Taiwan boasts a machine tool industry that has a rich heritage of collaboration but that only properly began developing in the 1950s, initially producing simple lathes and components. By the 1970s, with government support and favourable industrial policies, Taiwan started manufacturing more sophisticated machine tools and components. In the 1980s and 1990s, exports expanded rapidly, especially to the US and Europe. This established Taiwan as a major global supplier to the machine tool industry.

Over six days, TIMTOS 2025 saw more than 1 000 exhibitors occupy some 6 100 booths, attracting 4 163 international buyers from 90 countries – marking a 5.1% increase from the previous edition. Overall, visitor numbers surpassed 30 000 over the show’s duration

Taichung City developed as a production hub, nurturing clusters of precision machinery makers. The industry then grew further with CNC technology adoption. Today, Taiwan is among the world’s top machine tool exporters, known for high-quality, cost-effective products, supported by a strong network of component suppliers and skilled labour. Called the Golden Valley, Taichung covers approximately 60 square kilometres, and supplies many of the world’s hi-tech companies with machine tools and precision components. This concentration has led to a strong industrial cluster, with a complete supply chain and collaborative system the rest of the world could learn a few things from. As a colleague put it, “You could walk down a single street, piece together all your components, assemble a CNC machine tool and start selling it.”

TIMTOS 2025 was themed “Integrate to Innovate,” emphasising the power of integration and innovation to drive global businesses forward in five key application sectors that included the semiconductor industry, electric vehicle manufacturing, medical, aerospace, and green energy industries. And with this, the exhibition presented its three major topics: AI and Robotics, Future Smart Manufacturing, and Green Power and Sustainability.

Taiwan’s famous Taipei 101 508m, 101-story tall skyscraper displayed the TIMTOS 2025 logo as part of celebrating the 30th edition of TIMTOS

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ching-te Lai, President Republic of China (Taiwan) addressed the media at the opening ceremony of TIMTOS 2025 and reiterated these themes, detailing Taiwan’s dedication to advancing technology and driving industrial innovation. James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA said of machine tools: “They don’t just build products – they build entire industries.”

With a focus on AI technology integration, smart solutions development for the machine tool industry, and progressive technologies such as additive manufacturing, laser processing, the circular economy, and energy-saving solutions, machining cells were now the norm and displayed across many exhibitors’ stands. Various Taiwanese machine tool builders took the opportunity to showcase that Industry 5.0 is becoming a reality with the integration of technology and CNC machinery and other multi-sector applications.

Dr. Ching-te Lai, President Republic of China (Taiwan) addresses the media at the opening ceremony of TIMTOS 2025. This year marked the 30th edition of TIMTOS and 50 years since it was first held. He detailed Taiwan’s dedication to advancing technology and driving industrial innovation. James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA said of machine tools: “They don’t just build products – they build entire industries.”

Aiming to accelerate industrial transformation, the 30th edition of the Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS) concluded in March 2025, reiterating its importance as a must-attend event on the global machine tool industry calendar and for Taiwan in that not only was this the 30th edition of TIMTOS but that it also represented 50 years of the exhibition. This was a cause for celebration and the exhibition, co-organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), took every opportunity to celebrate this achievement.

The exhibition was held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2 and the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. Over six days, more than 1 000 exhibitors occupied some 6 100 booths, attracting 4 163 international buyers from 90 countries – marking a 5.1% increase from the previous edition. Overall, visitor numbers surpassed 30 000 with top purchasing nations that included India and Taiwan’s often close machine tool manufacturing collaborator, Japan.

Smart manufacturing
A significant focus was placed on AI and robotics with Taiwanese manufacturer HIWIN Technologies (exclusively represented in South Africa by DS Bearings) showcasing its famous motion control solutions that included machining centers with 5-axis rotary tables and components like motors, harmonic gear reducers, actuators, and smart ball screws for robotic joints.

Taiwanese machine tool manufacturers have long been known for innovation. Pictured are two WSI WVM-410UT compact 5-axis milling and turning machines. The machines are paired with a robot for part loading and unloading. It’s easy to see how a setup like this reduces process changes and optimises the process layout. The machines have a width of only 1 200mm, and internal working space can reach a diameter of 400mm. It’s no wonder it won a design award in 2024

New machine releases at TIMTOS 2025 included FEMCO Machine Tools’ BMC-135FTS heavy loading boring machine. The machine has a table load capacity of 20 000kgs

As is becoming the standard with the top machine tool manufacturers from around the world, HIWIN’s intelligent software solutions enable real-time monitoring to detect machine health conditions, optimising power usage and improving efficiency. Smart lubrication has the potential to save lubricant oil consumption by up to 70%.

Tongtai (Represented by PBS Machine Tools in South Africa) took the opportunity to demonstrate its self-developed 3D Collision Avoidance System that allows you to import 3D CAD files and CAM-generated programmes to verify machining paths and ensure real-time collision prevention, eliminating the risk of machine crashes at the expense of an operator or error in path. The machine will simply stop whatever operation its performing, sound an alarm and allow for human intervention. The company’s CutRec System was also on display and this technology acts like a dashcam by recording your machining processes.

Machining cells were the norm at TIMTOS 2025. Pictured is a Victor Vturn-S20 horizontal turning lathe combined with a FANUC CRX-20iA/L and a Renishaw Equator 300 gauging system. Machine cells like this one address labour skill shortages and enhance shop floor efficiencies, whilst remaining compact in nature

The system automatically loops recordings and saves footage when an alarm is triggered, allowing you to analyse how an incident occurred and thus allowing you to review your machining process and identify areas for improvement. The technology also allows for remote monitoring meaning you can view the machining status at any time via smartphone or computer. Tongtai’s TMS-1800S Multi-Tasking Turning Center was awarded an Honourable Mention in the TIMTOS Research & Development Innovative Product competition.

Comments PBS Machine Tools’ Paul Savides: “Steve Jobs said: ‘We need to change the way we think about and use technology’, and TIMTOS 2025 is a show that did just that. Tongtai’s Machine Protection System keeps axis bearings and peripheral devices in check, preventing unexpected downtime, and Chip Jamming Anomaly Detection ensures tool balance stays optimal, so you won’t risk ruining expensive workpieces due to chip build-up or faulty tools. This is smart, reliable, and stress-free technology.”

“Even though the economic system in the world is in turmoil, and making it more difficult to plan growth and profitability, the manufacturing sector, by implementing manufacturing technology, can make a difference. The inputs required to make us world competitive are all inexpensive and easily obtainable to anyone who makes the effort to use and apply them.”

Taiwanese machine tool manufacturer Quick Jet displayed a Gantry type 5-axis machining center – the AV-1812X. It had machined a thumbs up figure of its CEO’s thumb from a 3D scan. The aluminium component took 15 hours to machine and weighed nearly 120kg after being machined from a 500kg block

Commonly found in the robotics and aerospace industries, harmonic reducers play an ever more present role in day-to-day manufacturing as robots continue to grow their symbiotic relationship with manufacturing operations. Taiwan’s Main Drive Corporation announced it has developed a production line that has the ability to produce 100 000 harmonic reducers annually.

AI-assisted voice prompting software for 5-axis machining? A gamechanger?
Once you think about it, you can’t really go back – this is Industry 5.0 in action. One of the new machines featured on the Yeong Chin Machinery Industries Co. Ltd. (YCM) stand was an RX100 5-axis vertical machining center that incorporates a RAM-type structure and thermal stability technology leveraged via a Meehanite base cast in its own foundry. The machine’s table supports a component diameter of 1 000mm x 590mm and table load of 1 000kg with a standard spindle speed of 10 000rpm making it ideal for heavy-duty parts machining.

Industry 5.0 – AI-assisted voice prompting software for 5-axis machining? A game changer? Taiwan Machine Tool and Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA) Chairman and YCM’s General Manager Patrick Chen stands with YCM’s RX100 5-axis vertical machining center. It’s likely that this machine will soon feature this kind of voice prompted machine programming software as a standard feature

The 70-year-old Taiwanese machine tool builder paired the RX100 with its innovative AI voice prompt technology that is integrated with its I-Cube smart machine monitoring system.

This voice activated machine programming innovation will surely soon form part of YCM’s smart manufacturing solution that connects the software and hardware of all production line equipment including CNC controllers and machining centers so that they may be remotely monitored, thus allowing all machining data to be analysed. This information can indicate equipment utilisation rates and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) data, allowing you to monitor and manage your factory, get real-time production status updates and quickly make changes to your production processes.

So, what makes this voice prompting software special? Well, a toddler could give a voice prompt to a 5-axis CNC machine and instruct it to perform a machining operation.

Taiwan Machine Tool and Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA) Chairman and YCM’s General Manager Patrick Chen says: “Like with all new technologies, there is always that transition period and people will take their time to either adopt it or reject it. We haven’t fully integrated this voice prompt software into our systems yet and it’s here at TIMTOS 2025 to test with our customers. They will be the ones to give us the feedback as to whether it’s something they can see themselves using or not. We have designed the software so that it can be fully integrated into all your popular CNC control PLC system software interfaces,” explains Chen.

TIMTOS 2025 featured the TIMTOS Keynote and Forum for the first time. James Huang, Chairman of TAITRA, was among those that addressed delegates and international journalists

What you may be able to do with this kind of technology in the future seems virtually limitless now. Integrate this kind of functionality with the right ERP system that you run for your shop floor or factory and your shop’s efficiencies will no doubt see a positive difference. Remember – the software will continually be learning from itself, always ironing out your shop-specific production processes.

“With my role as the Chairman of the TMBA we are trying to establish initiatives to get people to come and experience technologies like this and to experiment with how we can get AI to become more effective for us. It’s about the collaboration that is possible between humans and AI. There will always be the human element.”

Renishaw’s AGILITY CMM with multi-sensor, 5-axis measurement system

Green Sustainability and AI-driven automation
TIMTOS 2025 also addressed environmental concerns by promoting green sustainability. The “Green Power and Sustainability” theme aimed to help manufacturers navigate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.

Smart manufacturing and automation simulation solutions like the digital twin were presented as vital in boosting productivity while achieving sustainable energy targets for industry that improve machining efficiency and shop floor safety. While certainly not new technology, the digital twin and related AI-driven automation prototyping technologies available now are a significant boost not only to production efficiencies but environmental sustainability too.

Companies like YCM are advancing green manufacturing by integrating ISO standards across the entire lifecycle of their machine tool solutions they provide to customers achieving ISO 50001, ISO 14955, ISO 14067, ISO 14064. This is delivering energy efficiency and low-carbon production.

Long-time friend of Metalworking News magazine, Dr Yoshiharu Inaba, Chairman of Japan Machine Tool Builders’ Association (JMTBA) and Chairman FANUC Corporation, always has time to spare for this publication. He is pictured on the Fair Friend Group stand after meeting with Taiwanese industry colleagues. Japanese and Taiwanese machine tool builders have a rich history of collaboration

Of course, with the development of AI and similar data intensive systems comes the use of computing power, and thus energy consumption. This poses somewhat of a double-edged sword for industry as it continues to grapple with ways in which it can contribute to lowering its overall carbon footprint and move more toward becoming a greener industry as a whole. It is however envisioned that this will be a temporary trade-off for the benefits will far outweigh this negative impact in the near future as the technology begins to mature.

Keynotes and forums
TIMTOS 2025 featured the TIMTOS Keynote and Forum. The debut TIMTOS Keynote featured THK Chairman and CEO Akihiro Teramachi, who used the opportunity to emphasise AI-driven automation and talent development as a key actor for industry in the future. Techman Robot’s CEO, Haw Chen, introduced Taiwan’s only AI-driven collaborative robot, demonstrating AI’s transformative potential in smart manufacturing. This further signifies the importance of Taiwan’s leadership in precision manufacturing and intelligent automation, supporting the country’s position as a legacy machine tool manufacturer and critical player in global manufacturing across a broad range of industries.

Graeme Cooper, WD Hearn Machine Tools’ Managing Director on the Fair Friend Group stand

PBS Machine Tools’ owner, Paul Savides. PBS has a long association with Tongtai. Tongtai’s TMS-1800S multi-tasking turning center was awarded an Honourable Mention in the TIMTOS Research & Development Innovative Product competition

Ray Cooper and Johan Neveling of Lead Machine Tools

Celebratory events
To commemorate its 30th edition, TIMTOS 2025 featured a history wall showcasing the evolution of the exhibition over the years. The organisers also hosted a number of functions and events including a special 30th edition beer festival and the Taiwan Excellence (TE) Awards. Taiwan’s famous Taipei 101, 508m, 101-story tall skyscraper also displayed the TIMTOS 2025 logo.

Despite the new and ever-increasing functionality that the technologies showcased to visitors at TIMTOS 2025, an exhibition like this yet again proved the deep role face-to-face interaction plays in doing business across an interconnected global economy, as well as the importance of staying abreast of the latest technologies available to manufacturers and machine tool users.

International press colleagues at TIMTOS 2025. Metalworking News’ Online Editor / Journalist, Damon Crawford, Alberto Falchi, Industria Italiana, Rick Kline Jr, President, Gardner Media, Julia Hider, Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop and Eduardo Tovar, Editorial Director for Modern Machine Shop Mexico

Cathy Yang, Deputy Executive Director, Exhibition Department, TAITRA, Emilia Shih, Executive Director, Exhibition Department, TAITRA and Emily Wu, Media and Exhibition Department, TAITRA

While many people think of semiconductors when they think about Taiwan, they don’t realise the decades of human collaboration that has gone into achieving the manufacturing position they have on the world stage.

In South Africa we call this the spirit of ubuntu – in Taiwan and at TIMTOS 2025, Metalworking News felt this. Xièxiè.

Thank you to all the organisers of TIMTOS 2025 as well as my fellow press colleagues in the industry scattered around the world. And a special thank you to Emilia Shih, Executive Director TAITRA and Emily Wu, TAITRA exhibitions department and Mbali Sikhakhane, Taiwan Trade Centre, Johannesburg.

TIMTOS will return in March 2027. Stay updated via www.timtos.com.tw