AMB 2026 Cross-sector machining solutions for small and large-scale production

At the AMB, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen is demonstrating its holistic approach: Machines, automation and intelligent software are combined to form complete system concepts. These result in manufacturing solutions that adapt flexibly to new demands and enable consistently high productivity even with changing parts.

Machine manufacturer Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen (SW) will put several smart manufacturing solutions in the focus of its trade fair presence at this year’s AMB: The BA 342 will be showcased with workpieces from the medical technology and humanoid robotics sectors, demonstrating its potential applications in the demanding industries of the future. It is complemented by the new BF 15-21D machine model for the flexible machining of complex components. At the same time, SW is responding to the trend towards die-cast aluminium body parts in the automotive industry with the BF 15-21D machining centre. In addition, the S-cell mobile robot cell will be presented as a solution for flexible production concepts; thanks to autonomous navigation, it can move as required between machining centres and peripheral equipment.

Fast, sustainable, efficient: the BA 342

Maximum output per unit of floor space combined with energy efficiency: that is what the BA 342 four-spindle machining centre stands for. Its field of application covers 4-axis and 5-axis machining of workpieces made from a wide variety of materials. Four spindles machine four workpieces simultaneously. Four finished parts are therefore produced in the cycle time for one single part. That ensures maximum output and high efficiency, as all the machining steps are carried out in parallel, reducing chip-to-chip times.

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The double swivel carrier also enables workpieces to be loaded and unloaded in parallel to the machining time, thereby further boosting productivity. Its open and universal interface makes the machine fully automation-ready and compatible with all solutions available on the market. Rapid ramp-up curves enable a swift start of production and make the machine particularly suitable for continuous series production.

New BF 15 21D machine model expands the BF series

The BF 15 21D is a machining centre that has been specifically developed for cost-effective and reliable machining of larger, complex workpieces. It is characterised in particular by flexibility, dynamics and precision. As part of the BF series, the machine is specifically geared towards the rapid machining of frame and structural parts. In order to meet the specific market requirements, it features a hybrid design in which the X-axis is driven by a linear drive and the Y and Z axes by ball screw spindles.

Furthermore, it features two working areas, each with a three-axis unit and a spindle. With travel paths of 1550 mm in the X axis, 1000 (750) mm in the Y axis and 750 mm in the Z axis, it is suitable for parallel machining of different, larger workpieces. During a workpiece change in one working area, the second spindle in the other working area can help to achieve even higher productivity. This means that both spindles can be used continuously. That increases output and significantly reduces auxiliary process times. SW is thus once again meeting high productivity requirements with its proven multi-spindle technology. At the AMB, SW will be demonstrating the subframe machining process on the BF 15-21D. Visitors will gain a practical insight into the machine concept and its application for large-format structural parts.

Flexible automation without rigid limits

As a mobile robot cell, the S-cell enables flexible automation of production environments without fixed interlinking. Instead of rigid line structures, a dynamic production environment is created in which machines and processes can be adapted at any time. It forms part of the Smart FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System) and is used for autonomous loading and unloading of machining centers, cleaning stations, assembly stations, etc. It therefore enables a variable material flow within the production process. The S-cell® is a mobile automation platform featuring a permanently integrated industrial robot that autonomously navigates the production floor using an automated guided vehicle (AGV).

At the AMB, SW will be presenting this concept in an expanded scenario: The S cell is moved between the different stations by an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and handles the workpieces independently at each station. SW is thus demonstrating what flexible manufacturing means today. It’s not just about automation; it’s about adaptability as a central principle.

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