VOLLMER Showcases Four Advanced Tool Machining Technologies at IMTS 2026 2026-10-08

VOLLMER of America Corp. showcased four advanced technologies for precision tool machining at IMTS 2026, held September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. At its booth, VOLLMER demonstrated the depth of its capabilities through the VGrind Infinity LINEAR, VHybrid 260, VLaser 370 and ultraTEC A25S, giving manufacturers an opportunity to explore different approaches to producing and processing today's increasingly sophisticated cutting tools.

Together, the four machines represented the diverse technologies available from VOLLMER and its subsidiaries, from conventional precision grinding to combined grinding and erosion, contactless laser machining and ultrasonic deburring.

The exhibition also marked a significant milestone for VOLLMER of America: 2026 is the company's 50th anniversary in North America. Founded in Pittsburgh in 1976 as VOLLMER's first overseas subsidiary, VOLLMER of America provides sales, application support, installation, training, parts and service to customers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"IMTS gives us the opportunity to show manufacturers not only individual machines, but the wide range of technologies available to solve different tool machining challenges," said Tatjana Low, Marketing Manager at VOLLMER of America. "The four machines we brought to Chicago each demonstrate a different capability, while collectively they show how grinding, erosion, laser processing, deburring, automation and digitalization can come together to address the needs of modern tool manufacturers, sharpening shops, and end users."

VGrind Infinity LINEAR: One machine for virtually every grinding challenge
At the center of VOLLMER's rotary-tool grinding offering was the VGrind Infinity LINEAR, the company's latest tool grinding machine and an all-rounder designed for flexible production of precision rotary tools.

The VGrind Infinity LINEAR is engineered to process a wide range of cutting-tool materials, including carbide, high-speed steel (HSS), PcBN and ceramic, and can accommodate tool diameters from 0.2 to 200 mm. This wide operating range allows manufacturers to use the machine for everything from extremely small precision tools and special geometries to larger-diameter cutting tools.

At IMTS, VOLLMER used the VGrind Infinity LINEAR to showcase not only its grinding capabilities, but also technologies designed to improve quality control and production flexibility. The machine was equipped with a laser measuring system for form tools and other applications where maintaining tight tolerances is critical.

The VGrind was also paired with VOLLMER’s HP170 loader, a universal pallet system that allows tools from 6mm – 16mm in diameter to be machined on the same setup.

The machine is also designed with automation and digitalization in mind. Depending on configuration, automated handling and digital solutions enable the VGrind Infinity LINEAR to support production ranging from small batches and special tools to high-volume series production, including unmanned operation.

VHybrid 260: Grinding and erosion in a single machine
The VHybrid 260 demonstrated another key element of VOLLMER's technology portfolio: the ability to combine two different machining processes within a single machine.

As its name suggests, the VHybrid 260 combines grinding and electrical discharge machining (EDM). The machine is designed for machining rotary tools made from carbide or equipped with PCD, allowing manufacturers to perform different processes without transferring the tool between separate machines.

At IMTS, VOLLMER highlighted the machine’s ability to process tools ranging from micro tools as small as 0.4mm up to tools with diameters of 150 mm. “The VHybrid 260 is good for anybody looking to get into entry-level PCD, and you can cover a wide range of tools”, said VOLLMER Application Engineer Derrick Bailey. “There are so many beneficial features, such as the size range, the capability of the wheel pack changer, and the in-process dressing to keep your wheels sharp – it all contributes to a higher accuracy”.

VLaser 370: Contactless laser sharpening for ultra-hard materials
The VLaser 370 represented a third machining technology at the VOLLMER booth: laser processing.

Rather than mechanically grinding or eroding the cutting edge, the VLaser 370 uses laser energy to machine ultra-hard cutting materials, including PCD, CVD diamond and PcBN. The contactless process makes it possible to process materials and geometries that present challenges for conventional machining technologies.

The advantages of laser processing become particularly apparent when tool geometries include closely spaced cutting tips, small radii or other features that can be difficult to access with conventional processes. “The VLaser 370 especially shines when your tips are very close together, or when you’re dealing with small radii,” said VOLLMER Application Engineer Derrick Bailey.

The VLaser 370 can also be integrated with automation solutions, supporting continuous production and reducing the amount of manual intervention required. VOLLMER has highlighted the machine's ability to operate for extended periods while maintaining process stability, making laser technology an increasingly attractive option for automated production of ultra-hard tools.

ultraTEC A25S: Ultrasonic deburring technology expands the possibilities
Completing the four-machine display was the ultraTEC A25S, representing the ultrasonic deburring technology of VOLLMER subsidiary ultraTEC innovation.

While the VGrind infinity LINEAR, VHybrid 260 and VLaser 370 focus primarily on machining and processing cutting tools, the A25S demonstrates the role that ultrasonic technology can play in precision manufacturing.

The A25S is designed around ultrasonic machining technology, using controlled high-frequency oscillation to process demanding materials and applications. The technology is particularly relevant where conventional machining methods can be limited by material hardness, brittleness or geometry.

The machine’s two key advantages, according to VOLLMER Application Engineer Carlos Becerra, are automation and consistency. “You’re going to get the same results on every party,” Becerra explained. That combination can be particularly valuable for manufacturers performing repetitive deburring operations, where manual processing can introduce variations from operator to operator.

The inclusion of the ultraTEC machine at IMTS reinforced VOLLMER's broader positioning as a technology partner rather than a supplier focused on a single machining process.

Four technologies. One focus: precision tool manufacturing.
Although the four machines displayed at IMTS use fundamentally different technologies, they share a common objective: enabling manufacturers to produce increasingly complex cutting tools with greater precision, flexibility and efficiency.

“What was especially interesting about this year’s booth was that visitors could see four very different technologies side by side,” said Tatjana Low. “Each addresses a different manufacturing challenge, whether that’s grinding a complex rotary tool, machining different materials, or automating a repetitive finishing operation.” For manufacturers, the focus is ultimately not on technology for its own sake, but on how that technology can solve specific production challenges.

"Every tool manufacturer has different requirements," said Tatjana Low. "Some need maximum flexibility for a wide variety of tools. Others are looking for ways to combine processes, automate production or work with increasingly difficult cutting materials. Our goal is to provide the technology and application expertise to help customers find the right solution for their particular requirements."

Celebrating 50 Years in North America at Exclusive Yacht Event
The IMTS exhibition also provided the backdrop for VOLLMER of America’s 50th anniversary celebration in the United States. In partnership with CERATIZIT, VOLLMER hosted customers and industry partners aboard a private yacht on Lake Michigan, providing an opportunity to step away from the show floor for an evening of networking and conversations while taking in breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline.

The celebration complemented VOLLMER’s technology-focused presence at IMTS, giving customers an opportunity to experience both the company’s latest manufacturing solutions and the people and relationships behind them.