Horkos Launches AM Version of NX70 DUO
The twin-head machining centre combines metal additive manufacturing and precision cutting in a single setup, powered by Meltio's metal technology.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Robotics
Horkos and Meltio have launched an additive manufacturing version of the NX70 DUO twin-head machining centre. The machine alternates between metal deposition and precision machining within one setup.
Why it matters
Horkos states the machine is designed to address labour shortages, floor-space constraints, and environmental impact by consolidating multiple manufacturing stages into one machine. It is being shown at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair 2026 in Tokyo.
The NX70 DUO AM uses Meltio's Wire-DED technology, which deposits metal from welding wire using laser energy, and Horkos's water-soluble iMQL cooling system. Specific hardware specifications such as deposition rates, build volume, and positional accuracy were not disclosed in the source material.
The players
Horkos
Horkos is a Spanish machine tool manufacturer that produces the NX70 DUO twin-head machining centre line.
Meltio
Meltio is a Linares, Spain-based company that develops Wire-DED metal additive manufacturing technology using welding wire and laser energy.
The details
The machine combines Meltio's metal additive technology with Horkos's high-precision cutting, letting it deposit material and machine parts without moving them between systems. Horkos's water-soluble iMQL system is used during machining operations.
Timeline
The machine is exhibited at the Japan International Machine Tool Fair 2026 in Tokyo from October 26 to October 31, 2026.
The AM version launch was announced on November 4, 2026.
The Tech Race
The integration of Wire-DED deposition into a CNC machining centre reflects a broader effort to combine additive and subtractive processes in one machine tool. This places Horkos and Meltio in competition with other hybrid manufacturing platforms that seek to reduce the number of machines and setups required for finished metal parts.
For manufacturers, the consolidation of additive and machining steps into one machine could reduce the floor space and labour needed to produce metal parts. The source does not indicate pricing or when the machine will be available to buyers.
The takeaway
Hybrid machines that combine metal deposition with precision cutting may reduce the number of stages needed to finish a part. Buyers evaluating such systems should look for published specifications on deposition rate and accuracy once they become available.
Further reading
Explore more Robotics coverage for context on automated manufacturing systems.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DEVELOP3D.
