Precision Machining Technology Review – March 2026: Latest Innovations & Supplier Highlights

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase to highlight new product information that PM has received from supplier companies. For the latest new products across the broad spectrum of precision machining, check out Production Machining’s New Products online.

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Read PM’s Precision Machining Technology Review February 2026.

HCL CAM Software Update Adds Swiss-Type Functionality

Source: HCLSoftware

HCLSoftware announces the release of Swiss machining functionality in CAMWorks 2026, providing advanced automation and precision for Swiss-style CNC machines.

Programming Swiss-style CNC machines machines has traditionally been complex and time intensive, the company says. HCL CAMWorks addresses these challenges with an integrated, automated and user-friendly solution designed to streamline Swiss machining workflows.

HCL CAMWorks 2026 offers flexibility as a fully integrated CAD/CAM solution or as a standalone CAM system. Full integration with industry-leading CAD systems — including SolidWorks, 3DExperience SolidWorks and Solid Edge — provides seamless workflows because the CAD and CAM data for part files are saved in a single file, ensuring that toolpaths update automatically when design changes occur.

SMW Autoblok Mechatronic Grippers Feature High Gripping Forces

Source: SMW Autoblok

SMW Autoblok introduces long-stroke models to the MOTIACT lineup of mechatronic grippers. The MX-L 335 compact long-stroke and MX-L 520 long-stroke grippers are designed for end-of-arm-tooling automation with higher workpiece weights and are well-suited for use in machine tending, material handling, assembly and other applications.

The MX-L 335 long-stroke gripper has a stroke of 55 mm (2.2") per jaw, and boasts a high gripping force of 2.5-27 kN, the second largest gripping force in the MOTIACT lineup. The MX-L 520 has a stroke of 99 mm (3.9") per jaw, and has a gripping force of 10-40 kN. These models enable users to better select gripping systems even more appropriately for handling heavy-weight workpieces.

Featuring aluminium housings with compact widths of 335 and 520 mm (13.2-20.5"), their lightweight construction enables them to provide robot arms with comprehensive load-bearing reserves for large workpiece weights. They can be directly integrated into the PLC of an automation environment via Profinet or Ethernet/IP.

Star Cutter Double Pilot Reamer Provides Optimized Size Control

Source: Star Cutter Co.

Star Cutter Co. Double Pilot Reamer is a precision-engineered solution designed to provide optimized size control and surface finishes, as well as extended tool life in demanding barrel-machining applications.

The Double Pilot Reamer is well-suited for deep-hole and high precision bore operations where size, control, straightness and surface finish are critical. Typical applications include hydraulic and pneumatic components, aircraft components, engine and powertrain parts, defense, orthopedic devices and industrial cylindrical components requiring tight tolerances over long bore lengths.

Built around a fully guided cutting approach, the Double Pilot Reamer stabilizes the tool from entry to exit, supporting it through the full length of the bore. By maintaining alignment throughout the cut, the tool minimizes deflection and vibration, which can lead to inconsistent results in conventional reaming operations.

LK Metrology Bridge-Type CMMs Enable Precise Measurement of Large, Heavy Components

Source: LK Metrology

LK Metrology’s Maxima and Maxima R bridge-type coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are designed for precise measurement of large, complex, heavy components. The machines are well-suited for quality control applications across industries such as aerospace, energy, automotive, heavy engineering, power generation, transportation and industrial machinery.

LK Metrology’s advanced ceramic materials for the beam and spindle guideways, which provide a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, have been combined with a robust structure for consistent accuracy and repeatable results down to 3 μm. Low gap, high-efficiency air bearings and drive systems provide high quality and low maintenance.

Renewable Lubricants' Coolant Features Specialized Formulation for Range of Applications

Source: Renewable Lubricants

Renewable Lubricants’ biodegradable Bio-SynXtra metalworking oils for heavy-duty machining applications in hard materials like stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy and more. This biosynthetic blend is transparent to allow visibility during cutting operations.

Formulated with natural and synthetic esters, the Bio-SynXtra line reduces smoke and mist while providing optimized extreme-pressure and antiwear protection. Non-staining to yellow metals, Bio-SynXtra is well-suited for ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Renewable Lubricants’ metalworking fluids are readily biodegradable, non-toxic and not bioaccumulative, and contain no active sulfur, chlorine, zinc, phosphorus, silicon or heavy metals, meaning it is safer for the environment as well as employees working with it. This specialized formulation is well-suited for stamping, drawing, milling, drilling, turning, grinding, honing, broaching, thread cutting, tapping and other applications in stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy and other hard-to-machine materials.

Platinum Tooling Speed Increasers Boost Turning Performance

Source: Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc.

Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. provides a range of products designed to enhance the rpm capabilities of machines from the largest turning centers to the smallest Swiss-type CNC lathe.

Heimatec speed increasers are available in a complete range designed for live-tool lathes and Swiss-style machines, offering gear ratios of 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 with maximum speeds of 48,000 rpm. Design configurations include straight, offset, 90 degree and universal adjustable, while tools can be produced with external or internal coolant. Mounting options include BMT, Swiss-style machine and VDI interfaces to suit a wide range of machine tool setups.

With the growth of medical and other high-precision, high-volume manufacturing and the use of Swiss-style machines, speed increasers have become vital to the machine tool industry. As components get smaller, the cutting tools required also get smaller, necessitating higher rpm to provide maximum performance.