Hotman China boosts innovation with NUM’s CNC solutions

From left to right: Mr Cédric Trachsler, product manager NUMgrind NUM, Mr Fan, technical leader Hotman, Mr Longwei Jiang, managing director NUM China and Mr Xi, electrical engineer Hotman. Photo: NUM AG

Guangdong Hotman Machine Tool Co Ltd, a leading manufacturer of high-precision grinding machines based in Dongguan, China, has successful launched its new vertical non-circular grinding (NCG) machine series with the support of NUM’s advanced CNC technology and NUMgrind software. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hotman’s innovation journey, enabling faster market entry, improved efficiency, and enhanced flexibility in grinding complex work.

Hotman, founded in 2003, has established itself as a key player in China’s grinding machine industry. With a strong focus on research and development, the company has built a comprehensive product portfolio comprising nearly 100 models across 12 grinding categories.

In 2018, Hotman and NUM initiated their collaboration, which deepened during the DMP Shenzhen 2021 trade fair, when Hotman was searching for an advanced CNC solution for non-circular vertical grinding applications. Their key requirement was not just a powerful CNC control system, but a complete solution that seammlessly integrated both CNC hardware and specialised grinding software.

NUM’s Flexium+ CNC system and NUMgrind software emerged as the perfect fit for Hotman’s needs, offering a highly efficient, reliable, and flexible platform to develop their Z850 vertical NCG grinding machine.

The Z850 machine represents a breakthrough in precision grinding technology, allowing manufacturers to achieve high levels of accuracy, consistency, and productivity. This machine is specifically designed for non-circular grinding applications, making it ideal for complex workpieces that require precise shaping.

Pictured left: vertical grinding machine of Hotman in operation

By leveraging these advanced CNC solutions, Hotman was able to reduce its software development costs, accelerate the time-to-market, and enhance the overall performance of its machines. One of the most impressive aspects of this collaboration was the rapid implementation timeline. The entire system was developed, tested, and commissioned within just two months — an exceptional achievement that allowed Hotman to launch its new vertical NCG grinding machine series faster than ever before.

Mr Zeng, chairman of Hotman, highlighted the advantages of working with NUM: “NUMgrind software has significantly improved our ability to manufacture a wide range of complex workpieces. The software makes it much easier for operators to create programs, even for intricate shapes. The import cross-section profile function is particularly useful for producing challenging components such as camshafts and eccentric workpieces.”

The ability to quickly and efficiently program different workpieces has expanded Hotman’s market potential and strengthened its position as an industry leader. The success of this project has paved the way for a stronger partnership between Hotman and NUM. With NUM’s cutting-edge technology and Hotman’s expertise in precision grinding, both companies are well-positioned to drive further innovation and market growth.