Charlotte, NC – (Oct. 15, 2026) Murata Machinery USA, Inc., a world-class leader in automated turning centers, announces that the Muratec MVH600 automated vertical CNC turning center will make its world debut at JIMTOF 2026 (The 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair), Oct. 26-31 at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan.

Muratec’s first vertical lathe, the MVH600, is making its official debut at JIMTOF in Tokyo in just a couple of weeks.

The launch marks a significant expansion of Muratec’s machine tool portfolio, extending the company’s automation expertise into large-part vertical turning applications. Designed for workpieces up to 600 mm (23.6 in.) in diameter and 100 kg (220 lb.) in weight, the MVH600 combines heavy-duty machining performance with integrated automation to help manufacturers address labor challenges, improve productivity and ergonomics, and support scalable manufacturing operations.

The MVH600 is a standout in the market, utilizing overhead space for material handling and minimizing the need for additional floor-level automation equipment, helping manufacturers optimize valuable factory floor space.

IMTS 2026 attendees received an exclusive first look at the MVH600 through a full-scale replica display featuring a video demonstration of the machine’s automated loading system and machining capabilities. The preview generated significant interest among manufacturers seeking practical automation solutions for larger and heavier workpieces.

“IMTS 2026 reinforced what we’re hearing across the manufacturing industry: companies are looking for automation solutions that help them do more with fewer resources while maintaining quality and throughput,” said Jeff Kalmbach, general manager, Machine Tool Division, Murata Machinery USA. “The MVH600 brings Muratec’s decades of automation expertise into a new category of manufacturing applications. By combining large-part vertical turning with integrated automated material handling, we’re helping manufacturers reduce manual intervention, increase spindle utilization, and build a foundation for long-term scalability.”

At the center of the MVH600 is a robust vertical turning platform equipped with a 24-inch chuck, 30 kW spindle motor, and 12-station turret, providing the capacity required for larger-diameter workpieces across a broad range of industries. The machine’s generous machining envelope and vertical configuration support stable, efficient machining of large components while expanding Muratec’s capabilities beyond its traditional machining envelope.

The Next Frontier in Automated Machining

What distinguishes the MVH600 is its automation-first design philosophy. Rather than treating automation as an add-on, Muratec has integrated a space-saving overhead gantry loading system. The gantry automatically loads and unloads workpieces weighing up to 100 kg, supporting unattended operation while reducing operator workload and repetitive material-handling tasks.

The system can access multiple workpieces staged on pallets and can automatically manage separator sheets using an integrated vacuum system, enabling extended automated production cycles.

For manufacturers seeking further process consolidation, the MVH600 is available with optional live tooling, enabling turning, milling, and drilling operations in a single setup. This capability can reduce secondary operations, minimize part transfers, and shorten production lead times for large-component manufacturing applications.

The MVH600 also provides flexibility for integration into a wide range of manufacturing environments. Its front-access design supports loading and unloading by forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and material carts. At the same time, multiple machines can be connected to form automated manufacturing cells for higher-volume production.

MVH600 at a Glance

• Machines workpieces up to 600 mm (23.6 in.) diameter
• Handles parts weighing up to 100 kg (220 lb.)
• Equipped with a 24-inch chuck
• Powered by a 30 kW spindle motor
• Features a 12-station turret
• Integrates an overhead gantry loading system
• Available with optional live tooling
• Supports forklift, AGV, cart, and cell-based automation
• Designed to reduce manual handling and support unattended operation
• Space-saving, compact footprint

The full-size MVH600 vertical lathe replica on display at IMTS 2026 in Chicago drew much media interest to Muratec USA’s booth.

The machine’s JIMTOF debut comes as Muratec builds on the momentum generated at IMTS 2026, where the company welcomed thousands of visitors under its “Automation for All” theme. Alongside the North American debut of the LS3015MC fiber laser/machining system and the introduction of the MW400II twin-spindle turning center, the MVH600 preview highlighted Muratec’s continued commitment to delivering practical, scalable automation technologies that help manufacturers overcome workforce challenges and improve operational performance.

“Trade shows provide an invaluable opportunity for production shops, manufacturers, and industrial automation professionals to connect with our experts and explore how our machine tool and automation technologies can meet their needs,” Kalmbach said. “At Muratec, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality, and competitively priced solutions that manufacturers can trust. We look forward to demonstrating the MVH600 live at JIMTOF and showing how integrated automation can transform large-part machining operations.”

Muratec USA’s Machine Tool Division representatives will support parent company Murata Machinery, Ltd. at JIMTOF 2026, where visitors will be able to see the MVH600 in operation for the first time, speak with Muratec experts, and learn how the platform can help address productivity, labor, and automation objectives for large-component manufacturing.