The
Seco Inspiration Through Innovation event has rapidly become one of the most significant fixtures on the UK manufacturing calendar, and the 2026 edition — taking place 25-26 February — looks set to reinforce that reputation. Held at Seco’s headquarters in Alcester, the two‑day showcase will combine keynote presentations, live demonstrations and technical sessions addressing the most pressing challenges facing industry.
Starrag will once again take its place as an innovation partner, supporting a programme that brings together an extensive line‑up of seminars and a variety of technical partners demonstrating advances in cutting tools, workholding, CAM software, automation, and metrology. The company will demonstrate its new Bumotec 191neo producing a complex medical turbine component, a task chosen to highlight the model’s capability and flexibility.
Often referred to as the “Swiss army knife” of turn–mill centres, the Bumotec 191 series has earned a strong reputation for multifunctional performance, and the 191neo continues that tradition. The turbine head being produced at the event is machined from 22mm diameter 303 stainless steel bar and requires 16 tools — a demonstration aimed at illustrating how easily the machine tackles intricate, high‑specification components.
Capable of machining directly from bar or from blanks, the 191neo integrates next‑generation linear motors, seven axes, three spindles and five simultaneous machining axes, along with capacity for up to 90 tools. The design reflects Starrag’s focus on combining technical capability with operator‑friendly ergonomics. Large glass panels and strategically placed access doors provide clear visibility and ease of access, elements that are likely to be appreciated by attendees keen to examine the machine’s build quality and layout.
Stability and automated production have been prioritised in the latest variant, which incorporates an upgraded touchscreen HMI based on a Windows PC platform. Operators can monitor machining progress, programming activity and production status in real-time, further strengthening the machine’s credentials for continuous or lightly manned operation.
Starrag offers the Bumotec 191neo in several configurations to address a wide range of industry requirements. These include the vice ‘P’, multi‑vice ‘PRM’, counter‑spindle ‘R’ — the version being exhibited at this year’s
Inspiration Through Innovation event — and the combined counter‑spindle/vice ‘RP’. Bar capacities of 42, 50 or 65mm expand its suitability for a variety of applications. Starrag often describes the platform as equivalent to 12 machines in one, a reference to the breadth of operations it can undertake and its adaptability for sectors such as medical technology, luxury goods and micromechanics.
A significant proportion of the system’s versatility stems from its modular architecture. Users can specify peripherals including temperature‑controlled high‑pressure coolant units, chip conveyors and bar‑loading systems, tailoring the machine precisely to production needs. Beyond its turning and milling capabilities, the 191neo can also grind, polish, hob gears and even perform diamond cutting, allowing manufacturers to complete highly demanding components in a single setup.