INDEX invites you to the Open House at the iXperience Center in Deizisau from March 17 to 20, 2026. The machine manufacturer expects the leading figures in metal machining, to whom it will present state-of-the-art manufacturing technology – based on current turning-milling centers, production lathes, multi-spindle and universal lathes from the brands INDEX and TRAUB, equipped with various automation solutions.
Quadrupled output
The new TRAUB MS12-4 is a must-see – a revolutionary multi-spindle long/short turning machine for small workpieces in the diameter range of 3 to 13 mm. This machine features a completely new kinematic multi-spindle concept that does not rely on the usual spindle drum and sequential processing.
The MS12-4 is based on the principle of the TRAUB TNL12 long-turning machine, whose core components such as spindle and counter-spindle, turret and flexible tool holders (FlexWT) are essentially stacked fourfold. This allows four parts to be processed simultaneously, contributing to enormous surface productivity.
Additional advantages arise from the modular design of the TRAUB MS12-4. In addition to the full configuration with four spindles and turrets, as well as the same number of counter-spindles and flexible tool holders (FlexWT), the customer can choose further equipment variants. This allows the long-turn multi-spindle machine to be cost-effectively configured precisely to the requirements of the components.
For typical long-turned parts, where the main processing share is on the spindle side, the variant with only two counter-spindles and two FlexWT is particularly economical. This is because they each work with the two upper or the two lower main spindles and perform the backside processing of two parts in the same time that the main spindle needs for one front side – provided that the ratio of process times from counter-spindle to main spindle side does not exceed 50 percent. Thus, the machine achieves four times the output of a single long-turner despite reduced equipment.
According to customer specifications, the equipment can be further reduced or supplemented with backside units, a whirl device, and high-frequency spindle. This makes the MS12-4 predestined for any small parts such as pins, screws, discs, etc., which are needed in the medical and watchmaking industries or the electrical industry.
Small INDEX turning-milling center with large tool magazine
With the G160 turning-milling center, presented for the first time at the Open House, INDEX rounds off its current G series downwards. The machine is conceptually based on the previous G200.2 and also covers its range of parts. The INDEX G160 is controlled by the latest Siemens CNC, the Sinumerik One.
INDEX offers its new turning-milling center with a directly driven, thus highly dynamic main and counter-spindle. The customer can choose between a variant with a 42 mm bar passage – ideal for smaller, high-speed parts – and a more torque-strong spindle with a 65 mm passage.
The machine can be equipped with up to three tool carriers, all of which have a Y-axis and can work at the main and counter-spindle. The upper tool carrier always has a B-axis and can be executed as a turret or as a directly driven milling spindle. Additionally, there is a third option: a combination of turret and mechanical milling spindle – as with the previous INDEX G200.2.
An important difference: Instead of a small tool magazine with six slots, the G160 now features a tower magazine with 60 or 90 tools, which a double gripper can exchange into the milling spindle – an important element for automated production.
Automation solutions from integrated to comprehensive
For years, INDEX has placed great importance on automation solutions. At the Open House, the turning machine manufacturer showcases the full range of its offerings in this regard – from the simple linear unit with conveyor belt, through the integrated workpiece handling (WHU) with 2 CNC axes, to the robot cell iXcenter. It will be displayed in size M on an INDEX G200.2.
An even more extensive automation experience can be witnessed at the INDEX G320 turning-milling center: The machine is equipped with the iXcenter XL, and the internal tool magazine is supplemented by the external INDEX iXtools, which provides 230 additional tools. A robot ensures maximum efficiency by performing the tool change at the tool turrets, among other tasks.
Meet the experts
In conjunction with the presentation of the INDEX and TRAUB machines, INDEX invites all Open House visitors to deepen their knowledge in important technology topics. This opportunity is provided by consulting booths and discussions with experts from the fields of gearing, whirling, and grinding, as well as automation, digitization, procurement, refit, and industry management.
This time, INDEX dedicates a half-day integrated lecture event at the Open House to the topic of 'Machining Lead-Free Brass', with participation from experts from partner companies.
No lead in brass anymore
The topic of 'lead-free brass' is a concern for processing companies, as well as machine and material manufacturers. Without lead additives, brass tends to form chip nests that can impair the machining process. To avoid these, INDEX offers lathes with high coolant pressure and special CNC cycles such as the ChipMaster software, which promotes early chip breakage. Additionally, the tool should exhibit an efficient chip break topology. Participating in the lectures are not only the tool manufacturer Paul Horn but also Diehl Brass Solutions, the leading brass semi-finished product manufacturer in Germany and the world's largest manufacturer of special brass. These partners continuously collaborate with INDEX to optimize cutting parameters, processing cycles, and peripherals to ensure that users achieve qualitatively and economically optimized results.
Industry meeting around machining
The INDEX Open House is accompanied by 20 partner companies with various small exhibition stands and exhibits. Taking up a bit more space are the partners One Click Metal (INDEX is the majority shareholder here) and the Japanese premium machine tool manufacturer MAKINO, with whom INDEX maintains a global sales cooperation. One Click Metal showcases examples of holistic solutions in the field of 3D metal printing for small and medium-sized component sizes. MAKINO presents its current 4-axis machining center a40SE.
The INDEX Open House exhibition takes place from Tuesday, March 17, to Friday, March 20, each day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Friday until 4:30 PM).
Contact:
www.index-group.com/openhouse
