Chiron Group Unveils Virtual Showroom & Live Demos at IMTS 2024

Why transport massive, intricate machine tools across the globe when you can showcase them virtually? That, in part, is the thinking this year as the Chiron Group focuses on a digital experience to highlight its cutting-edge technologies at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show. The company strategically chose to display two live machines at this year’s event, while showcasing the rest of its product line through an interactive digital platform. This approach not only avoids the substantial costs and logistical difficulties of transporting large equipment, but also provides attendees with a comprehensive and immersive interactive experience.

A Minimalistic Yet Impactful Booth

On the IMTS show floor, Chiron is featuring two key machine tool models — the Micro5 and the Mill 2000 — while offering its entire product portfolio in a virtual format. The Mill 2000 may be the company’s most versatile vertical machining center, designed for five-axis machining and boasting a spindle speed of up to 20,000 rpm. The Mill 2000 is designed for dynamically machining large workpieces with high precision and productivity, and is a cornerstone of Chiron’s lineup.

Conversely, the company says its Micro5 represents a leap forward in micro-machining technology. With a spindle speed reaching up to 60,000 rpm and a compact footprint of just one square meter, representatives say it is ideal for producing tiny, complex parts for the medical industry, as well as watchmaking and jewelry. Simon Knecht, VP of Sales and Marketing at Chiron America, emphasized the Micro5’s significance and uniqueness at the show, stating that the Micro5 “might be the smallest five-axis machine at IMTS.”

The Virtual Showroom Experience

Perhaps the most striking feature of Chiron’s IMTS presentation is its virtual showroom. Leveraging advanced 3D technology, this virtual space allows visitors to explore the full range of Chiron’s offerings on large touch screens. Users can interactively configure machines according to their specific needs, such as choosing twin spindles, five-axis setups or four-axis pallet changers. “It’s a tool to configure a machine on demand, on-site in a virtual showroom,” Knecht explains. This approach provides a unique opportunity for customers to experience the flexibility and customization options of Chiron’s modular machine designs without the physical limitations of a traditional trade show setup.

Chiron’s virtual showroom is not limited to its interactive touch screen. Customers can use Apple devices to project life-sized versions of the machines right onto the show floor, providing a realistic view of how these machines might fit and function in their own facilities. This capability extends the reach of IMTS beyond the event itself, allowing for continued engagement with potential buyers after the show.

Digital Innovation and Customer-Centric Solutions

The decision to utilize a virtual showroom aligns with the Chiron Group’s broader strategy of emphasizing innovation and customer-centric solutions, Knecht says. He adds that the virtual experience was developed in response to feedback from customers who expressed a need for more accessible and customizable viewing options. This approach allows Chiron to showcase the full range of its capabilities, from micro-machining to large-scale solutions for aerospace and automotive applications.

“We’ve developed this tool to give our customers the ability to explore and configure our machines in a way that best suits their needs,” Knecht says. “This is not just about showing machines; it’s about demonstrating how our solutions can be tailored to meet specific production requirements.”

He adds that the virtual showroom also underscores Chiron’s adaptability, showcasing the company’s ability to innovate not just in machine design but also in how it presents and markets its products. Knecht says that the Chiron Group’s presence this year at IMTS — a blend of live demonstrations and virtual exploration — allows each visitor to find the precise solution they need.