Industry Trends

As a fundamental manufacturing tool, the role of machine tools is to produce and manufacture products in a "more, faster, better, and more cost-effective" manner. Therefore, the advancements in manufacturing technology embodied by machine tools have always focused on three core elements: efficiency (more and faster), precision (better), and cost (more cost-effective). These are also the three key factors that users consider when investing in and purchasing machine tool equipment.
The 14th China CNC Machine Tool Fair (CCMT2026) will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from April 21st to 25th, 2026. With an exhibition area of 202,000 square meters, CCMT2026 will gather over 2,000 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions worldwide along the Huangpu River, showcasing their latest technologies and products. Centered around the theme of "Digital, Connected, Smart Manufacturing", the event aims to build a top-tier domestic platform that integrates the exhibition, exchange, and trade of global manufacturing technologies. It aims to assist the manufacturing industry in achieving digital transformation and high-quality development.
Based on the partial exhibit information provided by some exhibitors, this article comprehensively introduces the technical characteristics of the exhibits at this exhibition and the main development directions of current manufacturing technology by analyzing the technical connotations of some exhibits
I. Overview of exhibitors and exhibits
 
Over 2,000 exhibitors came from 27 countries and regions, among which 10 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Taiwan, China, participated in the exhibition as groups. There were more than 1,400 exhibitors from within China and nearly 600 from abroad. Twelve branches of the China Machine Tool & Tool Builders' Association, including those for CNC systems, special machine tools, measuring tools and instruments, and machine tool accessories, organized professional exhibition groups to participate. Well-known enterprises both domestically and internationally participated in the exhibition. Additionally, the Window of Colleges and Universities exhibition area arranged for the display of scientific research achievements from six universities, including Tsinghua University, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian University of Technology and Industry, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, and Shanghai University of Technology.
 
The exhibition features a comprehensive range of products and technologies, including main machines, CNC systems, servo drives, functional components, cutting tools, measuring instruments, measuring tools, fixtures, machine tool electronics, machine tool accessories, coated abrasives, and other industrial chain technologies and products. The main machine products encompass various equipment such as metal cutting, metal forming, gear machining, special processing, heat treatment, and coating. Additionally, various industrial software, digital tools, automation technology, digital factory solutions, and other products and technologies are also important components of the exhibition's display content.
 
II. Overview of Exhibition Features
 
1. Continuous improvement in accuracy and accuracy stability. Machine tool manufacturing enterprises have employed various technical means to enhance the accuracy attributes of physical machine tools. They have chosen new bed materials, optimized structural designs, applied cooling technologies, implemented temperature compensation, and adopted traditional high-precision manual scraping processes. By taking multiple measures to improve the accuracy and accuracy stability of machine tools, significant achievements have been made.
 
The precision machine tools from Kude CNC utilize mineral resin materials with excellent thermal stability for their main components. The joint surfaces of these components are either manually scraped or ground to enhance the contact stiffness of the joint surfaces. The design incorporates thermal symmetry structures. The main body components of the machine tools are pre-embedded with constant temperature cooling pipelines. Temperature sensors are installed at all heating positions of the machine tools to monitor temperature changes in real time. Movement-related components such as the spindle, drive motor, ball screw, bearing, and bearing housing are controlled by variable frequency water coolers or oil coolers with a temperature rise limit of ±0.1℃. High-precision grating scales are used to achieve full closed-loop control. The drive motor is directly connected to the screw via a diaphragm coupling to eliminate backlash and implement a series of accuracy improvement measures. The exhibited KMV60 vertical coordinate boring machine boasts an X, Y, Z axis positioning accuracy of 2μm and a repeatability accuracy of 1μm. Several exhibitors will showcase high-precision machine tools of this accuracy level at CCMT2026, including Shandong Haomai's XHG320 precision vertical five-axis machining center, Beijing Haipruisen's YMC-100A ultra-precision CNC hard turning machine, Shenzhen Hanruikete's UPC200-300 ultra-precision horizontal lathe, Dachang Yangxing's KERN Micro HD ultra-precision machining center, and Beijing Jingdiao's JDSGT400 precision vertical five-axis machining center.
 

Schematic diagram of cooling pipeline of Kode machine tool
 
2. Diverse and Efficient Technologies. Efficiency is the primary pursuit of all manufacturing enterprises, whether they are precision manufacturing enterprises in aerospace, semiconductors, automotive, medical, or general household goods production. Production efficiency is their top priority. Machine tool enterprises apply diverse technologies to enhance the efficiency of machine tools, such as higher spindle speeds, faster moving and cutting speeds, multi-spindle and multi-station structures, turning (milling) instead of grinding processing technology, integrated automatic loading and unloading mechanisms, on-machine measurement technology, research and development of high-speed machining tools, improving the computing speed of control systems, enhancing the response speed of motion control devices, and efficient programming technologies such as CAD/CAM, all of which will be showcased at CCMT2026.
 
The Langkuai intelligent waterwheel-type turning and milling compound machining center, equipped with 12 stations and 12 spindles, integrates various machining processes such as turning, milling, and grinding, and can be extended with automation functions. It can complete the high-precision full-process machining of 34 types of workpieces from blanks to finished products through 12 stations within one machine tool, with a production cycle of 11 seconds. The GMB3020-B ultra-high-speed five-axis gantry machining center from Shanghai Tuopu has a rapid traverse speed of up to 120m/min and an acceleration of 15m/s2, with a maximum improvement in machining efficiency of 50%. The MICRO-T400 high-precision lathe from Pushinjiang can achieve grinding substitution through turning. The CA10/CA20 ceramic cutting tools from Zhuzhou Xintao can achieve a cutting speed of up to 200m/min for machining hardened steel (HRC45–65), which can replace grinding processes and increase efficiency by 5-10 times. The F400 high-speed linear motor machining center from Guangdong Provincial Mechanical Research Institute, the A30LIIS five-axis horizontal cradle machining center from Jugang Precision, the MU-6300V-L five-axis control machining center from Okuma, the PCBN whirlwind milling inserts from Shanghai Shantian Cutting Tools, the CBN CNC cutting tools from Shanghai Jingyan, the PCBN scraping cutting tools from Beijing Worldwide, and the diamond guide bar cutters from Zhengzhou Tianjing, among many other exhibits, demonstrate the technological diversity for improving production efficiency from various technical perspectives.
 

Langkuai Intelligent Waterwheel Type Turn-Milling Composite Machining Center
 
3. Energy conservation and emission reduction to reduce the cost of machine tool usage. With the global consensus on climate change and the concept of sustainable development, reducing energy and material consumption, decreasing emissions of pollutants and waste, and promoting a circular economy have become focal points for the low-cost utilization of machine tools. At CCMT2026, various resource-saving, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient technologies will be showcased, including the use of energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials, lightweight moving parts, micro-lubrication and dry cutting techniques, variable frequency control technology, high-efficiency motors, ultrasonic machining technology, and the replacement of hydraulic drives with servo drives.
 
The artificial marble mineral castings exhibited by Shandong Claremont can be molded at low temperatures, saving over 60% of energy consumption. Many exhibits, such as Qinchuan Machine Tool's YK7326 CNC Forming Grinding Machine, Kude CNC's KMV 120 Gantry Coordinate Boring Machine, Bei'er Machine Tool's MKS1332X750 CNC Cylindrical Grinder, Guangdong Bairui's S800i-5X Five-Axis High-Speed Machining Center, United Machining Solutions (UMS)'s S31 CNC Universal Cylindrical Grinder, Ningbo Zhongyi's ZYIE-ITG-P050-EV Internal Thread Grinder, Beiwes's VMC800 Five-Axis Vertical Machining Center, and Anhui Jiacun's Ultrasonic Machining Center, all utilize artificial mineral castings. Products such as Xuzhou Forging's DPC1-200A Open Single-Point Servo Press, Jiangsu Yawei's SKE-80 Servo Press Automation Unit, Yangli Group's EB6325 Full Electric Servo CNC Bending Machine, Zhejiang Chang'er's LG5720AS-1600 Servo Pull-Up Vertical Internal Broaching Machine, and Changsha Sisun's SK5710 CNC Soft and Hard Internal Broaching Machine, which replace hydraulic drives with servo drives, reduce energy consumption. Products like Pushiningjiang's THMS6340IV High-Speed Precision Horizontal Machining Center, Shanghai Tuopu's GMB3020-B Ultra-High-Speed Five-Axis Gantry Machining Center, Jugang Precision's A13 Five-Axis Horizontal Cradle Machining Center, Shandong Haomai's LTM55 Five-Axis Ultra-Fast Laser Micro-Machining Machine, and Xi'an Depu Saike's KYUI Series High-Precision Mobile Bridge Three-Coordinate Measuring Machine, feature lightweight design of moving parts to reduce energy consumption. Products such as Chongqing Machine Tool's YD3126-CF CNC Hobbing and Milling Compound Machining Machine, Zhongda Chuanyuan's YKA2235 CNC Spiral Bevel Gear Milling Machine, and Beijing Ruoken's Direct-Drive CNC High-Speed Hobbing Machine utilize dry cutting technology, while Beijing Wald's PCBN scraping tools adapt to dry cutting processes, reducing the use of cooling fluid. Sanhe Tongfei's cooling machine adopts variable frequency technology to reduce energy consumption and uses low GWP value environmentally friendly refrigerant, improving heat conversion efficiency by 10%, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. Products like Harvey Hydraulic's HK Type Compact Pump Station, Minghua Pump Industry's MHP Immersed Multistage Centrifugal Pump, and Nanjing Kerun's KR-LTE Series Low-Temperature Evaporation Waste Liquid Treatment System utilize high-efficiency motors or efficient waste liquid treatment systems to reduce energy consumption and waste.
 

Shandong Claremont Artificial Marble Mineral Castings
 
4. Direct drive technology enhances machine tool precision and motion speed, and is widely applied. Direct drive technology reduces mechanical transmission links, improving the rigidity and precision of the motion system; the total inertia of moving components is smaller, and there is no friction between the stator and moving components, allowing for higher speeds and accelerations; in addition, direct drive technology minimizes losses during energy transfer, resulting in higher energy efficiency. Direct drive technology has the advantages of high precision, high speed, and energy saving. With the reduction in the cost of direct drive motors, it is increasingly being applied in precision machine tools.
 
The THMS 6340 Ⅳ high-speed precision horizontal machining center exhibited by Pushinjiang features direct drive technology for both the Z-axis and rotary axes, with a rapid traverse speed of 75m/min, acceleration of 2g, and positioning accuracy of 6μm. The LFS-M80 five-axis laser tool machining center exhibited by Shenzhen Ruipao boasts a linear axis repeatability of ±2μm. The XSG800 precision machining center displayed by Shandong Haomai utilizes linear motor drive, achieving a positioning accuracy of 3μm and a rapid traverse speed of 60m/min. The S800i-5X five-axis high-speed machining center exhibited by Guangdong Tangrui Strontium utilizes linear motor drive, with a positioning accuracy of ≤3μm and a rapid traverse speed of 60m/min. Direct drive of the rotary axes using torque motors is more common and prevalent throughout the entire exhibition hall of CCMT2026.
 
5. Compound machining technology has rapidly developed due to its effectiveness in enhancing machining accuracy and production efficiency, as well as reducing manufacturing costs. Compound machining machines integrate various machining processes such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding onto a single machine tool. This allows for the majority or even complete machining of a workpiece to be completed in a single setup, reducing the time required for transferring and setup of the workpiece between different machine tools, minimizing installation errors, and improving the machining accuracy and product quality of the workpiece. Consequently, this technology significantly enhances production efficiency, reduces production costs, and boosts productivity.
 
The PMT BTG510 five-axis linkage grinding center from Beijing Boruspan has undergone finite element analysis and optimization for all casting structures, ensuring high rigidity, shock resistance, reliability, and stability. The Y-axis guide rail is a fully enclosed hydrostatic guide rail, enabling precise feed micro-displacement control and excellent dynamic performance. It combines grinding, milling, and drilling functions, suitable for precision grinding and combined drilling and milling of complex curved surface parts such as aeroengine blades, blade tenons, and blade crowns.
 

Beijing Boruspan's PMT BTG510 five-axis linkage grinding center
 
Qinchuan Machine Tool Group's Baoji Machine Tool BHR800A horizontal five-axis turning and milling machining center, Kude CNC's KTX3000TC five-axis linkage horizontal milling and turning machining center, Beijing Jingdiao's JDMR400 vertical machining center, Xinghuo Intelligent's DSTM630H intelligent dual-drive precision five-axis turning and milling machining center, Nanyang Yuzhong's VT1000BA CNC vertical turning and milling machining center, Swiss Weili Mingma Kedaier's 508MT2 turning and milling machining center, German Aumet's GS 1200/5-T five-axis milling and turning machining center, and many other milling, turning, milling and grinding composite machining centers will be showcased.
 
6. Automation technology taps into and unleashes the potential of machine tools for high precision, high efficiency, and low cost, and is accelerating its integration (fusion) with machine tools. Through automation technology, it is possible to reduce human operational errors, avoid quality issues in the production process, ensure the quality stability and consistency of processed workpieces, and improve the processing precision and quality stability of workpieces. Automation technology can reduce idle time and waiting time of machine tools, enhance production efficiency, and shorten production cycles. Automation can also reduce material waste and labor costs, thereby lowering production costs. The combination of automation technology and machine tools can better tap into the potential of machine tools for high precision, high efficiency, and reduced production costs, making it a major direction in the current development of manufacturing technology.
 
At the CCMT2026 exhibition, a comprehensive range of automation solutions with diverse functions will be presented, including automatic bar feeders, truss robots, multi-joint robots for automatic loading and unloading, automatic pallet exchange, automatic measurement, and automated conveyance of tools and materials. For example, Grob exhibited the PSS-R900 pallet storage system, Guangzhou Ligong and Nanjing Tuoyang showcased collaborative robots, Ningbo Weili presented a modular intelligent central tool library and AMR, Anhui Licheng, Hangzhou Huile, Adbert Haas, Nanjing Estun, Dalian Rongcheng, and Chongqing Machine Tool exhibited automation units, and Modul Machine Tool and Demagisen Precision Machinery presented automation solutions. Ningxia Juneng and Jiangsu Yawei presented intelligent manufacturing system solutions.
 

Ningbo Weili Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)
 
7. Digital transformation offers the potential for manufacturing to enhance efficiency and quality, while reducing costs. Whether consciously or unconsciously, manufacturing enterprises are indeed caught in the wave of digital transformation and reaping its benefits. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has further ignited the enthusiasm of enterprises for digital transformation. What can AI bring to machine tools? You will find the answer at CCMT2026.
 
The HiNC-10 intelligent CNC system from Wuhan Huazhong Numerical Control deeply integrates AI technology. Based on knowledge acquired through autonomous learning and incorporating AI technologies such as search, reasoning, and planning, it enables intelligent CNC machine tools to possess powerful autonomous perception, decision-making, and control capabilities. This allows for more effective solutions to complex issues in process optimization, precision improvement, and health assurance. It can also combine industrial big data with industrial large models to generate new industrial knowledge, enabling machine tools to have autonomous learning and continuous evolution functions, achieving faster, more precise, more reliable CNC machine tools that become smarter with use. Exhibitors such as Heidenhain, Mitsubishi Electric, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Zhibang, Zhuzhou Huarui, Beijing Kaiandi, Inforion, and Okuma can also provide clarification.
 

Huazhong Numerical Control HiNC-10 Intelligent CNC System