HERMLE is bringing its biggest North American technology showcase yet to IMTS 2026, featuring five machines, two automation systems, a global machine debut and advanced aerospace machining demonstrations.

CHICAGO — September 2026 — The next generation of high-performance manufacturing will have a major presence at IMTS 2026, where German machine-tool manufacturer HERMLE is preparing one of the company’s most ambitious North American exhibitions to date.

Under the theme “Go Big or Go Home with HERMLE at IMTS 2026,” HERMLE will showcase five machines and two automation systems at Booth 339121, combining 5-axis machining, mill-turn technology, aerospace applications and automated production.

The company says this will be its largest HERMLE technology display at a North American trade show.

For manufacturers watching the transition toward fewer setups, higher spindle utilization and increasingly automated production, HERMLE’s IMTS lineup offers an important look at where high-end machining is heading.

HERMLE at IMTS 2026: What You Need to Know

Event: IMTS 2026
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Dates: September 14–19, 2026
HERMLE Booth: 339121
Machines: Five
Automation systems: Two
Major highlights: C 22 U MT GEN2 global debut, C 62 U MT GEN2 live demonstration, aerospace applications and automated machining

HERMLE’s exhibition is built around a clear manufacturing message: integrate more processes, reduce workpiece transfers and automate production wherever possible.

That strategy can be seen across almost every machine in the company’s IMTS lineup.

Why HERMLE‘s IMTS 2026 Showcase Matters

The machine-tool industry is moving beyond the traditional definition of a machining center.

Modern manufacturers increasingly want machines that can combine multiple processes, maintain accuracy across complex components and operate with less manual intervention.

HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 portfolio reflects that shift.

The company is presenting:

5-axis machining
Mill-turn manufacturing
Turning operations
Grinding capability
Power skiving potential
Automated pallet handling
Automated vice handling
Lights-out production concepts
Aerospace machining
Medical and high-tech applications
High-speed spindle technology

Rather than presenting individual machines as isolated products, HERMLE is positioning its booth around an integrated manufacturing ecosystem.

That could make the company’s IMTS presence particularly relevant for aerospace, medical, defense, semiconductor, tooling, mold-making and other precision-manufacturing businesses.

HERMLE C 22 U MT GEN2 Makes Its Global Debut

One of the biggest stories at HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 booth will be the global debut of the C 22 U MT GEN2.

The new machine combines simultaneous 5-axis milling with high-speed turning through a torque-driven table.

HERMLE will use the machine to produce an aerospace turbine shaft, demonstrating the system’s ability to handle demanding applications while reducing the need for workpiece transfers.

According to the company’s IMTS media kit, the C 22 U MT GEN2 features a 20,000-rpm HSK-T63 spindle, 55 machine-tool pockets plus an additional ZM216 system, and a C-axis maximum speed of 1,400 rpm.

The demonstration is particularly significant because the machine can incorporate additional technologies such as grinding and power skiving.

Why this matters

Every additional setup can introduce handling time and potential positioning errors.

By integrating milling and turning within a single machining environment, manufacturers can potentially reduce:

Workpiece transfers
Setup time
Re-clamping operations
Handling requirements
Process interruptions

For aerospace and other high-value components, maintaining accuracy throughout the manufacturing process can be just as important as achieving high cutting speeds.

HERMLE is therefore demonstrating a broader concept: process integration as a route to higher manufacturing efficiency.

The C 62 U MT GEN2: HERMLE’s Biggest IMTS Machine Demo

If the C 22 U MT GEN2 represents HERMLE’s future-oriented compact mill-turn technology, the C 62 U MT GEN2 demonstrates how the same philosophy can be applied to extremely large and demanding workpieces.

The machine will be shown live in North America for the first time at IMTS 2026.

HERMLE plans to reveal its largest-ever part machined live at a North American trade show on the first day of IMTS.

The demonstration will involve a 5000 Series mold plate, with approximately 48 hours of machining time.

The machine is designed for high-precision production of workpieces weighing up to 2,500 kg on the milling table.

Its stated specifications include:

Siemens Sinumerik One control
14,000 rpm spindle
HSK-T100 interface
50 machine-tool pockets plus additional ZM108
PW3000 trunnion table
Up to 1,500 kg turning-table load
Up to 2,500 kg milling-table load
C-axis speed up to 400 rpm
1,200-mm MT pallet

HERMLE will use hyperMILL for CAD/CAM, with SCHUNK workholding, FRAISA tooling and HAIMER tool holders for the demonstration.

The message is clear: large-format 5-axis machining does not have to mean sacrificing process flexibility.

Aerospace Manufacturing Takes Center Stage

Aerospace manufacturing is one of the strongest themes running through HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 demonstrations.

The company will machine aerospace components on multiple platforms, including the new C 22 U MT GEN2 and the C 400 GEN2.

For aerospace manufacturers, the combination of:

5-axis machining + rigidity + process integration + automation

can directly influence productivity and part quality.

HERMLE says the C 22 U MT and C 400 GEN2 are designed to support higher single-setup efficiency, surface-finish performance, tight tolerances and tool-life improvements in demanding aerospace applications.

C 400 GEN2: 5-Axis Machining for Large Aerospace Components

The C 400 GEN2 represents another important part of HERMLE’s aerospace strategy.

The machine is designed for 5-axis and 5-sided machining and uses a mineral-cast, low-vibration machine bed.

At IMTS, HERMLE will machine an aerospace structural bracket made from 7075 aluminum.

The demonstration is expected to take approximately 3.75 hours.

Key specifications include:

HEIDENHAIN TNC7 control
20,000-rpm HSK-T63 spindle
38 tool pockets
1,070 × 700-mm rigid clamping table
Maximum table load of 2,000 kg
Rapid traverse up to 35 m/min
Vertical table clearance up to 625 mm

The demonstration will use TEBIS CAD/CAM, SCHUNK workholding, FRAISA tooling and HAIMER tool holders.

Automation Becomes a Core Part of the Manufacturing Strategy

One of the most important aspects of HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 presence is that automation is not being presented as an optional add-on.

Instead, it is integrated into the production concept.

HERMLE will showcase two automation solutions:

RS 05-2

HS flex hybrid

Together, these systems demonstrate how manufacturers can move toward increasingly unattended machining.

HERMLE RS 05-2: Compact Automation for High-Precision Production

The C 12 GEN2 paired with the RS 05-2 robot system targets manufacturers looking for automation within a compact production footprint.

The system automatically handles loading and unloading, reducing manual intervention and increasing potential spindle utilization.

HERMLE positions the system for applications including:

Medical manufacturing
Semiconductor production
Defense
Toolmaking
Moldmaking
Small precision components

The C 12 GEN2 uses a 20,000-rpm HSK-T63 spindle and can reach rotational speeds of up to 42,000 rpm.

Its IMTS demonstration will machine a smaller version of the C 62 U MT GEN2 demonstration part from 6061 aluminum, with an approximately 70-minute machining time.

For smaller components, the concept is compelling:

machine + robot + storage + unattended production.

That is the foundation of lights-out manufacturing.

HS flex hybrid: Automation for the Next Generation of Production

HERMLE’s HS flex hybrid takes the automation concept further.

Rather than handling only one type of workholding system, the platform is designed to handle both traditional zero-point pallets and workholding vises.

The system can handle pallets up to 450 kg and vises up to 50 kg.

HERMLE says this configuration can provide up to five times the storage capacity of standard single-type automation platforms.

The result is a more flexible automation architecture.

Instead of designing production around a single component type, manufacturers can create a system capable of handling different workholding requirements.

That flexibility becomes increasingly important as manufacturers move toward:

High-mix production
Smaller batch sizes
Unattended machining
Multi-part production
Variable production schedules

C 250 GEN2 Demonstrates Automated Aerospace Production

At IMTS, the C 250 GEN2 with HS flex hybrid will demonstrate automated machining by producing an aerospace turbine shaft.

The machine combines high-precision 5-axis milling with automated handling.

Specifications include:

HEIDENHAIN TNC7
20,000-rpm HSK-T63 spindle
30 tool pockets plus additional ZM30
Pallet handling up to 450 kg
Vice handling up to 50 kg
Maximum C 250 table load of 1,100 kg

The demonstration uses Siemens NX CAD/CAM, HORN tooling and HORN tool holders.

This is where the broader HERMLE strategy becomes visible:

5-axis machining is being connected directly to automation.

30 Years of HERMLE C Series: From 5-Axis Innovation to Automation

IMTS 2026 also marks a major historical milestone for HERMLE.

The company is celebrating 30 years of the C Series machine profile.

According to HERMLE, the C Series platform has continued to evolve around features including:

Mineral-casting machine bases
Thermally symmetrical structures
Integrated trunnion tables
Centrally positioned tool magazines
High precision
Structural stability

Three decades after the introduction of the vertical 5-axis platform, HERMLE is using IMTS 2026 to show how that architecture has evolved into today’s integrated machining and automation solutions.

That evolution is significant.

The manufacturing industry has moved from simply asking:

“How fast can this machine cut?”

to asking:

“How efficiently can the entire production process run?”

HERMLE’s IMTS portfolio is clearly designed around the second question.

What HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 Lineup Says About the Future of Manufacturing

Looking across the five machines and two automation systems, several major trends emerge.

1. Mill-Turn Is Moving Further Into 5-Axis Manufacturing

The C 22 U MT GEN2 demonstrates how milling and turning can be combined within a 5-axis machining environment.

This can reduce the number of times a complex component needs to move between machines.

2. Automation Is Becoming a Production Architecture

The RS 05-2 and HS flex hybrid show that automation is no longer simply about putting a robot beside a machine.

Modern automation increasingly involves:

machine + workholding + storage + software + material handling + process planning.

3. Aerospace Remains a Technology Driver

From turbine shafts to structural brackets, HERMLE’s demonstrations focus heavily on aerospace.

The sector demands precision, repeatability, complex geometries and difficult materials—making it an important proving ground for advanced machining technologies.

4. Lights-Out Manufacturing Is Becoming More Accessible

The RS 05-2 focuses on compact automation, while the HS flex hybrid addresses larger and more flexible production environments.

This suggests a wider movement toward scalable automation rather than a one-size-fits-all factory model.

5. Process Integration Could Become a Major Competitive Advantage

The ability to combine milling, turning and potentially grinding or power skiving in one platform points toward a future where manufacturers compete not only on machine specifications but also on how many production steps they can eliminate.

HERMLE IMTS 2026 Machine Lineup at a Glance

HERMLE Technology	Main Focus	IMTS Demonstration
C 62 U MT GEN2	Large-format mill-turn	5000 Series mold plate
C 22 U MT GEN2	5-axis mill-turn	Aerospace turbine shaft
C 250 GEN2 + HS flex hybrid	Automated machining	Aerospace turbine shaft
C 400 GEN2	5-axis machining	Aerospace structural bracket
C 12 GEN2 + RS 05-2	Compact automation	Precision component
RS 05-2	Robotic automation	Automated loading/unloading
HS flex hybrid	Flexible pallet/vice automation	Lights-out manufacturing

The Bigger IMTS 2026 Story: From Machines to Manufacturing Systems

HERMLE’s IMTS showcase is ultimately about more than five machines.

It reflects a fundamental change in how manufacturers are evaluating production technology.

A modern machining center is increasingly expected to deliver more than cutting capability.

Manufacturers want:

precision.

flexibility.

automation.

process integration.

data-driven production.

higher spindle utilization.

fewer setups.

lower manual intervention.

That is the direction represented by HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 portfolio.

Why Manufacturers Should Watch HERMLE at IMTS 2026

For aerospace companies, medical manufacturers, defense suppliers, semiconductor equipment manufacturers, moldmakers and high-precision machine shops, HERMLE’s booth offers several technology themes worth watching.

The C 22 U MT GEN2 demonstrates integrated milling and turning.

The C 62 U MT GEN2 demonstrates large-format mill-turn capability.

The C 400 GEN2 demonstrates high-performance aerospace machining.

The C 12 GEN2 + RS 05-2 demonstrates compact automated production.

And the C 250 GEN2 + HS flex hybrid demonstrates flexible automated machining at a larger scale.

Together, they create a picture of manufacturing moving toward integrated, automated and increasingly unattended production.

Machina Today’s Take

HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 presence deserves attention because it connects several of the biggest trends shaping the machine-tool industry into one exhibition.

This is not simply a story about higher spindle speeds or larger machine capacities.

It is about doing more manufacturing in fewer steps.

The combination of 5-axis machining, mill-turn capability, automation and lights-out production is increasingly becoming the foundation of competitive manufacturing.

And at IMTS 2026, HERMLE appears ready to make that argument on the shop floor.

From a global debut to its largest-ever North American machine demonstration, HERMLE’s message is straightforward: the future of machining is not just about making machines more powerful—it is about making the entire production process smarter, more integrated and more autonomous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HERMLE showcasing at IMTS 2026?

HERMLE will showcase five machines and two automation systems at IMTS 2026, including the C 62 U MT GEN2, C 22 U MT GEN2, C 250 GEN2 with HS flex hybrid, C 400 GEN2 and C 12 GEN2 with RS 05-2.

What is the HERMLE C 22 U MT GEN2?

The C 22 U MT GEN2 is a new 5-axis mill-turn machining center combining synchronous 5-axis milling with high-speed turning. It will make its global debut at IMTS 2026.

What will HERMLE demonstrate on the C 22 U MT GEN2?

HERMLE will machine an aerospace turbine shaft using the C 22 U MT GEN2.

What is the C 62 U MT GEN2?

The C 62 U MT GEN2 is HERMLE’s large-format mill-turn machining center designed for demanding high-precision workpieces. It will be demonstrated live in North America for the first time at IMTS 2026.

What is the HS flex hybrid?

The HS flex hybrid is an automated handling system designed to handle both pallets and workholding vises, supporting flexible and increasingly unattended machining operations.

What is the HERMLE RS 05-2?

The RS 05-2 is a compact robotic automation system designed for automated loading and unloading, supporting unattended machining and higher spindle utilization.

When is IMTS 2026?

IMTS 2026 takes place September 14–19, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

Where can visitors find HERMLE at IMTS 2026?

HERMLE will exhibit at Booth 339121.

HERMLE is using IMTS 2026 to demonstrate where high-end machining is heading: 5-axis technology, mill-turn integration, aerospace precision and automated production working together as one manufacturing system.

For manufacturers looking beyond individual machine specifications and toward complete production efficiency, HERMLE’s IMTS 2026 showcase will be one of the booths to watch.

Machina Today will continue covering the technologies, machines and manufacturing strategies shaping IMTS 2026 and the global machine-tool industry.