The focus on one-hit machining is a key element of the event. Consolidating operations into a single setup is a well-known approach for cutting cycle times and reducing tolerance stack-up that can occur when parts move between machines.
A formal UK and Irish debut
The headline act is clear. Mills CNC will use the event 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.
The machine aligns with the event's theme of one-hit machining and integrated automation. A horizontal simultaneous 5-axis mill-turn platform allows for milling and turning in a single clamping, with full contouring capability across five axes. For component manufacturers considering multi-tasking investments, seeing the Heller HF 5500 FLEX in a working show environment provides valuable insights beyond what a brochure can offer.
Why it matters
Technology shows are judged by whether visitors leave with actionable ideas. By focusing the 2026 Innovation Day on productivity, process efficiency, and competitiveness, and by introducing a new machine, Mills CNC is positioning the 1-day event as more than just an open house. For UK and Irish manufacturers, it is a unique opportunity to evaluate an integrated machining and automation approach in one visit.
The event will showcase 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. This heavy-duty machine is designed for simultaneous 5-axis machining and complex mill-turn operations, featuring a powerful HSK-T spindle, high rapid rates on its linear axes, and a rotary tilting table with a 630mm x 630mm pallet.
For the event, the HF 5500 FLEX will demonstrate its capabilities by machining a complex aerospace blisk component made from a heat-resistant super alloy. This will provide attendees with a firsthand view of the machine's performance and potential benefits.
Other highlights
While the Heller HF 5500 FLEX will be a focal point, ten DN Solutions’ machine tools will also be showcased. These include two DVF 4000 simultaneous 5-axis centres, two DN Solutions mill-turn machines, a large-capacity V8300M vertical turning lathe, and a NHP 5000 horizontal machine integrated with a linear pallet system.
Mills is also using the event to showcase its latest automation systems. 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/)
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