comE: [email protected] M: 9323332435 / 9324405281

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 63 PRODUCTS SHOWCASEMECO “LCR MULTIMETER - Model LCR99”MECO Introduced NEW 4 Digits 9999 Counts Auto / Manual Ranging LCR Multimeter - Model LCR99 with LCD with Auto Backlight Dual Display having Voltage Range upto 999.9V DC and 750V AC, Current Range upto 9.999A DC / AC, Resistance Range upto 99.99MΩ, Capacitance Range upto 99.99mF and Frequency Range upto 9.99MHz. Basic accuracy for DC Voltage ±(0.8% rdg + 5 dgt), AC Voltage ±(1.0% rdg + 4 dgt), DC Current ±( 1.2% rdg + 5 dgt) and AC Current ±(1.5% rdg + 5 dgt) etc.Accessories are One Pair of Test Leads, Holster, Two 1.5V “AAA” Battery installed, Instruction Manual Carrying Case & K Type Thermocouple (upto 260°C).Key Features :• LCD with Auto Backlight• Inductance, Capacitance & Resistance Test• Δ REL• Max / Min & Peak Function• Red & Green Light Indication for Input Terminal Selection• NCV Test• Bar graph• Audible Continuity & Diode Test• Auto Power Off• Data Hold• Low Battery Indication For more details please contact :MECO INSTRUMENTS PVT. LTD.W : www.mecoinst.com E : [email protected] : 093244 05281 / 093233 32435

64 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comPRODUCTS SHOWCASEFeatures of Dijet PNS REBORNHIGH-PERFORMANCE MILLING WITH DOUBLE-SIDED 10-EDGE INSERT. • In case of ap ≦ 2mm, High feed machining is possible by using 27 degree cutting edge. • 1.6 times higher feed per tooth compered with 45°face mill cutter• In case of ap > 2mmHigh efficient machining is possible by Large depth of cut 45 degree cutting edge achieve max. ap 5mm• Smooth cutting by large rake angle• φ50～φ125 with coolant hole• φ160～φ250 without coolant hole• New coating grade DS2 AND DP1 available. Compact Vertical Machining Center from LMWLTV 40 Plus Vertical Turning Center from LMWJD 1L Compact VMC features a small footprint while delivering exceptional machining efficiency. It offers axis stroke (X,Y,Z) of 700 mm × 400 mm × 320 mm and a table size of 850 mm × 400 mm. Equipped with a high-speed BT 30 spindle with 12000 rpm and a pocket tilting ATC with 21 tools, it achieves a rapid traverse rate of 48 m/min. The machine is ideal for industries such as Automobile, Electric Vehicle, Electronics, and General Engineering. LTV 40 Plus Vertical Turning Center from LMW is designed for heavyduty turning operations. It features a maximum turning length of 750 mm, 800 mm swing over bed, maximum turning diameter of 640 mm, an A2-11 spindle nose, and supported by a 12-station hydraulic turret. Enhanced chip flow and collection further boosts its performance, making it well suited to automobile, pumps & valves, and oil & gas sectors. For more details, contact:LMW Limited - Machine Tool Division, Arasur, Coimbatore – 641 407 | Email: [email protected] Product Enquiry Contact Dijet Industrial Co., Ltd.Email: [email protected]

www.mtwmag.com MAY 2026 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD 65 PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

68 MACHINE TOOLS WORLD MAY 2026 www.mtwmag.comAD INDEXCOMPANY NAME PG. NO.AACCUSHARP CUTTING TOOLS PVT. LTD. 33ACE DESIGNERS LTD. BACK COVERADDISON & CO. LTD.INNER BACK COVERAMTEX 2026 41ANAND ENGINEERS PVT. LTD. (MOLYGRAPH) 3BBLECH INDIA 2027 67CCHIRON INDIA MACHINE TOOLS PVT. LTD. 7DDIJET INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5COMPANY NAME PG. NO.GGROB MACHINE TOOLS INDIA PVT. LTD.INSIDE FRONT COVERHHOSABETTU HEAVY MACHINERY LLP 29HYDERABAD INTERNATIONAL MACHINE TOOLS & ENGINEERING EXPO 202651IINDEX EXPO 2026 57INTEC 2026 37INTER ENGINEERING EXPO 2026 66JJYOTI CNC AUTOMATION LTD.INSIDE BACK COVERCOMPANY NAME PG. NO.MMECO INSTRUMENTS PVT. LTD. 14,15PPRECISION MOTION INDUSTRIES, INC. ( PMI ) 1PUNE MACHINE TOOL EXPO 2026 47SSURFACE MODIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES PVT.LTD. (SMT)11TTAKASU SEIKI PVT. LTD. 8,9TRUCUT PRECISION TOOLS PVT. LTD.INNER FRONT COVERYYAMAZAKI MAZAK INDIA PVT. LTD.FRONT GATEFOLD

Turning / Turn-Mill Centers | Vertical Machining CentersHorizontal Machining Centers | 5-Axis Machining Centers | Multi-Tasking Machining CentersFinest Range of CNC MachinesInstallations across 62 Countries1,40,000+ Turning / Turn-Mill Centers | Vertical Machining CentersHorizontal Machining Centers | 5-Axis Machining Centers | Multi-Tasking Machining CentersFinest Range of CNC MachinesInstallations across 62 Countries1,40,000+ Turning / Turn-Mill Centers | Vertical Machining CentersHorizontal Machining Centers | 5-Axis Machining Centers | Multi-Tasking Machining CentersFinest Range of CNC MachinesInstallations across 62 Countries1,40,000+ Turning / Turn-Mill Centers | Vertical Machining CentersHorizontal Machining Centers | 5-Axis Machining Centers | Multi-Tasking Machining CentersFinest Range of CNC MachinesInstallations across 62 Countries1,40,000+ Turning / Turn-Mill Centers | Vertical Machining CentersHorizontal Machining Centers | 5-Axis Machining Centers | Multi-Tasking Machining CentersFinest Range of CNC MachinesInstallations across 62 Countries1,40,000+

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