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IMTS 2026 Preview

Chicago’s McCormick Place: Manufacturing’s home Sept. 14–19

Welcome to Chicago

To help you prepare for IMTS 2026, Cutting Tool Engineering offers a glimpse into what’s planned at the booths of the companies most familiar to the CTE audience. Booth previews begin on the facing page.

Also, if you’re interested in enjoying the sights, sounds and flavors of Chicago, scan the QR code below to check out the Get Your Guide website or app now to start adding some entertainment and culinary treats for your time at IMTS.

West Building Booth Briefs

Blaser Swisslube | Booth 431228

Using sensor data to study coolant, machining performance

Blaser Swisslube will show how measured process data can sharpen decisions about metalworking fluids and machining performance. Blaser uses digital data acquisition and evaluation to investigate changes that may be difficult to see during routine production. Vibration measurements can help identify bar runout, chatter and shifts in cutting force, while thermal and supply data provide context for tool and coolant behavior. Visit Blaser at booth 431228 to discuss how fluid selection, sensor evidence and process analysis may improve machining operations.

Tap Magic | Booth 431259

Featuring Waxx Stick solid lubricant

Tap Magic, a division of Steco, will feature its Waxx Stick solid lubricant at IMTS 2026. Liquid lubricants can’t be used to cut metal in some applications for a variety of reasons. The Steco Corp. developed one of its liquid lubricants into a solid form for use in these situations. The Waxx Stick is suitable for grinding, sawing, finishing or any other metal working application, according to the company. Visit Tap Magic at booth 431259 to learn more.

Tapmatic | Booth 431322

Moving hands-on finishing to an automated process

Tapmatic will feature the DeBurr-Z floating toolholder at IMTS 2026, presenting a product developed for automated deburring applications. The toolholder gives manufacturers an entry point for conversations about moving a hands-on finishing task into an automated process. For shops reviewing ways to organize deburring around CNC or robotic production, consider visiting Tapmatic at booth 431322 to discuss application fit and part variation.

The DeBurr-Z will be shown alongside machining accessories from O.M.G. North America, bringing complementary product conversations into the same location. Visitors can find both companies in booth 431322.

OMG North America | Booth 431322

Featuring lightweight angle heads

OMG North America will highlight its angle-head portfolio, giving manufacturers a focused look at machining accessories that expand the working possibilities of CNC equipment. Lightweight angle heads are suitable for any type of machining. The TAL series of angle heads are designed with an aluminum body to meet machining needs with weight constraints. They are suitable for drilling, tapping, reaming, countersinking, and milling operations, ensuring efficiency and versatility.

IMCO Carbide Tool | Booth 431440

Now offering carbide end mill reconditioning services

IMCO Carbide Tool has added a reconditioning service for carbide end mills, giving shops a way to return worn tools to production. The process restores critical cutting geometries and renews coatings when required. IMCO accepts its own end mills and tools from competing brands; competitor products are matched to the closest IMCO standard geometry. Eligible tools range from ³⁄₁₆” through 1¹⁄₂” in diameter, including metric sizes, with an overall length limit of 13¹⁄₂” and no minimum order quantity.

Ingersoll Cutting Tools | Booth 431522

Expands PrimoLine solid carbide milling tools

Ingersoll Cutting Tools expands its PrimoLine solid-carbide milling solutions with PrimoSS‑V and PrimoSS‑H, two 90º end mill products engineered to improve performance, stability and productivity in stainless steel machining. PrimoSS‑V is a four‑flute solid-carbide end mill designed to deliver reliable performance across a wide range of stainless steel operations. PrimoSS‑H provides five- and six‑flute solid-carbide end mills optimized for high‑efficiency machining of stainless steel. Visit Ingersoll at booth 431522 to learn more.

Tungaloy-NTK America | Booth 431522

Featuring TungForceRec shoulder-milling system

Tungaloy-NTK America will feature its TungForceRec shoulder-milling system. The system is designed to support precision, stability and productivity in shoulder milling applications. If you’re attending IMTS 2026, Tungaloy encourages you to bring along details about workpiece materials, machine conditions and shoulder-milling operations you need to perform so that Tungaloy representatives can discuss the TungForceRec system within your application context.

ISCAR USA | Booth 431522

High-productivity tool for boring, hole enlargement

ISCAR introduces the new QUICK-3-CHAM, a high-productivity solution for boring and hole-enlargement applications designed to improve efficiency, chip control and machining performance in demanding operations. QUICK-3-CHAM offers a faster and more productive alternative to traditional single-insert boring bars, helping manufacturers reduce cycle times and improve overall process efficiency. Engineered for boring and long-reach machining applications, the QUICK-3-CHAM head incorporates three effective cutting edges and an optimized positive chip-breaker geometry.

Mitee-Bite Products | Booth 431546

Keeping workholding on the down low

The Pitbull family from Mitee-Bite Products uses a low gripping profile with positive down force and resistance to pullout. Standard styles include tool-steel knife edges for aggressive stock removal, blunt edges for general purpose holding, brass faces for applications where marking is a concern, and machinable versions that can be shaped to a workpiece. The broader range includes modular Pitbull clamps, ID Xpansion clamps, TalonGrip vise-jaw components and Dyna-Force clamps.

Mikron Tool | Booth 431580

Mikron Tool and NS TOOL combine expertise

Mikron Tool and NS TOOL have reinforced a North American partnership that gives manufacturers access to complementary small-diameter cutting tool ranges through an established sales and technical-support network. NS TOOL specializes in solid-carbide and CBN end mills for mold and die, automotive and micromachining applications. Mikron Tool concentrates on high-performance drilling and milling in titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chrome, heat-resistant superalloys and other difficult materials used in medical and aerospace work.

Kennametal Inc. | Booth 431800

Showcasing GOmill PRO solid-carbide end mill platform

Kennametal has introduced GOmill PRO, a solid-carbide end mill platform for general engineering, transportation, energy and medical shops. The line is designed for machining steels, stainless steels and cast iron and is available in inch sizes. Its geometry combines an asymmetrically divided flute, variable helix angle and tapered core. The new lineup positions GOmill PRO as a versatile option for small- and medium-sized shops that encounter varied applications and need a broadly applicable solid-carbide tool.

CemeCon | Booth 431813

Extending HiPIMS coating thickness with FerroCon Quadro

CemeCon’s FerroCon Quadro applies an aluminum-titanium-nitride coating up to 12 µm thick to carbide indexable inserts for machining steel and cast iron. The company uses its HiPIMS physical-vapor-deposition process to combine that coating volume with adhesion, smoothness, toughness, hardness and temperature resistance. The coating is suitable for demanding milling, drilling and turning operations where inserts face high wear. CemeCon lists a maximum application temperature of 1,100° C and positions the material for heavy-duty cutting.

CERATIZIT USA | Booth 431900

Featuring SilverLine solid-carbide end mills

CERATIZIT USA will feature SilverLine solid-carbide end mills at its booth. Produced in Sacramento, California, the four- and five-flute tools expand the company’s Advanced Line portfolio for applications where process reliability, tool life and precision are important. The inch-size assortment uses a premium substrate, application-focused geometry and CERATIZIT’s Dragonskin coating technology. The combination is designed to support wear resistance, chip evacuation and process security across a range of machining work.

Vektek | Booth 431922

Introducing Guardian 2.0 continuous, multi‑fixture pressure monitoring

Vektek will introduce its Guardian 2.0 continuous, multi-fixture pressure monitoring system. Designed for continuous oversight, Guardian 2.0 monitors fixture pressure from the moment a pallet is presented for machining and ensures it remains above the user‑defined set point throughout the machine cycle. With a 900 MHz communication range exceeding 100 feet, the system supports easy transmitter pairing and scalability accommodating more than 200 transmitters within a single control system.

Sharon Cutwell | Booth 432138

Highlights new carbide Resharp Program for special tool offerings

Sharon Cutwell will feature its recently introduced carbide Resharp Program for its special tool offerings. By using the Resharp Program, Cutwell customers are able to keep resharpened and new tools in “inventory float.” According to the company, most of its carbide tools are designed to be resharpened seven times or more while meeting original performance metrics. With carbide cost rising dramatically, that effectively means like-new tooling at 25% the cost of a new tool.

Mate Precision Technologies | Booth 432146

Featuring new line of DynoGrip Air pneumatic vises

Mate Precision Technologies will introduce its new line of DynoGrip Air pneumatic vises. Designed for automation, the vises use compressed air to secure a workpiece with the same effective clamping force, accuracy, repeatability and parallelism as Mate’s zero-point 52/96 workholding system. The new DynoGrip Air will be available in two versions: the Grooved DynoGrip Air vise and the Quick-Change DynoGrip Air vise. The new pneumatic vises offer several options intended to reduce setup time, increase efficiency and improve part quality.

Beckett Packaging | Booth 432179

Showcasing new Grip Pak Centered Locking packaging

Beckett Packaging, a Division of MOCAP, will showcase its Grip Pak Centered Locking series — an advanced packaging system engineered specifically for milling cutters, drills, solid-carbide tooling and other precision cutting instruments. At the core of the design is a patented locking mechanism that helps prevent accidental opening during shipping, storage and handling. In addition, Grip Pak Centered Locking containers are designed to securely center tools regardless of diameter.

Platinum Tooling Technologies | Booth 432201

Highlighting Swiss-style machine tooling

Platinum Tooling Technologies will highlight complementary tooling for Swiss-style CNC lathes, including live and static tools, angle heads and speed increasers. Platinum offers speed multipliers in several gear ratios, while the broader portfolio includes straight and 90° heads, woodruff-key cutters, thread-whirling tools, multiple-spindle heads and adapters. The exhibit is designed to give manufacturers a consolidated look at accessories that can extend machine capability, support small-tool applications and address the varied operations commonly assigned to Swiss-style equipment in precision, high-volume production environments.

J.W. Done | Booth 432296

ORBITOOL deburrs cross-drilled holes inside the machining cycle

J.W. Done’s ORBITOOL is designed to remove burrs where cross-drilled holes intersect, reaching an internal feature that can be difficult to address with traditional deburring tools. Its flexible shaft lets the cutter follow the hole contour, while a protective disk helps keep the cutting surface away from adjacent walls. The tool enters the bore, moves off center and follows a helical path through the intersection. That motion allows the cutter to break the burr around the crossing feature.

FixtureWorks | Booth 432317

Highlighting newest additions to product lineup

FixtureWorks will highlight some of the newest additions to its entire product lineup, including Stablelock clamps that offer a rigid clamping mechanism with a ball and tapered wedge clamping design for mechanical positive clamping; Snap-in Clamps that are ideal for tight spaces and provide positive locking in quick-change applications; Pneumatic Clamping Locators for fastening in a wide range of tooling, fixturing and assembly operations, and an expanded line of Push Lock Clamps.

Scientific Cutting Tools | Booth 432414

Featuring a 3-step SAE J1926 roughing port kit

Scientific Cutting Tools offers a three-step SAE J1926 roughing port kit for machining O-ring-boss hydraulic ports from solid material. The matched set begins with a roughing step drill that prepares the hole for a reamer-style port tool. The port tool reamer then brings the minor thread diameter to size, and a 15° helical thread mill completes the internal thread. Combining the three operations in one specified kit can simplify tool selection and process planning for shops that regularly produce fluid-power components.

South Building Booth Briefs

Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions | Booth 338009

Highlighting FlexFiltration coolant management systems

Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions will highlight its expanded FlexFiltration coolant management systems. The modular systems combine filtration and monitoring in configurations that can be customized for different machining environments. The IMTS presentation will emphasize how compact, modular system design can support integration while giving users room to tailor coolant management components to an application. Visit the Jorgensen booth to inspect the display and discuss filtration clarity, maintenance, chip handling and configuration requirements for their machining processes.

Mersen | Booth 338047

Expanding U.S. graphite capacity through GMI acquisition

Mersen has expanded its U.S. advanced materials footprint through the acquisition of GMI Group, a specialist in graphite purification and the machining of graphite, carbon and graphite composites. GMI brought roughly 200 employees and four facilities in Pennsylvania and Michigan into Mersen’s network. The combination is intended to create production synergies among the plants and strengthen service for markets that depend on controlled material properties and precisely machined graphite components.

Mitsubishi Electric | Booth 338136

Debuts CNC series with advanced control functions

The Industrial Automation Division of Mitsubishi Electric US Inc. will introduce and demonstrate its new M8V CNC Series. IMTS 2026 visitors can see firsthand how the new machine’s advanced control functions support high-speed, high-accuracy machining across a range of complex, high-mix and precision machining applications. The M8V CNC Series delivers about 11% faster machining than the previous M80 CNC Series due to its optimal machine response-contour control (OMR-CC), according to the company.

Mazak | Booth 338300

Showcasing VC-Ez 20 for value, machining performance

Mazak will showcase its VC-Ez 20, presenting the machine as a combination of value and machining performance. In addition, Mazak will help power a live end-to-end manufacturing system in the IMTS 2026 Emerging Technology Center. Developed along with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and FANUC, the manufacturing system will produce drone airframes using hybrid manufacturing and robotic assembly, then integrate, test and disassemble completed units on the show floor.

Greenleaf Corp. | Booth 338319

Combining ceramic cutting speed with carbide-shank stability

The Greenleaf Corp., which will be demonstrating its tools at the Hurco/Takumi booth (338319), has introduced its Capstone-360 end mills that pair a ceramic cutting tip with a carbide shank to combine ceramic cutting speed with added strength, vibration damping and stability. Designed for slotting, pocketing and face milling, the line targets heat-resistant superalloys as well as selected cast-iron and hardened-steel applications. A necked shank provides clearance for cavities and shoulder milling while retaining rigidity.

Sandvik Coromant | Booth 338348

Bring your shop challenges to Sandvik

Sandvik Coromant invites IMTS 2026 attendees to bring their machining challenges to their booth to explore potential solutions using the company’s Integrated Manufacturing Solutions Experience. According to Sandvik, the integrated experience brings together engineering services, digital tools and advanced tooling into one connected, hands-on journey across the manufacturing value chain. The experience begins with process planning and moves through simulation, machining and verification — showing how each stage can connect to support consistency, productivity and decision-making on the shop floor.

Renishaw | Booth 338469

Introducing 2 machine tool inspection technologies

Renishaw will introduce two machine tool inspection technologies: the RMP400S spindle probe and the RUP60 on-machine probe. The RMP400S is a radio-transmission spindle probe that combines multiple probing functions in one system for automated setup and in-process measurement. Moving measurement into the machining cycle can reduce manual setup steps and provide process information before a part leaves the machine. The RUP60, an on-machine ultrasonic thickness-measurement probe for machine tools, can reduce transfers to separate inspection equipment.

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom | Booth 339419

Citizen LFV cutting targets chip control in automated turning

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom’s turning portfolio includes Citizen’s low-frequency-vibration cutting function, known as LFV, for managing chips during Swiss-type and fixed-headstock machining. The technology synchronizes servo-axis vibration in the cutting direction with spindle rotation. Brief air-cutting intervals interrupt the cut and divide chips into smaller pieces, reducing the long strings that can wrap around a workpiece or tool. Citizen positions the function for difficult-to-cut materials and operations such as small-diameter deep-hole machining.

North Building Booth Briefs

VersaBuilt Robotics | Booth 236300

Standardized CNC automation for high-mix production

VersaBuilt Robotics offers standardized automation systems for machine shops that need to to automate CNC mills and lathes without the complexity traditionally associated with robotic implementation. The MultiGrip Mill Automation System, DuoGrip Lathe Automation System and ZPS Vise/Pallet Loading System share a common hardware and software platform and support a range of part sizes, workholding arrangements and production patterns commonly found in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. A central feature is the company’s no-programming-required workflow.

LANG Technik | Booth 236637

LANG Technik highlights compact robotic automation

LANG Technik will highlight a compact robotic automation system for small-part manufacturing. The system combines robotic workpiece handling with high-density storage to support unattended machining. An integrated FANUC industrial robot loads and unloads workpieces, while the storage arrangement gives shops capacity for multiple jobs within a small floor-space requirement. The concept is aimed at manufacturers seeking more spindle uptime and a route toward lights-out production without a large expansion of the automation footprint.

UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS | Booth 236802

Multiple machine debuts planned

UNITED MACHINING SOLUTIONS will display 17 CNC machines from Mägerle, Blohm, Studer, Walter, Agie Charmilles, Charmilles, Mikron Mill and Step TEC, as well as several new automation systems, including the new Automated Tool Production cell from Walter, the WorkPartner 1 cell from System 3R, and the versaLoad cell from UNITED GRINDING North America. The UNITED GRINDING division includes the brands Mägerle, Blohm, Jung, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter, EWAG and IRPD. The UNITED MACHINING division includes the brands Agie Charmilles, Charmilles, Mikron Mill, Liechti, Step TEC and System 3R.

Pat Mooney Inc. | Booth 236914

Pairs automatic, semi-automatic production bandsaws

Pat Mooney Saws will highlight two machines for different production sawing needs. The PMI Panther H-360A is a fully automatic dual-column bandsaw with NC control, program storage and a touchscreen for job setup. It has a 15.75″ round cutting capacity, a hydraulic split front vise, automatic chip conveyor and inverter-controlled blade speed from 65–396 sfm. The Pegasus XL provides a semi-automatic alternative for larger and angled work. Its cutting cycle combines hydraulic head movement and clamping with controlled cutting pressure and automatic return.

Star Cutter | Booth 237013

Introduces double-pilot reamer for barrel manufacturing

Star Cutter recently introduced a double-pilot reamer for demanding barrel-manufacturing applications. The tool is designed to advance precision and performance while extending tool life, bringing the company’s reaming expertise to a process where bore quality and repeatable results matter. Its double-pilot format is the defining feature of the release and gives manufacturers a clear point of reference when reviewing the new offering. This new reaming tool is shaped around the needs of barrel manufacturing and positioned to support precision, performance and useful tool life.

Rush Machinery | Booth 237233

Bringing measured control to wheel truing and dressing

Rush Machinery’s FC-350W is designed to true and dress flats, angles and radii on diamond and CBN wheels, including multiple-wheel packs. The machine uses a one-piece cast-iron base, covered cross table, precision linear slides and ball screws to support stable positioning and long service life. Its variable-speed 2-horsepower spindle accepts quick-change interfaces such as BT40, BT50, HSK50 and Walter Power. RushVision software supports setup, inspection and measurement of wheel diameter, width and position during or after dressing.

Castrol | Booth 237338

SmartCoolant automates metalworking-fluid monitoring

Castrol SmartCoolant brings automated condition monitoring and fluid adjustment to standalone machine tools and central coolant systems. SmartCoolant measures concentration, pH, temperature and conductivity in real time, then can refill or correct the coolant without relying solely on periodic manual checks. Castrol says the approach provides operators with rapid, laboratory-quality readings while improving visibility into changing fluid conditions. For manufacturers, that information can support more consistent process control and make it easier to identify problems before they affect machining performance, tool life or part quality.

Transor Filter | Booth 237422

Configuring cellular oil filtration around tool-grinding demand

Transor Filter’s cellular systems provide centralized oil filtration for tool grinders, with standard packages ranging from one-to-one through one-to-nine machine configurations. Each system is adapted to the required oil flow and application, using patented lamella filter elements housed in one or more vessels. The elements are cleaned through the system rather than routinely discarded as cartridges. Transor applies the concept to cutting tool grinding, ID and OD grinding, gear grinding, honing, superfinishing and EDMing.