Breuning IRCO automation provides reliable unattended machining: Discover more at Southern Manufacturing 2026

At the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026 exhibition (Farnborough, 3-5 February), 1st Machine Tool Accessories (1st MTA) will renew its focus on the benefits of retrofitting high-performance automation from German equipment manufacturer Breuning IRCO. The products are primarily aimed at British and Irish OEMs and subcontractors whose CNC lathes are currently constrained by the limitations of older or mid-range bar feeders and an absence of automated component unloading. Visitors can discover more at Stands G205-1 and G205-2.

While it’s true that most new lathes are supplied with a bar magazine already fitted, 1st MTA recognises that sophisticated upgrades and comprehensive automation solutions can drastically improve a manufacturer’s production capabilities and prolong machine lifespan, delivering a rapid and significant return on investment. The advanced features of Breuning IRCO products are particularly relevant to users of sliding-head, fixed-head and multi-tasking turn-mill centres, especially across high-value sectors such as aerospace and medical.

The core advantage of the Breuning IRCO line stems from its superior technology and modularity, offering key performance benefits over conventional equipment. They include advanced vibration damping and accurate guidance systems that are essential for achieving better surface finishes, increasing the lifetime of cutting tools and ensuring reliable high-speed machining. It’s especially the case when handling stock up to 10 m in length, bar diameters up to 130 mm, or material of hexagonal, square or other cross section. The high level of precision and stability directly translates into faster cycle times, as well as improved component quality.

In addition to the benefits of bar-feed replacement, 1st MTA will highlight Breuning IRCO’s competence in full-cycle automation, particularly its expertise in workpiece loading and unloading systems. These integrated solutions allow the removal of finished components directly from the chuck without requiring the machine door to open, a capability that enables unattended manufacturing, including lights-out. This comprehensive automation approach, which is also applicable to short bar and billet loading, is often absent or severely limited in standard offerings.

1st MTA’s exclusive sales agreement with Breuning IRCO is founded on providing local expertise in the UK and Ireland. The company offers a complete service package encompassing in-depth technical consultation, installation and aftersales support, ensuring that manufacturers receive a customised solution tailored to their applications. This specialist service provides the confidence and reliability demanded by companies looking to upgrade their technologically outdated machine tools, allowing them to remain competitive by extending the productive life of assets and taking advantage of the latest automation technology.