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Automated Machine TendingAutomated Machine Tending

Advanced Milling, 5-Axis Heads, and Smart Automation



At EMO 2025, Soraluce presented a new generation of milling machines engineered to address the evolving challenges faced by key industries such as aerospace, energy, and mold & die, while anticipating a future that is automated, connected, and data-driven.

Dynamic Line High-Rail Gantry Machines

The new High-Rail Gantry Machines from Soraluce offer high-speed cutting capabilities, enhanced precision rates, and the ability to handle high-volume machining tasks.

The Dynamic Line comprises three machine models tailored to applications in sectors such as aerospace, mold & die, and mechanical engineering, with solutions designed specifically for materials like composites, light alloys, and steel-based components.

These machines can be equipped with either 5-axis contouring fork-type or high-torque milling heads, enabling seamless machining of complex geometries. An advanced splash guarding system helps ensure a clean and safe work environment, while integrated dust extraction-both within the enclosure and directly at the heads-effectively removes dust and debris generated during operation, maintaining cleanliness and consistent performance.

With enhanced dynamic capabilities, the machines reach axis speeds of up to 60,000 mm/min and acceleration rates of 4 m/s2. Its 5-axis heads can achieve spindle speeds of up to 30,000 RPM, enabling rapid, high-precision contouring.

Precision is further supported by thermal stability systems, calibrated kinematics, and advanced high-speed finishing techniques that deliver exceptional surface quality without compromising accuracy, the company reported.

"With powerful milling heads delivering up to 73 kW and 2,000 Nm of torque, and smart damping technologies such as DAS+ and DWS enhancing structural stability, the Dynamic Line ensures reliable, high-performance machining even under the most demanding conditions," said a company spokesperson.

Soraluce Fork-Type Head

At the forefront of the EMO showcase was the world premiere of its latest innovation in 5-axis machining: the new Fork-Type Head, a next-generation solution designed to improve operational flexibility, precision, and stability on complex geometries.

This head integrates seamlessly with the new Dynamic Line of High-Rail Gantry Machines. Developed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace and mold & die sectors, the Fork-Type Head enables precise, stable, and efficient machining of intricate contours and hard-to-reach surfaces.

The Fork-Type Head features a true 5-axis configuration with direct-drive torque motors, enabling smooth, backlash-free movement and high responsiveness. A fully water-cooled design offers maximum thermal stability, while high-precision optical encoders offer reliable angular position feedback, enabling consistent accuracy even during prolonged, high-speed operations. With power output up to 100 kW and spindle speeds up to 30,000 RPM, the head is built for heavy-duty and high-speed machining. Optional high-frequency electro spindles are available, allowing customization for specific materials and cutting conditions.

Upgraded Soraluce FP-series

Soraluce unveiled the upgraded version of its flagship FP floor-type milling boring machine, now offering higher capacity, increased speed, and greater power and precision. This enhancement optimizes performance and expands customization options to meet the specific needs of each customer. With its flexible machine architecture, the FP supports various configurations that facilitate the use of multiple workstations and enables pendulum machining, reducing unproductive downtime.

Key specifications include a generous longitudinal traverse of 8,000 mm, vertical traverse of 3,200 mm, and a now upgraded cross traverse of 1,800 mm. Its inline motorization features direct-drive motors with high torque integrated into the ram, and it is equipped with an advanced cooling system to provide maximum reliability and precision. Among the most notable innovations is the 60 kW Soraluce motorization at 7,000 RPM. The machine incorporates a universal stepless head engineered for high-precision interpolation machining.

The machine is included with a Ram Balance system in the vertical saddle. This closed-loop system continuously monitors and corrects the ram's geometrical accuracy, straightness, and parallelism during vertical and cross-axis movements. Functioning as an additional CNC axis with its own direct position measurement, Ram Balance significantly enhances overall machine precision, especially when paired with the automatic head changing system.

The automatic head changer enables seamless management of multiple set-ups, allowing the CNC to compensate for the weight differences among different heads while maintaining machining accuracy across all configurations.

Shaping Aerospace Progress

"Maximize efficiency, precision, and reliability in aerospace component machining with Soraluce's advanced technologies in 5-axis machining, multitasking, automation, vibration control, and smart digital monitoring," said the spokesperson. "Our solutions are engineered to meet the highest standards required for critical aerospace parts such as engines, structural assemblies, fuselages, and landing gear."

The manufacturer's systems are designed to handle the most demanding materials in the industry-including high-strength titanium alloys, Inconel, large aluminum structures, and advanced composites-offering dimensional accuracy, improved surface finish, and process stability. Whether machining intricate aerostructures or critical engine components, Soraluce offers consistent, high-quality results, the company reported.

At the core of its offerings is 5-axis machining, which enables complex geometries to be produced in a single set-up, reducing cycle times while maintaining high precision. This versatility allows manufacturers to adapt quickly to diverse materials and industry needs.

To address one of the biggest challenges in machining advanced materials-vibration-Soraluce integrates active damping systems, such as Dynamic Active Stabilizer (DAS+), which detect and suppress vibrations in real time. This technology enables smoother, safer, and more accurate machining, extending tool life and improving surface quality.

Multitasking capabilities combine milling, turning, drilling, grinding, riveting, and friction welding in a single set-up, minimizing part handling and set-up times while reducing errors and costs.

Automation further enhances operational efficiency, ranging from single machines with integrated CNC pallet control to advanced flexible machining cells managed by the company's proprietary software solutions. This provides optimized workflows, higher throughput, and production flexibility.

Complementing these innovations is smart monitoring technology, providing real-time oversight of machining processes to optimize productivity and minimize equipment wear. The system tracks production, enables traceability, logs stoppages, manages tool wear, and integrates with ERP and OEE systems, supporting large-scale manufacturing environments.

"Together, these technologies form a comprehensive aerospace machining strategy that delivers superior performance, reduced operational costs, and total process control from the first part through full production runs," said the spokesperson. "Soraluce also offers turn-key projects tailored to each client's needs, including specialized heads, custom tooling, and validated machining cycles to ensure maximum reliability and productivity from day one."

Smart Automation

Responding to growing demand for efficient, flexible production in complex, multireference environments, Soraluce presented its Smart Automated Solutions, developed to optimize productivity and reduce unproductive time across the entire manufacturing process.

"Automation at this level goes beyond standard solutions," said the spokesperson. "Our systems are designed to accommodate large-scale components with tailored configurations adaptable to different part types and batch sizes. From single machines with CNC-integrated pallet control to advanced flexible cells coordinated by industrial PCs, every solution is customized for efficiency and real-world application."

The manufacturer's palletizing systems are engineered around the principles of precision, modularity, and adaptability. These systems streamline workflows, reduce changeover durations, and boost overall plant productivity.

Further enhancing production agility, Soraluce has implemented centralized tool storage systems operating in full integration with its proprietary tool management software. According to the company, this interconnected set-up enables shared tool access between machines, eliminates selection errors, reduces the need for duplicate tooling, and minimizes the space required for storage infrastructure. All tool automation processes are data-driven-guided by real-time production orders, delivery schedules, and tool availability-ensuring just-in-time manufacturing.

Driving this automation ecosystem is the Control System, a powerful software platform developed in-house by Soraluce Software Factory. Based on the innovative Job List concept, it provides complete integration of all manufacturing flow components: machines, parts, pallets, tools, CNC programs, fixtures, and operations. This unified system orchestrates the entire cell, maximizing productivity while enabling full traceability, process transparency, and seamless operation across every level of the production environment.

For more information contact:

Select Machining Technologies

910 Day Hill Road

Windsor, CT 06095

256-508-0805

info@selectmachiningtech.com

www.selectmachiningtech.com

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