Under the guiding theme 'Where Automation Meets Machining Excellence', the CHIRON Group demonstrates at OPEN HOUSE 2026 how to achieve greater productivity, flexibility, and autonomy in manufacturing. With coordinated overall systems of machining centers and innovative automation - for micro-machining as well as for large workpieces.
The new Variocell SYSTEM with Gantry Bot, three automation variants for the Micro5 XL, and the MT 715 as a versatile solution for milling-turning operations: just some of the highlights that visitors can experience live in Tuttlingen from April 21 to 23.
Variocell SYSTEM: Scalable portal automation for large workpieces
A highlight in the Automation Area and visible directly from the reception area of the OPEN HOUSE: The new Variocell SYSTEM with Gantry Bot handling a gearbox housing for machine construction on an FZ 19 S mill turn. The advantages of the innovative portal automation are clearly visible in this exemplary combination: The system operates quickly and precisely, has a significantly larger reach than an industrial robot with comparable mass, and still offers the same degrees of freedom thanks to intelligent design.
Loading is done from above, without taking up space in the work environment. The professional audience and later operators and maintenance personnel can move freely and safely under the automation and at the machine.
What distinguishes the new portal automation with Gantry Bot 'powered by Güdel'? Its scalability and the nearly unlimited options for individual configuration: The Variocell SYSTEM can be flexibly used for machining centers of series 15 to 25 and MILL - both for individual machines and for networked manufacturing solutions. For example, at two identical machines for distributed manufacturing steps OP10 and OP20 or for loading different machines for separate processes.
The manufacturing centers can be arranged freely, with access from the front, back, or side. The same applies to the integration of storage systems for raw and finished parts, which can also be flexibly integrated depending on the production strategy. Another advantage: programming directly via the HMI of the manufacturing center in G-Code - without special robot knowledge and in the familiar operating logic.
Micro5 XL: Productive micro-machining with automation in three variants
In the Medical & Precision Area, the 'Precision Beast' - as the Micro5 XL is referred to in a current campaign - showcases its strengths in 5-axis simultaneous HSC machining. At the showcase of a 'Bone Watch' with elements from precision and medical technology, it becomes clear: Precision does not require mass, but a machine concept that perfectly combines dynamics, stability, and efficiency.
For the Micro5 XL, the CHIRON Group presents three automation variants at the OPEN HOUSE. All three offer high storage capacity on a very compact footprint and are ready for immediate use as an integrated unit with the Micro5 XL.
In productive live combination, the Variocell PICK&PLACE handles the raw and finished parts of the Bone Watches. The linear system with double gripper reliably handles workpieces up to 2.5 kg with a maximum interference circle of 145 mm. The pallet storage is designed as a cart for efficient setup and can accommodate up to 24 basic pallets in the format of 400 x 300 mm, depending on the component height.
A second variant for automated micro-machining is the new Variocell PALLET: It automatically feeds pre-equipped zero-point pallets, including fixtures and workpieces, into and out of the machine. The pallets are picked up via a zero-point clamping system in the C-axis and can be uniquely identified via RFID. The integrated storage can hold up to 16 pallets with a maximum workpiece cube of approximately 120 mm.
As a third option, the Variocell UNO expands automated machining with additional degrees of freedom. A 6-axis robot takes over the handling of raw and finished parts as well as further process steps - such as turning, labeling, or measuring. With a double gripper, workpieces up to 1.5 kg can be handled, and with a single gripper, up to 2.5 kg.
MT 715: Flexible milling-turning machining for small and medium series
Requirements such as decreasing batch sizes, high workpiece quality, and short lead times demand manufacturing solutions that are both productive and flexible. For this, the CHIRON Group presents an efficient overall system for versatile complete machining with the machine variants of the MT 715.
More flexibility in manufacturing - on one machine: This is exemplified by the process integration of milling, turning, and gear cutting. Gear milling, gear hobbing, gear shaping, or gear broaching can be integrated individually or in combination depending on the component geometry and machining task.
The workpiece change for components up to 65 kg is automated at the MT 715 via the integrated linear handling system. The tool storage can hold 64 or 128 tools with a length of up to 250 mm - or 176 tools with a length of up to 450 mm.
At the OPEN HOUSE, another option with the MT 715 is in focus: 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 space has been expanded to a width of 1,550 mm. The second processing unit of the types MT 715 two and MT 715 two+ can be equipped with a revolver for up to twelve tools.
This brings more possibilities for complementary processing across all applications. In combination with a tailstock, long or delicate shafts can be processed stably – with consistently precise results.
5Xcellence: Core competence of the CHIRON Group for demanding manufacturing tasks
Processing complex geometries in a single setup, reducing setup times while achieving the highest precision and surface quality: This is what 5Xcellence stands for at the CHIRON Group. 5-axis machining is a central 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 true economic advantage, more than just the right machining center is needed. The interplay of all factors in the process is crucial – from machine and kinematics to clamping technology and tool strategy, as well as measurement concepts and automation. 'The benefit does not arise in isolation through the machine, but through the entire system,' says Matthias Rapp, Vice President Global Marketing of the CHIRON Group. Experts provide information and advice directly at the manufacturing solutions for different target industries.
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