A focused technology showcase

The emphasis on one-hit machining is significant. Consolidating operations into a single setup is a key strategy for reducing handling, work-in-progress, and cumulative error, and Mills CNC is structuring the event around this philosophy.

UK and Irish debut for the Heller HF 5500 FLEX

The event will also serve as the formal introduction of the Heller HF 5500 FLEX horizontal simultaneous 5-axis mill-turn machine to UK and Irish component manufacturers. As a mill-turn platform with simultaneous 5-axis capability, the machine aligns with the multi-tasking theme of the show — the kind of equipment designed to complete complex components in a single clamping rather than across multiple machines and setups.

Pairing a machine launch with a broader technology event is a strategic move: visitors can see the hardware in the context of the automation and process strategies that determine whether such an investment pays off on the shop floor.

What visitors can expect

Mills CNC states that the event will demonstrate to visitors how they can increase their productivity, improve their process efficiencies, and maintain their competitive edge. For component manufacturers considering multi-tasking investments, the 'Innovation Day' format offers a focused look at machine tools, machining strategies, and automation working as an integrated system.

The event provides UK and Irish component manufacturers with a unique opportunity to learn about the productivity and process efficiency gains achievable through one-hit machining and advanced multi-tasking DN Solutions’ and Heller machine tools.

At the event, the Heller HF 5500 FLEX will be demonstrated machining a high-precision aerospace blisk, and Heller technical representatives will deliver live presentations to provide insights into the machine's capabilities.

Heller HF 5500

The Heller HF 5500 FLEX, a horizontal simultaneous 5-axis mill-turn machine, is equipped with the new Siemens (SINUMERIK) ONE control and a 24” multi-touch screen. This heavy-duty machine is designed for simultaneous 5-axis machining and complex mill-turn operations.

The machine features a powerful HSK-T spindle (45kW/12,000rpm/400N-m), up to 90m/min rapid rates on its linear axes, a rotary tilting table with a 630m x 630m pallet, and a high-speed 50-tool position ATC. It also offers fast and easy table loading capabilities.

Other highlights

While the Heller HF 5500 FLEX will be a focal point, ten DN Solutions’ machine tools will also be showcased at the event.

These machines, all multi-tasking and one-hit icons, include two DVF 4000 simultaneous 5-axis centres (one with an automatic workpiece pallet changer), two DN Solutions mill-turn machines (an SMX 3100 and a DNX 2100S), a large-capacity V8300M vertical turning lathe with driven tooling capabilities, and a NHP 5000 horizontal machine integrated with a (12-pallet) linear pallet system (LPS).

Mills is also using the event to showcase its latest automation systems to attendees.

The company's innovative T-series, designed for High-Mix/Low-Volume production, can be integrated with CNC lathes, machining centres, and mill-turn machines to create flexible, high-productivity automated manufacturing cells capable of lights-out, unattended operation.

“Our Innovation Day, best-practice event is focused on one-hit machining and is aimed at UK and Irish component manufacturers who may be struggling to improve their productivity and maintain their competitive edge due to older and less capable machine tools and/or outdated and labour intensive processes.

“Although one-hit machining is not a new concept, the continuous development of new machine tools capable of delivering single set-up machining means that the one-hit machining landscape is constantly changing and improving.

“Our Innovation Day event provides a unique opportunity for visitors to check out the very latest DN Solutions and Heller multi-tasking machines, and to see how they can revolutionise their productivity and help them realise their true potential.”

Tony Dale, Group CEO at Mills CNC

[You can register for Mills CNC’s Innovation Day on Thursday 8th October 2026 here.](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/registration-form/)