Where Automation meets Machining Excellence

Under the motto "Where Automation Meets Machining Excellence", the CHIRON Group will demonstrate at OPEN HOUSE 2026 how manufacturers can achieve more productivity, flexibility and autonomy in production. The focus is on fully integrated systems that combine machining centers with advanced automation – supporting both micromachining and large workpiece applications.

Visitors in Tuttlingen from April 21–23 will experience several highlights live, including the new Variocell SYSTEM with Gantry Bot, three automation solutions for the Micro5 XL, and the MT 715, a versatile platform for mill-turn operations.

Variocell SYSTEM: Scalable gantry automation for large workpieces

One of the highlights in the Automation Area and visible right from the reception area of the OPEN HOUSE is the new Variocell SYSTEM with Gantry Bot, handling a gearbox housing for mechanical engineering on a FZ 19 S mill turn. The advantages of this innovative gantry automation are easy to see in this setup: The system works quickly and precisely, has a significantly greater reach than an industrial robot with a comparable mass and, thanks to its smart design, offers the same level of flexibility. Loading is carried out from above, without taking up space in the working area. Visitors, operators, and maintenance teams can move freely and safely underneath the automation system and around the machinet.

What else sets the new portal automation with Gantry Bot "powered by Güdel" apart? Its scalability and nearly unlimited options for individual configuration. The Variocell SYSTEM can be used flexibly with machining centers in the 15 to 25 Series and the MILL line – both for individual machines and for networked manufacturing solutions. For example, it can support two identical machines for distributed production steps OP10 and OP20 or handle different machines for separate processest.

The machining centers can be arranged freely, with access from the front, rear or side. The same flexibility applies to the integration of storage systems for raw and finished parts, which can also be adapted to fit your production strategy. Another advantage: programming directly via the HMI of the production center in G-code – without special robot knowledge and in a familiar operating environment.

Micro5 XL: Productive micromachining with automation in three variants

In the Medical & Precision Area, the "Precision Beast" – as the Micro5 XL is referred to in a recent campaign – shows its full potential in 5-axis simultaneous HSC machining. Showcasing the production of a "Bone Watch" with elements from precision and medical technology, it becomes clear that precision does not need mass, but a machine concept that perfectly combines dynamics, stability and efficiency.

At the OPEN HOUSE, the CHIRON Group presents three automation variants for the Micro5 XL. Each solution offers high storage capacity within a very compact footprint and is ready for immediate use as an integrated unit with the Micro5 XL.

In a live production setup, the Variocell PICK&PLACE handles both the raw and finished parts of the bone watches. Equipped with a double gripper, the linear system processes workpieces up to 2.5 kg with a maximum interference circle of 145 mm. The pallet storage system is designed as a trolley for efficient setup and, depending on the component height, accommodates up to 24 basic pallets in the format 400 x 300 mmt.

A second automation variant for micromachining is the new Variocell PALLET: It automatically feeds pre-prepared zero-point pallets, including fixtures and workpieces, into and out of the machine. The pallets are picked up in the C-axis using a zero-point clamping system and can be clearly identified via RFID. The integrated storage unit holds up to 16 pallets, with a maximum workpiece cube of approx. 120 mm.

As a third option, the Variocell UNO adds additional flexibility to automated processing. A 6-axis robot handles raw and finished parts, as well as other process steps such as turning, labeling or measuring. Workpieces up to 1.5 kg can be handled with a double gripper, and up to 2.5 kg with a single gripper.

MT 715: Flexible milling-turning machine for small and medium-sized series

Requirements such as decreasing batch sizes, high workpiece quality, and short call-off times demand manufacturing solutions that are both productive and flexible. To meet these needs, the CHIRON Group presents the MT 715 machine variants, an efficient overall system for versatile complete machining.

More flexibility in production – on one machine: This is what the integration of milling, turning and gearing enables gear hobbing, skiving, gear slotting or impact tooth milling can be integrated individually or in combination, depending on the component geometry and machining requirements.

Workpiece changes for components up to 65 kg are automated on the MT 715 via the integrated linear handling system. The tool storage holds 64 or 128 tools with a length of up to 250 mm – or up to 176 tools with a length of up to 450 mm.

At the OPEN HOUSE, the focus will be on another option with the MT 715: machining longer shaft parts up to 100 mm in diameter and 1,400 mm in length from the bar – in a continuous process. For these applications, the working area has been extended to a width of 1,550 mm. The second machining unit of the types MT 715 two and MT 715 two⁺ can be equipped with a turret for up to twelve tools. This brings more possibilities for additional processing capabilities across all applications. In combination with a bezel, even long or filigree waves can be machined with stability – ensuring consistently precise results.

5Xcellence: Core competence of the CHIRON Group for demanding manufacturing tasks

Machining complex geometries in a single setup, reducing set-up efforts, and at the same time achieving the highest precision and surface quality: this is what the CHIRON Group stands for 5Xcellence. 5-axis machining is a key factor in sustainably increasing productivity, process reliability, and component quality. At the OPEN HOUSE 2026, the CHIRON Group will demonstrate its expertise with exemplary solutions – from the Micro5 to the FZ 16 S five axis.

However, to make 5-axis machining a real economic advantage, you need more than just the right machining center. The decisive factor is the interaction of all elements in the process – from the machine and kinematics to clamping technology and tool strategy to the measuring concept and automation. "The benefits are not created by the machine alone, but by the entire system," says Matthias Rapp, Vice President Global Marketing at the CHIRON Group. To support this, experts provide information and advice directly on production solutions for various target industries.