TOKYO, October 27, 2026 — Meltio and HORKOS have officially launched the NX70 DUO version AM, a hybrid manufacturing system that integrates metal additive manufacturing with high-precision cutting. The twin-head, non-bed machine is designed to allow manufacturers to switch between material deposition and subtractive machining within a single setup.
Addressing Manufacturing Constraints
The new system is based on the existing HORKOS NX70 1510B machining centre. According to Kunihiro Ikeda, Director of the R&D Division at HORKOS, the machine was developed to address specific challenges currently facing the industrial sector, including severe labor shortages and significant floor-space constraints. By consolidating additive and subtractive processes into one footprint, the machine aims to reduce the need for transferring components between different systems.
The machine utilizes Meltio’s wire laser metal deposition technology, which employs welding wire as feedstock and laser energy for precise material placement. To maintain a compact operational area, the unit utilizes HORKOS’ proprietary Non Bed Structure. Furthermore, the system incorporates water-soluble iMQL technology, which the companies state contributes to a cleaner and more efficient machining environment.
Applications and Market Reach
The hybrid capabilities of the NX70 DUO version AM are intended for complex part production, repair, remanufacturing, and prototyping. Industry applications include aerospace, defense, energy, and heavy industry. The companies highlighted the production of closed impellers as a primary use case, noting that these components are often difficult to manufacture using conventional machining due to restricted tool access.
The market for such integrated systems appears to be active, as the companies confirmed that an NX70 DUO version AM has already been sold to an industrial customer with international operations. Adam Hourigan, APAC sales manager at Meltio, stated that the collaboration strengthens the company’s position as a partner for Japanese industrial customers looking to incorporate metal additive manufacturing into hybrid systems.
Strategic Partnerships and Demonstrations
The integration of Meltio’s technology into the HORKOS platform is supported by MadeHere, which serves as Meltio’s official master distributor in Japan. Alexander De Vore, CEO of MadeHere, stated that the firm is providing support for Japanese customers from initial integration through operation. The project also received support from Techtrage Co., Ltd., a key partner for CNC Meltio.
The launch of this hybrid machine follows other international developments involving Meltio’s technology. In the United States, Phillips Federal has sold twelve Haas TM-1P CNC-based hybrid manufacturing machines to the US Navy’s Schoolhouse in Danville, Virginia. These systems are currently being used to train sailors in hybrid manufacturing for fleet sustainment, repair, and point-of-need production.
The NX70 DUO version AM is currently being exhibited at the 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair (JIMTOF 2026) at Tokyo Big Sight. The machine is located at Booth E2001, where it will remain on display through October 31. Visitors to the fair can observe a dry-run demonstration of the machine alongside video presentations detailing the additive manufacturing process.
Technical Specifications and Environmental Design
The NX70 DUO version AM features a twin-head, non-bed configuration designed to optimize industrial floor space. By utilizing HORKOS’ proprietary Non Bed Structure, the system maintains a compact footprint while enabling manufacturers to alternate between additive material deposition and subtractive high-precision cutting within a single setup. This integration is intended to reduce the logistical requirement of transferring components between different systems during production.
To support a cleaner and more efficient machining environment, the system incorporates HORKOS’ water-soluble iMQL technology. According to Kunihiro Ikeda, Director of the R&D Division at HORKOS CORP, this feature is part of a broader effort to address modern manufacturing challenges, including environmental impact and labor shortages, through automation and process integration. The machine combines this precision engineering with Meltio’s wire-based directed energy deposition technology, which uses welding wire as feedstock and laser energy for material placement.
Sources
- Meltio and HORKOS launch NX70 DUO hybrid metal Additive Manufacturing machine
- HORKOS and Meltio launch NX70 DUO hybrid machining center
- HORKOS and Meltio Launch Hybrid Manufacturing Machine for Japanese Industry | Machine Maker – Latest Manufacturing News | Indian Manufacturing News – Latest Manufacturing News | Indian Manufacturing News – Machine Maker
Photo: Christian Englmeier / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
