Where Automation Meets Machining Excellence: From April 21 to 23, the CHIRON Group will host its in-house exhibition at its headquarters in Tuttlingen, Germany, showcasing the perfect interplay between machining excellence and intelligent automation.
How does the CHIRON Group implement its system expertise and what else can the trade audience expect? Martin Engels, CSO a. i., provides an overview: "Our OPEN HOUSE 2026 will focus consistently on automation and 5-axis technology. We will demonstrate how high-precision machining and intelligent automation can be combined to create scalable, economical complete systems – from the Micro5 and Micro5 XL for demanding precision parts to the MT 715 for mill-turning complex shaft parts in continuous processes. Our ambition is to significantly increase productivity, flexibility, and autonomy in manufacturing. In addition, we will present attractive solutions tailored to specific investment scenarios in the Exclusive Outlet Area."
Where Automation Meets Machining Excellence – Meets Innovation
One highlight in the Automation Area is the new, highly flexible Variocell SYSTEM gantry automation solution for applications in e-mobility, off-highway, and aerospace. This automation technology is an in-house development of the CHIRON Group, "powered by Güdel," and is designed for payloads of up to 70 kg. The intelligent use of the mechanical axes in simultaneous motion provides the same degrees of freedom as a conventional industrial robot.
Its advantages over conventional robot automation become immediately clear during live operation, for example when handling a workpiece for mechanical engineering on an FZ 19 S mill-turn machine. The loading system is fast, lightweight, and precise. It requires significantly less floor space while keeping the work area fully accessible. Operation and programming are carried out directly via the machining center’s HMI using G-code, eliminating the need for specialized automation expertise.
Flexibility is another defining strength of the Variocell SYSTEM. It can be integrated with machining centers from the 15 to 25 Series as well as the MILL Series. The configuration is tailored to the specific production strategy from standalone applications to networked solutions with multiple machines. For example, one machine can be directly loaded for OP10 and another for OP20, or different machining centers can be combined to manage various processes within a single production setup.
The CHIRON Group will also present the new hybrid Variocell UNO, which is designed for ease of use. The system features two changeover systems - gripper and fixture - enabling fast and automated changeover of different component families and quantities, down to batch size one, on the 08, 12, and 15 Series machining centers. Production can therefore run largely autonomously, with extended machine operating times even when personnel levels are reduced during the third shift or on weekends. The high repeat accuracy of the changeover systems guarantees stable, reproducible processes and ensures a high level of process reliability.
Automation for the Micro5 XL: more autonomy in three variants
Also in the Automation Area, the new Micro5 XL demonstrates its strengths in 5-axis simultaneous HSC machining for demanding industries such as medical technology, precision technology, and electronics. It produces intricate structures with excellent surface quality and precision. The Variocell PICK&PLACE - one of three new automation variants designed to increase autonomy in micromachining – feeds raw parts into the clamping device and deposits the finished bone watch components (trade fair demonstration part) into the storage area. This productive combination – together with the Variocell PALLET variants for handling zero-point pallets and the Variocell UNO with robot handling for raw and finished parts as well as additional tasks - is delivered as a complete unit and is ready for immediate operation.
5Xcellence: 5-Axis machining for demanding production tasks
Machining complex geometries in a single clamping operation - with high precision, surface quality, and process efficiency: at the CHIRON Group, “five-axis” represents this exact performance matrix. The spectrum ranges from the Micro5 for delicate components in medical and precision technology to the DZ 22 W five axis machining center with a 600 mm spindle distance for machining large-volume components in the automotive and aerospace industries.
On the MT 715 two+, with integrated storage for 176 tools, the CHIRON Group demonstrates the possibilities for producing shaft parts “extended” up to 1,400 mm. In the extended working area with a width of 1,550 mm, for example, milling spindles and transmission shafts for mechanical engineering or rotor shafts for e-mobility can be produced in a continuous process. The turret of the second machining unit accommodates up to 12 tools – increasing productivity and process flexibility.
Also on show, live under chip removal: the FZ 15 W producing inverter housings with milling and friction stir welding in a single clamping operation.
Exclusive Outlet Area: High performance at top conditions
Whether for applications in automotive, medical technology, aerospace, precision technology, tool manufacturing, or mechanical engineering: In the new Exclusive Outlet Area, the CHIRON Group literally rolls out the red carpet for anyone looking for high-performance manufacturing solutions at attractive conditions. In this area, the team will also provide information on the individual refurbishment of existing machines and interactively present additional machining centers from the machine pool.
The experts in the Service Expertise Area will also offer inspiration for optimized manufacturing practices. Among other topics, they will provide guidance on spindle repair, coordinated service agreements, and the myCHIRON customer portal with an integrated spare parts e-shop. The Digital Solutions competence area will provide advice on SmartServices and SmartLine and present the optimized TouchLine user interface. OPEN HOUSE 2026 will be rounded off by a daily lecture program and an exhibition featuring 35 quality partners from across the entire metalworking value chain.
According to Matthias Rapp:
"As always, the most important thing is personal dialogue. Engaging in conversation, understanding requirements and jointly developing viable concepts for efficient and future-proof production. This is what the CHIRON Group stands for, and we cordially invite you to join us.“
Register and make an appointment at:
chiron-group.com/en/news/fairs-and-events/chiron-group-open-house-2026
The CHIRON Group, headquartered in Tuttlingen, is a global company specializing in CNC vertical milling and mill-turn machining centers, as well as turnkey manufacturing solutions. The Group has a global presence, with production and development sites, sales and service subsidiaries, and sales agencies worldwide. Around two thirds of machines and solutions that are sold are exported. Key customer sectors are the automotive, mechanical engineering, medicine and precision engineering, aerospace industries and tool production.
Contact person for editors:
CHIRON Group SE
Melanie Buschle
Kreuzstraße 75, 78532 Tuttlingen, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)7461 940-3255
Mail: [email protected]
www.chiron-group.com