From 5 to 7 May 2026, WFL Millturn Technologies will open its headquarters in Linz to visitors from the metal-cutting industry. The Technology Meeting is designed as a practical event, with live machining, technical presentations and direct discussions around complete machining, automation and digital manufacturing. For users and decision-makers, the relevance lies in seeing current machine concepts and process solutions in operation rather than in theory.
The event is aimed at international visitors from industry as well as research and development. WFL places the focus on modern metal cutting across the full process chain, from machine technology and software to automation and retrofit concepts. The in-house exhibition will include live demonstrations on MILLTURN machines ranging from the M20 to the M150, giving visitors a broad view of the company’s machining portfolio. Alongside the machine demonstrations, WFL specialists will present current developments in MILLTURN technology and discuss practical manufacturing strategies. That combination of machine access and technical exchange gives the event a clear operational angle, especially for companies evaluating how to improve flexibility, process stability and output in complete machining.
The new M70 expands the range for large workpieces
A central topic at the event is the new M70 MILLTURN, a multifunctional turning, boring and milling machine developed for large and heavy components. The machine is designed for workpieces with a centre distance of up to 8,000 mm, a maximum swing diameter of 850 mm and a weight of up to 5.5 tonnes. That places it in an application range that includes long shafts, solid housings and complex chuck parts, all on one platform.
Technically, the machine combines a turning machine with a 5-axis machining centre and can also be configured for gear cutting or deep-hole drilling. The main spindle provides up to 5,860 Nm of torque at speeds of up to 2,500 rpm. According to WFL, the design includes a cast spindle housing, stable spindle bearing and a backlash-free holding brake to maintain rigidity, including in demanding materials such as Inconel or titanium. The milling unit delivers up to 58 kW, reaches 8,000 rpm and offers a maximum torque of 640 Nm. A notable feature is the interpolating B-axis with a swivel range of 220 degrees and a holding torque of 15,000 Nm, intended for the use of long and heavy boring bars in a stable prism interface. Internal coolant supply of up to 200 bar supports applications such as deep-hole drilling.
Measuring and monitoring support process stability
Although the M70 is built for large dimensions, WFL also positions the machine around consistent machining quality and process control. The machine uses high-resolution direct measuring systems in all axes, combined with a structurally optimised grey cast iron frame with integrated vibration damping. In practical terms, that machine structure is intended to support stable cutting conditions, particularly in long and demanding machining operations where vibration and thermal effects can influence component quality and tool performance.
Integrated measuring probes allow workpieces to be measured directly in the working area, after which deviations can be corrected automatically. This reduces the need to move parts to separate measuring stations and helps keep the process chain compact. WFL also highlights its iControl software, which continuously monitors cutting force. For users, that kind of monitoring is especially relevant in unmanned or lightly staffed production, where early detection of process deviations can help avoid scrap, tool damage or unplanned stoppages. The overall concept behind the M70 is therefore not only machine capacity, but also the combination of flexibility and process reliability in one setup. WFL presents this as a way to reduce changeovers and lead times across both small batches and larger series.
Automation beyond simple handling
Automation is the second major pillar of the Technology Meeting. WFL presents automation not as an add-on, but as part of a broader production concept that links machining, handling and process control. The M70 is designed for continuous 24/7 production, and WFL states that many of its other machine models are also configured to raise output and lower production costs through tailored automation solutions.
The company emphasises that automation concepts must be matched to the user’s production environment. That applies to new installations as well as the expansion of existing systems. During the event, visitors will be able to see examples of multiple interlinking and articulated robot integration in live operation. These demonstrations are intended to show how machining steps can be linked without manual intervention, reducing idle time and supporting consistent component quality. WFL also uses the event to underline a broader shift in customer demand, from individual machines toward turnkey production systems that map complete processes. In that context, automation is not limited to loading and unloading. It also concerns coordinated control concepts, process continuity and the ability to run complex manufacturing systems with a high degree of reliability. WFL’s specialists will be available throughout the event to discuss these automation approaches in detail.
Broader programme around tooling, software and process know-how
In addition to WFL’s own machine and automation presentations, the event includes a wider exhibition programme with technology partners from different parts of the process chain. Confirmed exhibitors include suppliers in tooling, clamping, measurement, lubrication, software and machine accessories, among them Blum, botek, Haimer, Hainbuch, ISCAR Austria, Kennametal, Renishaw, Sandvik Coromant, Siemens, SMW Autoblok and Zoller.
This broader setup gives visitors access not only to machine demonstrations, but also to the peripheral technologies that often determine how effectively a machining concept performs in day-to-day production. The programme will also include multilingual tours, specialist presentations and further live demonstrations over the three days. For visitors from production, engineering and management, that creates a setting in which machine design, process engineering and automation can be viewed together, with immediate reference to practical implementation on the shop floor.
