Grinding Hub 2026 Six Technologies Reveal New Dimensions of Precision

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Nagel will be showcasing the full breadth of precision machining at Grinding Hub 2026. Six technologies, integrated processes and coordinated tools create precise solutions for demanding series applications.

In theory, this technological set-up enables the entire spectrum of ultra-fine machining to be covered, from grinding, honing and superfinishing to lapping and polishing. Tool technology plays a central role here: companies such as Gehring Diato and Elgan develop cutting tools based on diamond, CBN or ceramic, adapted to the respective technology and machining task. The range includes grinding wheels for machining hard-coated brake discs as well as cutting materials for producing friction-reduced surfaces.

One Roof, Many Technologies—And the Freedom to Choose the Best Solution

However, the real advantage of the Nagel-Group lies not only in its technological breadth, but also in the structured interaction between its sister companies. Machines, tools, process knowledge and component expertise remain bundled within one system. For users with sensitive components - for example from the automotive industry, hydraulics, armaments, e-mobility or aerospace - this means short coordination paths, significantly reduced complexity in project management and clear overall responsibility for the machining result - even across several technologies.

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Process Integration in Practice: How Users Benefit From End-to-End Solutions

How technological breadth translates into concrete applications is particularly evident in realized projects from different industries. The decisive factor here is not so much the individual technology as its targeted combination in line with the respective component requirements.

An example from the aviation industry: an international airline group outsourced the repair of selected axial piston pumps to its own production facilities. The technical focus was on the machining of functionally relevant components, in particular the interaction between the raceway and piston. The solution was realized through the coordinated interaction of honing technology from Kadia and superfinishing processes from Nagel Technologies. The direct interlocking of the two processes made it possible to achieve a stable and reproducible surface quality without additional interfaces.

In the automotive sector, a comparable approach can be seen at a leading manufacturer of automatic transmissions. Here too, the combination of Kadia honing and nail superfinishing forms the basis of the process chain. In addition to the precise coordination of the processing steps, peripheral systems such as cooling and filter technology were also used jointly. The integrated design of the processes enabled economical series production while at the same time meeting high requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface function.

The breadth of the portfolio is particularly evident in the bearing industry. Here, grinding processes from O.ERRE.PI. are combined with superfinishing technologies from Nagel Technologies to reliably machine central components such as inner and outer rings. In addition, further processing steps can be integrated within the group so that almost the entire mechanical process chain of a bearing can be mapped.

Across all examples, it is clear that technical performance is the result of the interplay of processes - tailored to the component, function and production environment.

Technological Diversity as a Modular System for Precise Process Solutions

How this technological breadth translates into high-performance process solutions can be seen at machine level - and above all in the interaction between the individual technologies: FLP Microfinishing GmbH demonstrates at the Grinding Hub with the new HE series, in particular the HE540, how several superfinishing processes can be integrated into one machine. Fine grinding, lapping and polishing are combined here in a compact architecture that is specially designed for thin-walled and geometrically demanding workpieces. The combination of planetary machining system and fine grinding technology results in extremely uniform material removal with maximum surface quality.

The decisive factor for the user is not only the precision, but also the process stability: several processing steps can be realized in a minimum of space, without additional interfaces or relocations. At the same time, the machine is consistently designed for networked production. Consistent interfaces enable the recording and linking of process data along the entire machining chain. In conjunction with data-based and AI-supported evaluations, the result is an adaptive system that not only monitors processes, but also continuously optimizes them - a clear advantage for series manufacturers with high demands on transparency and reproducibility.

In the honing sector, Gehring Technologies will be presenting the Deephone 2000, a horizontal honing machine for machining internal diameter ranges from 20 to 600 millimetres (approx. 0.79 to 23.6 in). The combination of internal cooling fed directly to the point of engagement and in-process measurement with a specially adapted honing control (GHC - Gehring Honing Control) enables thermally stable machining with continuous process monitoring at the same time. In addition, for large, repeatable quantities, the adapter bar can also be optionally equipped with an air supply, which, in conjunction with the tool, continuously records the measured values via an air back pressure measurement, compares them with the honing control and, if necessary, counteracts them directly. The decisive difference lies in the closed control loop: the tool, machine, measurement technology and digital evaluation are linked in such a way that deviations are not only detected but also immediately compensated for. For users, this means significantly reduced process variation and greater planning reliability in series production.

Kadia Produktion GmbH + Co. complements this range with the second generation of the E line. The ultra-compact precision honing machine is aimed at applications where economical high-performance honing is required. At its heart is the LH2x honing spindle with three direct drives, which enables powerful and precise machining thanks to its high rigidity. In combination with the HMC100 measuring and control technology, the result is consistently controlled process management with continuous scanning of the bore. With up to 500 measured values per millimeter, form deviations can be detected and compensated for immediately. For users, this means high dimensional and shape accuracy with reduced cycle times and low tool wear. Extended workspaces, integrated cooling lubricant systems and optional additional processes such as deburring also increase flexibility in use.

With solutions such as EcoHone flex, Easyhone VRX and the NaShaft Eco superfinishing platform, Nagel Technologies demonstrates how flexible manufacturing concepts can be implemented in practice. Modular machine architectures, standardized interfaces and short set-up times enable rapid adaptation to changing components and batch sizes. Adaptive process controls ensure consistent surface quality while reducing friction, emissions and energy consumption of customer components. This gives users a clear advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

In the grinding sector, sister company O.ERRE.PI. S.r.l. is expanding its portfolio with the MTD 610 DR-R double surface grinding machine. The machine works with two opposing slides, which are controlled by Siemens brushless motors and move on high-precision roller guides. The grinding spindles are driven by a 30 kilowatt, water-cooled asynchronous motor, which ensures constant power output with high thermal stability. Flexible dressing systems and an automated loading system ensure consistent quality and a continuous material flow. The Siemens One control system with large control panel is consistently designed for reproducible processes - a decisive factor for series production with tight tolerances.

Tool technology plays a central role in the entire process structure. Sister companies such as Elgan Diamantwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG and Gehring Diato develop and manufacture diamond and CBN tools as well as coordinated interface solutions that are precisely designed for the machine, material and machining task. The tools are not to be understood as standard components, but as an integral part of the process solution. This close coordination results in an interlocking between tool and process, which has a decisive influence on process stability, repeat accuracy and component quality, particularly with tight tolerances and high quantities. Tools and cutting materials are also continuously developed and adapted to specific requirements in the individual sister companies.

The key point is that the technologies are not isolated from one another, but can be combined in a targeted manner depending on the application - tailored to the material, geometry, tolerance requirements and quantity. "We don't have to sell one product," explains Sören Pöhlsen from the Nagel-Group. "We select the solution within the Group that best suits the customer from a technical and economic perspective." For the user, this means that a single solution is not specified, but rather the optimum combination is created from the entire portfolio. The machine, tool and process interact as a coordinated overall system - an essential prerequisite for stable results in the μm range, high repeat accuracy and permanently controlled series production.

Manufacturing Expertise as the Key to a Stable Series

Another key difference to many market players lies in the Nagel-Group's consistent manufacturing expertise. Machines, tools and cutting materials are not only supplied, but also specifically developed, adapted and tailored to the respective machining task. This provides the customer with a deep understanding of the process that goes far beyond the individual machine. In practice, this advantage is particularly evident in the process stability.

Scattering is reduced, the influence of the operator is minimized and repeat accuracy is significantly increased. At the same time, tools and processes can be quickly adapted - for example, to new components, changed materials or increasing quality requirements.

Others adapt their process to an existing tool. We can modify the tool so that it fits the process perfectly.

Sören Pöhlsen, Nagel Group

Especially for complex series processes with tight tolerances, high quantities and increasing demands on efficiency and sustainability, this results in a clear competitive advantage: processes become more robust, start-up phases are shorter and total operating costs are reduced in the long term. The benefits for the specialist user are therefore clear: the Nagel-Group combines technological breadth with in-depth precision and process expertise in the decisive phase of machining - and makes it possible to implement precisely the solution that makes the difference in the specific application from a coordinated portfolio.

You will find the Nagel-Group and its sister companies at the Grinding Hub in Hall 10 C.40.