Done-in-one thinking

That is not a new ambition, but it remains a hard one to execute. One-hit machining only pays when the machine, workholding, tooling strategy and automation behave like a single process. The show’s emphasis on integrated systems suggests the right lens: productivity is now a cell-level property, not a spindle-speed number.

Heller HF 5500 FLEX to be formally introduced

The event will also serve as a hi-tech venue for the formal introduction of the Heller HF 5500 FLEX horizontal simultaneous 5-axis mill-turn machine to UK and Irish component manufacturers. This machine is significant as it operates at the intersection of turning, milling, and automation—areas where multi-tasking can enhance efficiency or shift challenges to less visible areas.

For manufacturers considering the transition from conventional machining to done-in-one production, the event offers valuable insights into the benefits of this approach.

Heller HF 5500

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

At the event, the HF 5500 FLEX will demonstrate its capabilities by machining a complex aerospace blisk component made from a heat-resistant super alloy.


Other highlights

While the Heller HF 5500 is a major focus, ten DN Solutions’ machine tools will also be showcased at the event.

These machines, all multi-tasking and one-hit machine tool icons, include two [DVF 4000 simultaneous 5-axis centres](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/product/dvf-4000/) (one integrated with an automatic workpiece pallet changer), two DN Solutions mill-turn machines (an [SMX 3100](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/product/puma-smx3100/) and a recently-launched DNX 2100S), a large-capacity [V8300M vertical turning lathe with driven tooling capabilities](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/product/puma-v8300m/), and a [NHP 5000 horizontal machine](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/product/nhp-5000/) integrated with a (12-pallet) linear pallet system (LPS).


Mills is also using the event to showcase its latest [automation systems](https://www.millscnc.co.uk/automation-systems/) to attendees.

First introduced at MACH 2026, 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, owing to older and less capable machine tools and/or outdated and labour intensive processes, may be struggling to improve their productivity and maintain their competitive edge.

“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/)