TIMTOS 2025 attracts record number of international visitors

Machinery Market's online editor John Hunter was part of the international press delegation at TIMTOS show here visiting the YCM stand

The Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS 2025), co-organised by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI) ended on a high last month having welcomed 4,163 international buyers from 90 countries — a 5.1% increase on the previous show.

The six-day event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors across 6,100 booths at Nangang Exhibition Centre Halls 1 and 2, and Taipei World Trade Centre Exhibition Hall 1, where the latest innovations and Taiwan’s smart manufacturing prowess were demonstrated. The top five buyer countries were India, Japan, China, South Korea and Malaysia, with delegations from Japan, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil and Mexico attending for procurement.

TIMTOS 2025’s main theme was ‘Integrate to Innovate’ and the show shined the spotlight on six major industry trends: precision machine tools; key components; automation and smart manufacturing; digital twin-driven integration; additive manufacturing (AM); and expanded cross-industry applications. Innovations from Taiwan’s machinery sector were displayed across a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer industries, reinforcing Taiwan’s leadership in precision manufacturing and intelligent automation.

A new exhibit area ‘AI, control systems and smart manufacturing’, highlighted essential components such as harmonic reducers and joint modules for humanoid robots and demonstrating Taiwan’s expertise in these areas. For example, Hiwin has expanded into robot-related components, CPC Corporation has developed joint modules, and Main Drive Corporation has launched a production line with an annual capacity of 100,000 harmonic reducers. The show demonstrated that Taiwanese companies are now positioned as key players in the humanoid robot supply chain, with applications in healthcare, hospitality, and service industries.

Cutting edge technologies
Another new exhibit area was ‘Innovation Technology’ which focused on AI technology integration, smart solutions development for the machine tool industry, and cutting edge technologies such as manufacturing system integration, laser processing, the circular economy, and energy-saving solutions.

Machine tool industry names that exhibited at the show, including Fair Friend Group (FFG), Tongtai, Quaser, Kao Ming, YCM, and SOCO, along with global controller manufacturers Siemens, Heidenhain, Fanuc and Mitsubishi, were quick to commend TIMTOS 2025’s success. Heidenhain and Mitsubishi Taiwan showcased ‘digital twin technology’, improving machining efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness while aligning with smart manufacturing and sustainability goals.

Even in the digital era, in-person interactions are still a key for success. FFG reported over 100 orders spanning automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, rail transport, and energy. Quaser secured NT$1 billion in orders for hydrogen energy and medical devices, while Tongtai entered the semiconductor market with ultrasonic machining and additive manufacturing (AM). These advancements reinforce Taiwan’s role as a key supplier for the aerospace, semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs) medical, and green energy sectors.

International buyers descend on TIMTOS
TAITRA’s procurement matchmaking event facilitated 315 sessions between 75 international buyers from 22 countries and 102 exhibitors. Buyers came from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Poland, Vietnam, India, Israel, and Ukraine. A specialised networking event for the cutting tool sector introduced buyers from 14 countries, including the USA, Germany, Mexico, and India. Exhibitors like MEGA Machine reported a 70% order placement rate, with instant orders from Bulgaria and the Middle East.

TIMTOS 2025 also featured engaging forums for the first time, including the TIMTOS Keynote, where THK chairman and CEO Akihiro Teramachi emphasised AI-driven automation and talent development. He was followed by Techman Robot’s CEO Haw Chen, who introduced Taiwan’s groundbreaking AI-driven collaborative robot (cobot), demonstrating AI’s transformative potential in smart manufacturing. This was followed by presentations by experts from leading technology firms, robotics companies and AI-driven enterprises, who explored how the integration of automation and AI can create smarter, more efficient production lines.

Also making their show debuts were the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion and the Taiwan Patent Go Pavilion, which showcased Taiwan’s innovation in smart machinery and cross-industry applications. These pavilions attracted significant interest from international buyers, further enhancing Taiwan’s global reputation as a must-attend show. Innovations from leading Taiwanese companies Chmer, Hiwin Mikrosystem, Honor Seiki, YCM, Hiwin, Accutex, Gifu, Campro and Techman Robot were highlighted, collectively showcasing Taiwan’s innovation in manufacturing and its commitment to sustainable development.

Exhibitor highlights
Simon Rood, Kent-based RK International Machine Tools Ltd’s director and general manager, attended TIMTOS 2025 to visit the stands of four of his company’s Taiwanese partners, Jainnher Machine, Perfect Machine Co, Joen-Lih Machinery and Dawn Machinery.

Taking centre stage on the Jainnher stand was the JHC-2416T CNC7 with a 230mm OD grinding capacity. The machine sits mid-range of the 610mm diameter grinding wheel series with a 405mm wide wheel (wheel widths of up to 610mm are available). The machine on display featured a seven-axis Fanuc HMI to control the independent slides for feed (grinding and regulating wheel), grinding and regulating wheel dressing, plus a gantry loading robot. The machine can be used for a wide range of applications and customised solutions are available.

Perfect Machine put the spotlight on its latest generation of touchscreen-controlled surface grinders in the shape of the PFG-3060T. The new DT controller, which can be offered in sizes from 250 x 500mm to 1,600 x 6,000mm, along with the rotary table and ring grinding machines, represents the latest in Perfect’s ‘ease of use HMI’. The DT Series also provides increased productivity features such as automatic down feed with roughing, finishing, and spark-out cycles. Mr Rood said: “RK already has multiple installations of this popular-size machine in the UK.”

Pictured on the Joen-Lih stand at TIMTOS are left to right: Maria Chen, sales director, Simon Rood, and Judy Chung

A more recent addition to the RK portfolio is Joen-Lih Machinery which has been a provider of turnkey grinding solutions for over 30 years. Mr Rood explained: “Offering additional key advanced grinding products ensures that the equipment RK supplies and supports can meet today’s demanding accuracies and surface finishes.”

Among the exhibits on display at TIMTOS 2025 was the JL-52CNC HP. This 570 x 200mm capacity three-axis CNC surface grinding machine incorporates a linear drive for longitudinal travel with a minimum vertical programmable increment of 0.0001µm. This fully enclosed, ultra-precision machine is ideal for grinding applications in the medical and electronic component industry.

New Dawn
Completing the line-up of RK partners at TIMTOS 2025 was Dawn Machinery. Its portfolio of vertical grinding products fit comfortably in the RK product range. On display were the DN Series of precision grinding machines which encompasses both single-spindle and dual-spindle models and offers OD grinding to 2,510mm x 550mm OD/400mm ID grinding.

Mr Rood said: “Adding multiple grinding spindles with an ATC option allows vertical spindle grinding to offer many benefits compared to traditional horizontal grinding, including easier loading and, often, a more compact footprint. Vertical grinding has numerous advantages, along with in-process measuring, pallet changer options, and even routine maintenance costs. The Dawn DN-808F is a dual-spindle model and was displayed with a vertical and horizontal spindle. The benefits of adding a horizontal spindle to a vertical spindle machine allows for form and face grinding.”

The DN-808F model is a mid-range and has an 810mm diameter capacity with a 350mm ID grinding capacity. When equipped with an automatic tool changer (ATC), up to six HSK-A100 mounted grinding spindles can be offered to allow for new production levels. The direct-drive, hydrostatic rotary table ensures a sub 1µm runout and offers capacities to 8,000kg. All Dawn machines are built to the demanding VDI3441 standards, with machines exceeding the positioning accuracy of X-axis ≤0.004mm, Z-axis ≤0.005mm and repeatability of ≤0.002mm.

Rugby-based TDT Machine Tools Ltd announced at TIMTOS 2025 that it has been appointed as the UK agent for AWEA CNC milling machines (read the report on Machinery Market’s website here). AWEA, which was celebrating its 40th year in business at the exhibition, and is part of the Goodway Group, has a wide range of machines in its portfolio, including five-axis machining centres, multi-face machining centres, horizontal machining centres, bridge-type machining centres and standard vertical machining centres.

Its latest generation of automatic pallet-change systems, featuring 15 stacked zero-point pallets on the five-axis range, is proving particularly popular in high-throughput environments. AWEA machines are widely used across sectors including aerospace, defence, automotive, shipbuilding, energy, electronics, communications, and mould manufacturing.

High-precision machining
Highlighted on the stand was an AWEA AU-680 five-axis CNC vertical machining centre designed for high-precision machining. Particularly suited for complex parts in industries like aerospace and automotive, it can simultaneously machine on five sides of a workpiece in a single setup, improving accuracy and efficiency for complex geometries.

It comes equipped with a high-speed spindle reaching up to 16,000 or 18,000rev/min, delivering up to 191Nm of torque for smooth and efficient cutting. It is built with Meehanite cast iron and a reinforced rib design to ensure maximum stability and minimise vibration during machining, and has X, Y and Z-axis travels of 740mm x 662mm x 560mm and a 680mm table. The machine also comes with a Fanuc 31iB5-MF PLUS control but can also be specified with a Siemens or Heidenhain.

Pictured on the You Ji stand at TIMTOS are left to right: You Ji sales director Bryant Wu with TDT Machinery’s sales director Phil Terry and sales manager Tim Stell

Another partner of TDT Machine Tools exhibiting at TIMTOS was You Ji Machine Industrial Co, Ltd which TDT has represented in the UK since 2020. The Taiwanese company is a leading manufacturer of vertical turning lathes (VTLs) globally, especially for large and heavy duty applications. The company offers a wide range of VTLs, from smaller machines to very large, heavy-duty ones with turning diameters up to several metres. Some VTLs come with features like automatic tool changers (ATCs), C-axis for milling capabilities, and automatic pallet changers. On display at TIMTOS was a You JI YV1600ATC C VTL which is ideal for machining large and complex parts in sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, heavy machinery and energy.

A familiar name at the show from a UK perspective was Matrix Machine Tool (Coventry) Ltd which was founded in the UK in 1913 and became part of the Taiwanese Hiwin Group in 2010. On display was an advanced GVP-8040+ CNC vertical type gear profiling machine, which is designed for high-precision gear grinding and features an eight-axis Fanuc control and a high-speed grinding spindle. It uses Matrix Precision developed intelligent conversation window software, allowing for flexible output of tooth profiles and grinding parameters. The machine can produce various gear types, including involute gears, large-module hobs, and cycloidal gears.

Simultaneous five-axis machining
Meanwhile, taking pride of place on the Yamazaki Mazak Taiwan Corporation stand at TIMTOS was the next generation Yamazaki Mazak Variaxis i-800 NEO machining centre. Designed for simultaneous five-axis machining, it is perfect for complex and intricate part production in a single setup in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and mould and die. Its highly rigid spindle can perform heavy duty machining of steel as well as high-speed machining of non-ferrous materials such as aluminum. Its easy-to-use Mazatrol SmoothAi advanced CNC system, enhances machining performance with features including Smooth Machining Configuration (SMC) for optimised cutting and Ai Thermal Shield for maintaining dimensional accuracy.

A wide variety of automation equipment is also available for use with the machining centre, including a modular Palltech flexible manufacturing system, MPP (Multi Pallet Pool), or a two-pallet changer. The standard tool magazine accommodates 30 tools, while 40, 80 and 120-tool configurations are optional. This new-generation machine is available in the UK from Worcester-based Yamazaki Mazak UK Ltd.

Highlighted on the Victor Taichung Machinery Works Co Ltd stand was a Vturn-Q200 multi-tasking turning centre which is designed for complex machining operations and combines turning and milling capabilities in a single machine, reducing set up times and improving part accuracy.

The high-productivity machine features three turrets with Y axes, which allows for increased tooling capacity and complex machining. Its twin-spindle design enables simultaneous machining, further boosting production output and its capacity to hold a large number of tools, makes it suitable for a wide range of machining applications. The turning centre can also be integrated with a variety of automation systems for unmanned operation and its third turret can be used as a travelling steady rest, work rest or tailstock for more flexible applications. Victor Taichung CNC machines are available in the UK from the sole UK and Republic of Ireland agent Oldham-based GM CNC Ltd.

Citizen Machinery Co, Ltd’s range of sliding head turning centres were out in force at TIMTOS and among them was a Cincom L20VIII, an eight-axis CNC sliding headstock turning centre, known for its precision and versatility in machining complex parts for industrial sectors such as medical, aerospace, and electronics. It is available in the UK from Bushey-based Citizen Machinery UK Ltd.. The flexible machine offers simultaneous machining on both the main and sub-spindles, allowing for complex parts to be machined in a single setup.

Its sliding headstock design allows for the high-precision machining of small diameter parts with tight tolerances. The versatile machine can be run with guide bushing or non-guide bushing, making it suitable for both long, slender parts (with guide bushing) and shorter parts (without guide bushing), reducing material waste. The Cincom L20VIII can also accommodate a large number of tools (up to 37), including rotary tools, for various machining operations like turning, milling, drilling, and tapping. The sliding head lathe features Citizen’s patented superimposed control function for efficient front and back simultaneous machining. Its main and sub-spindles offer high rotational speeds for efficient cutting and it comes equipped with a user-friendly Mitsubishi CNC control system.

Thermal compensation technology
On display on the Accuway Machinery Com Ltd stand, and available in the UK from Milton Keynes-based Axe & Status Machinery Ltd, was an Accuway JL-51T2Y CNC slant bed lathe with linear guideways. High rigidity, high precision belt-driven dual spindles ensure stable output and precise machining, while dual turrets with Y-axis support turning, milling and drilling for versatile operations. Its compact machine design maximises production capacity and efficiency in a small footprint, and its 8,000rev/min high-speed live tooling handles complex machining tasks with ease. Thermal compensation technology ensures stable accuracy during long-term continuous machining. Synchronous/composite/superimposed control function allows simultaneous operation of main/sub spindles, significantly boosting production efficiency, Accuway lathes are renowned for high-speed fine turning as well as low-speed, heavy-duty turning on materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum castings.

On the WELE Mechatronic Co, Ltd stand was a Wele UG630-AWC, a five-axis machining centre ideal for machining complex parts from five sides in a single setup, reducing cycle time and improving accuracy. Available in the UK from Kenilworth-based Whitehouse Machine Tools, this machine has a relatively small footprint, making it suitable for job shops with limited space. It comes equipped with a high-speed spindle that can reach up to 15,000rev/min, allowing for efficient machining of various materials, and an automatic tool changer with a capacity of up to 60 tools (optional), enabling automated and continuous machining operations. The machining centre also has an integrated Wele-developed trunnion table for high precision and rigidity. This machining centre is ideal for machining aerospace parts and other complex components requiring high accuracy and is compatible with both Heidenhain and Fanuc CNC controls.

On display on the Tongtai Machine & Tool Co., Ltd stand was a TMS-1800S multi-tasking turning centre which was recognised with a Taiwan Machine Tool Industry Award for excellence in research and innovation at the show. The TMS-1800S integrates turning, multi-face milling, and gear machining in one powerful system. It also features Tongtai’s proprietary 3-D anti-collision system and AI assistant, ensuring precision, safety, and efficiency.