At IMTS 2026, INDEX Corporation will present manufacturers with a variety of strategies to streamline production. Visitors to the company's booth (339119) in the South Building will witness the North American debut of multiple new machines, including an entirely new design concept tailored to small part production. The company will also demonstrate its full portfolio of proven advanced machine technologies, as well as provide insight into how manufacturers can produce every job faster to maximize profitability.
"When we say every job faster, we are talking about the comprehensive perspective that manufacturers need to embrace to ship good parts as quickly as possible," said Michael Huggett, President and CEO of INDEX. "Cycle time reduction is a vital part of that, but it alone cannot get a company to maximum profitability. With the technologies and experts we are bringing to IMTS, we are asking attendees to tell us about the parts they need to produce, then demonstrating how they can achieve the mix of cycle time, quality, reliability, and automation needed to get the best possible result."
At the show, the TRAUB MS12-4 CNC multispindle will stand out as an entirely new machine concept making its North American debut. The machine effectively combines four TRAUB TNL12 single-spindle sliding headstock lathes into one machine with four primary spindles, four tool turrets, two or four counter spindles, and up to four Flex-WT flexible tool carriers. A flexible, modular design enables the MS12-4 to be optimized for a manufacturer's specific production needs.
The MS12-4 brings the low cycle times and reliably precise performance of CNC multi-spindles to applications that are poor candidates for a drum-style multi-spindle. For example, it can be difficult or impossible to evenly distribute machining of a part across six or eight spindles when a specialized process accounts for a disproportionate amount of cycle time. Because the stations of the MS12-4 concurrently produce fully finished parts, the machine allows optimization of a broader variety of components. Additionally, the inclusion of sliding headstocks for each of the machine's spindles allows the productivity of a multi-spindle to be achieved for long, thin parts, such as bone screws and small electrical components.
The INDEX G160 5-axis turn mill will also be demonstrated for the first time in North America. Built on a rigid, vibration-damping machine bed, the G160 incorporates a pair of highly dynamic direct-drive spindles, available with bar clearances of 1.64" (42 mm) or 2.56" (65 mm). An upper tool carrier with a B-axis and direct-drive milling spindle enables full 5-axis machining while two lower tool turrets are capable of serving either of the machine's spindles. Manufacturers not requiring robust 5-axis capabilities can optionally select to replace the milling spindle with an upper tool turret. The machine is easily integrated with a variety of automation solutions and offers an assortment of options. Together, these features allow the G160 to be optimized for a diverse range of small, complex parts across all industry segments.
Visitors to INDEX's booth will have the opportunity to see its C200 production turning center from a new perspective. The machine will be on display with a plexiglass rear panel to provide visibility into its unique kinematics. Specifically, the C200 incorporates the INDEX SingleSlide system, which provides two degrees of movement in a single plane. This proprietary design enables high dynamic response while achieving increased vibration damping, resulting in shorter cycle times, improved part quality, and up to 30% increases to tool life.
INDEX will also be showcasing the MS24-8, the latest evolution of the company's family of drum-style CNC multi-spindles. With W-serration toolholders for quick set-ups and changeovers, eight main spindles, and up to two swiveling synchronous spindles, the machine remains the fastest, most reliable means of production for a wide swath of small parts, the company reported.
At the other end of the size spectrum, the G320 CNC turn mill for large parts will be on display. While only the middle child of the G Series of machines, the G320 will be the largest of the family that INDEX has brought to IMTS, accommodating turning lengths of up to 55.1" (1,400 mm) and diameters up to 9.8" (250 mm). Featuring high thermal and mechanical stability, high tool capacity, and full 5-axis machining capabilities, the machine offers enhanced performance for large, complex workpieces with demanding quality requirements.
Additionally, INDEX will also demonstrate its TRAUB TNL20 turning center, which can quickly and easily change over between sliding-headstock and fixed-headstock operation. An optimal solution for many parts requiring Swiss-type turning, the TNL20 is available in three distinct variations. The standard TNL20-9 provides simultaneous and precise machining with up to three tools. The TNL20-9B incorporates a B axis to enable the machining of highly complex part geometries. The TNL20-11 provides an additional front working attachment that enables simultaneous machining with up to four tools for even higher productivity.
Visitors to the INDEX booth will also learn about the latest additions to the company's iXworld cloud-based platform, which includes the iX4.0 productivity apps, iXservice portal, and iXshop procurement portal. One Click Metal, a subsidiary of INDEX specializing in safe, affordable, and easy-to-use 3D printing systems, will be located in the booth as well. Representatives from HORN USA will also be on hand to discuss tooling provided for cutting demonstrations within the booth.
For more information contact:
INDEX Corporation
14700 North Pointe Blvd.
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-770-6300
sales@index-usa.com
www.index-usa.com
IMTS South Building, Level 3
Booth 339119