Makino EDM drill to take centre stage on NCMT stand at Advanced Engineering 2026

The Advanced Engineering 2026 exhibition, taking place at the Birmingham NEC on 4-5 November, will see manufacturing technology provider NCMT exhibit on stand P165. NCMT will have a strong team at the show, ready to discuss current and future manufacturing projects. As the exclusive UK and Ireland partner for Makino and Okuma, the team will be available to discuss production challenges, both current and future.

The centrepiece of the stand will be the Makino BX3 EDM drill, a machine designed to meet the demands of precise, intricate hole drilling applications in difficult-to-cut materials. Particularly relevant to aerospace and other high-value engineering sectors, the BX3 is particularly adept at generating small-diameter cooling air holes in heat-resistant alloys, including those used commonly for aero-engine turbine blades and vanes.

A ‘hole’ lot more

The BX3 accommodates electrode diameters from 0.2 to 3.0 mm and combines multi-axis positioning with submerged EDM machining to support stable, accurate hole production. High-pressure flushing at up to 10 MPa rapidly removes debris from the machining zone, while an integrated breakthrough detection function senses when the electrode pierces the component, helping prevent back-strike damage to the opposing internal wall.

NCMT’s stand is situated opposite the show’s ‘Aerospace, Defence and Satellite Engineering Forum’, providing a strong opportunity to engage with visitors focused on some of the most technically demanding areas of modern manufacturing. The location is expected to generate particular interest in the BX3 from engineers seeking solutions for complex, high-accuracy EDM hole drilling, while also providing a natural meeting point for wider discussions around machining and automation.

Stand of plenty

According to Ian Horton, Sales Director at NCMT, the BX3 will be a key part of the company’s stand and is especially relevant to the aerospace audience expected at Advanced Engineering. However, for NCMT, the exhibition is about more than one machine.

“Our team will be there to meet existing and prospective customers, understand their applications and projects, and explore where NCMT can add value. As the exclusive UK and Ireland partner for Makino and Okuma, we can review a broad range of machining requirements and help manufacturers identify the right technical solution.”

He continues: “With our stand directly opposite the Aerospace, Defence and Satellite Engineering Forum, we invite engineers and manufacturers to come and speak to our team about how NCMT can support their production challenges.”