March 17-20: INDEX to Host Open House 2026 in Germany Focusing on Innovations for More Efficient Machining
March 20, 2026When times are challenging for the machining industry, technological innovation becomes all the more important. At Open House 2026, taking place from March 17 to 20, 2026 at the iXperience Center in Deizisau, Germany, INDEX will be presenting two highly efficient world premieres: the TRAUB MS12-4 multispindle sliding headstock turning machine and the INDEX G160 turn-mill center, among other highlights. Strong interest is also expected in the integrated information event focusing on the topic of machining lead-free brass.
Increased Output
"One must-see highlight is the new TRAUB MS12-4 – a revolutionary sliding/fixed headstock turning machine with a multispindle design for small workpieces with a diameter range of 3 to 13 mm," a company spokesperson said. "This machine is based on a completely new kinematic multispindle concept that does not rely on the legacy spindle drum and sequential machining. Instead, the MS12-4 follows the principle of the TRAUB TNL12 sliding headstock turning machine, whose core components, such as main and counter spindles, turrets, and flexible tool carriers (FlexWT), are, in effect, vertically stacked four times over. This makes it possible to machine four parts simultaneously, significantly increasing productivity per unit area."
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 four counter spindles and flexible tool carriers (FlexWT), customers can choose from further equipment variants. This means that the sliding headstock multispindle turning machine can be precisely configured to the component requirements in a cost-efficient manner.
For typical sliding-headstock parts, where the main share of machining takes place on the spindle side, the version with just two counter spindles and two FlexWTs is particularly economical. In this configuration, the counter spindles and tool carriers are assigned to either the two upper or the two lower main spindles and carry out the back end machining of two parts in the same time that the main spindles require for front end machining – assuming that the ratio of counter spindle to main spindle process times does not exceed 50 percent. In this way, the machine achieves four times the output of a single sliding headstock turning machine despite the reduced configuration.
Depending entirely on customer requirements, the equipment can be reduced even further or supplemented with back working units, a whirling unit, and a high-frequency spindle. This makes the MS12-4 suitable for all types of small components – such as pins, screws, discs, and similar parts – used in medical and watchmaking technology, as well as in the electrical industry.
Small INDEX Turn-Mill Center with Large Tool Magazine
"The G160 turn-mill center, presented for the first time at the Open House, sees INDEX round out the lower end of its current G range," a company spokesperson noted. "Conceptually, the machine is based on the previous G200.2 and also covers its spectrum of parts. The INDEX G160 is controlled by the latest Siemens Sinumerik One CNC."
INDEX offers its new turn-mill center with directly driven, and therefore highly dynamic, main and counter spindles. Customers can choose between a version with 42 mm bar clearance – suitable for smaller, high-speed parts – and a higher-torque spindle with 65 mm bar clearance.
The machine can be equipped with up to three tool carriers, all featuring a Y axis and capable of operating on both the main and counter spindles. The upper tool carrier always includes a B axis and can be configured either as a turret or as a directly driven milling spindle.
A third option is also available: a combination of turret and mechanical milling spindle, as on the previous INDEX G200.2. With one key difference: Instead of a small six-position tool magazine, the G160 now features a tower magazine holding 60 or 90 tools, which can be loaded into the milling spindle by a double gripper – an important element for automated production.
Automation Solutions from Integrated to Turnkey
INDEX has long recognized the importance of automation solutions. At the Open House, the turning machine manufacturer will demonstrate the entire spectrum of automation options – ranging from a simple linear unit with conveyor belt, through an integrated workpiece handling unit (WHU) with two CNC axes, all the way up to the iXcenter robot cell. The size M iXcenter will be on display on an INDEX G200.2.
An even more extensive automation setup can be experienced on the INDEX G320 turn-mill center. The machine is equipped with the iXcenter XL, and the internal tool magazine is supplemented by the external INDEX iXtools, providing an additional 230 tools. Maximum efficiency is ensured by a robot that, among other tasks, handles tool changes on the tool turrets.
Meet the Experts
Alongside the demonstration of INDEX and TRAUB machines, INDEX is inviting all Open House visitors to consolidate their knowledge of important technological subjects. Advisory stations and expert discussions will be available on gear cutting, whirling, and grinding, as well as automation, digitization, procurement, refit, and industry management.
This year, INDEX is devoting a half-day keynote program integrated into the Open House to the topic of machining lead-free brass, with experts from partner companies also taking part.
No More Lead in Brass
The topic of lead-free brass is a pressing concern not only for machining companies, but also for machine and material manufacturers. Without the addition of lead, brass tends to form chip nests, which can impair the machining process.
To prevent this, INDEX offers turning machines with high cooling lubricant pressure and special CNC cycles such as the ChipMaster software, which promotes early chip breakage.
In addition, the cutting tool should have an efficient chip breaking geometry. Alongside tool manufacturer Paul Horn, Diehl Brass Solutions, Germany's leading producer of brass semi-finished products and the world’s largest manufacturer of special brass alloys, is also taking part in the keynotes. These partners work continuously with INDEX to optimize cutting parameters, machining cycles, and peripheral equipment, enabling users to achieve results that are optimized in terms of both quality and cost-efficiency.
Industry Event for All Aspects of Machining
Twenty partner companies will host various small booths and product displays at the INDEX Open House. Some exhibitors will have a larger presence, including One Click Metal (where INDEX holds a majority stake) and the Japanese premium machine tool manufacturer MAKINO, with whom INDEX maintains a global sales cooperation.
One Click Metal will present comprehensive solutions in the field of metal 3D printing for small and medium-sized components. MAKINO will present its current 4-axis a40SE machining center.
The INDEX Open House exhibition is Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ending at 4:30 p.m. on Friday). Guests are invited to a sundowner in a cozy atmosphere Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
More information available at www.index-group.com/openhouse
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