Hurco boosted by a strong EMO 2025 performance

On the Hurco stand at EMO 2025 — a Profeeder Easy Desk 30 with a UR30 ProCobot

Hurco was pleasantly surprised by the number of existing customers and new contacts ready to negotiate new machine purchases on the company’s stand at EMO Hannover 2025, held at the end of last month. In total, 14 machine tools valued at more than 2 million euros were ordered at the show, early signs that the outlook for machine tool sales in European markets will improve over the coming months, following a period in the doldrums.

The event reaffirmed the EMO exhibition’s status as a top trade show for metalworking and production technology and felt well timed, coming after years of investment caution by manufacturers, notably due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, as well as supply chain disruptions. The exhibition showed technology pushing forwards and a growing readiness in parts of the world to start spending again. Automation, digitalisation and sustainability were strong themes throughout.

remains an ideal location to host this international show, where manufacturers from all over the world are given the opportunity to showcase their latest advances in metalcutting technology. Klaus Holzl, general manager of Hurco GmbH, said: “If it is available, there is a good chance you will see it at EMO”.

Due to the large size of the fairground and with so many exhibitors, it is inevitably challenging to see everything. Visitors generally stayed more than one day, deciding to navigate the halls as efficiently as possible, prioritising their particular interests. Taking centre stage on the Hurco stand was a new offering from the manufacturer’s in-house robotics division, the Profeeder Easy Desk 30, which was on display for the first time in Europe.

30kg load capacity
Employing a higher-specification UR30 ProCobot that offers a 30kg load capacity, compared to 12.5kg available with the popular cobot models currently sold by Hurco, it was integrated with a Hurco VMX42Dithree-axis vertical machining centre.

The new cobot enables heavier components to be handled, while maintaining the benefits of easy programming and quick changeover offered by the efficient user interface that allows programming directly at the Hurco Max 5 twin-screen control. For Easy Desk 30, heavy-duty workholding and grippers from Schunk are preferred. Furthermore, an additional proximity sensor is incorporated that pauses the motion of the ProCobot when an operator moves into the working zone.

Klaus Holzl continued: “Machine automation has been with us for some time. However, we are now finding that the technology is becoming more accessible, affordable and easier to use. It is a trend that can only get stronger.”

In summary, he said that in spite of challenging headwinds that exist in the world of manufacturing, EMO proved its worth as the primary biennial machine tool exhibition for showcasing each OEM’s latest innovations. It also provides an excellent opportunity to meet end-users face-to-face and discuss plans for the future.